Norwegian Elkhound Pyrenean Shepherd Mix

The Norwegian Elkhound Pyrenean Shepherd Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Norwegian Elkhound and the Pyrenean Shepherd. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Norwegian Elkhound is known for being playful, hardy, and loyal. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Norwegian Elkhound or the Pyrenean Shepherd? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Norwegian Elkhound Pyrenean Shepherd Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Norwegian Elkhound Pyrenean Shepherd Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Norwegian Elkhound Pyrenean Shepherd Mix puppies for sale.

If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals.

Norwegian Elkhound Pyrenean Shepherd Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Norwegian Elkhound History

The Norwegian Elkhound has also been known by a few different names such as Norse Elghund, Grå Norsk Elghund, Gray Norwegian Elkhound, Small Grey Elk Dog, Norwegian Moose Dog, and Harmaa norjanhirvikoira.

The main name for the breed comes from the direct translation of its original Norwegian name, which is Norsk Elghund, meaning “Norwegian moose dog.”

Being from an ancient breed—spitz-type—the Norwegian Elkhound has a long history preceding it. The Norwegian Elkhound is also the National Dog of Norway, known for its history as a hunter, guardian, herder and defender. The Norwegian Elkhound is a courageous animal that has had other jobs the Norwegian Elkhound has enjoyed included tracking and hunting moose or elk as well as other large game like bears and wolves.

Hailing from Norway, the Norwegian Elkhound can be traced back thousands of years, possibly as far back as 5,000 BCE. Historians don’t know for sure because archaeologists have found skeletons of dogs that match the same description as a Norwegian Elkhound.

In 1877, the Norwegian Elkhound became a breed of interest in the first dog show of the Norwegian Hunters Association. After the show, that was when the Norwegian Elkhound started to become a standard and when records started to be kept.

Pyrenean Shepherd History

The Pyrenean Shepherd, which is also known as the Pyrenees Sheepdog. This dog is French and came from the French Pyrenees. Like most herding breeds in that region it was used by shepherds as a flock guardian helping to protect the flock from predators as well as thieves. It is still used by shepherds in that region today. It is a small to medium size breed that is extremely active. Like most herding breeds it is incredibly intelligent. Its coat helps protect it from extreme weather.

Norwegian Elkhound Pyrenean Shepherd Mix Size and Weight

Norwegian Elkhound
Height: 19 - 20 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 49 - 55 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 15 years

Pyrenean Shepherd
Height: 15 - 21 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 25 - 30 lb.
Lifespan: 15 - 17 years

Norwegian Elkhound Pyrenean Shepherd Mix Personality

The Norwegian Elkhound and the Pyrenean Shepherd might be a little bit spunky. They can be an inquisitive little fella so keep on the lookout for that behavior! All dogs need attention and don't want to be left alone. That's why you have a pet, right? Plan on putting forth effort to socialize her as this will reap dividends in the long run. Please use always use positive reinforcement even though they can have a mind of their own. Enjoy being with your new mixed breed and love the relationship you will have with them.

Norwegian Elkhound Pyrenean Shepherd Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Norwegian Elkhound mixed with the Pyrenean Shepherd might be prone to joint dysplasia, eye disease, PRA, skin cysts, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Norwegian Elkhound Pyrenean Shepherd Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Norwegian Elkhound Pyrenean Shepherd Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Norwegian Elkhound Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in