Norwegian Elkhound

Brushing Routine

Brush 3-4 times per week with a slicker brush and undercoat rake to manage their thick, weather-resistant double coat. The silver-gray outer coat is coarse and straight while the undercoat is dense and woolly. Work systematically through the heavy neck ruff, chest, and rear pants where the coat is thickest. Use a metal comb for final detangling.

Bathing Tips

Bathe every 8-12 weeks with a mild, clarifying shampoo as the coat tends to hold natural oils. The Elkhound coat has a distinctive lack of doggy odor when properly maintained. Rinse extremely thoroughly as trapped shampoo in the dense undercoat causes flaking. Blow dry completely with a high-velocity dryer.

Common Issues

• Extremely heavy seasonal shedding
• Undercoat matting if not regularly raked
• Hot spots in humid climates
• Sebaceous cysts
• Coat odor if undercoat stays damp

Extend Your Grooming Results

Regular undercoat raking between grooms prevents the buildup that causes the annual shed to become unmanageable. The Elkhound coat is relatively self-cleaning when properly maintained. Avoid conditioners that soften the naturally harsh outer coat. A quick daily brush through the ruff maintains the breed's distinctive profile.

Seasonal Care

Norwegian Elkhounds undergo one of the heaviest seasonal sheds of any breed, blowing their entire undercoat in spring over 2-4 weeks. Daily, intensive raking sessions are mandatory during this period. Some Elkhounds also blow coat in fall. Summer coat is noticeably thinner. Never shave this breed as the coat protects against both heat and cold.

Maintenance Schedule

Brush 3-4 times weekly, daily during the heavy spring coat blow. Rake undercoat twice weekly year-round. Bathe every 8-12 weeks. Comb through ruff, chest, and pants with metal comb weekly. Clean ears biweekly. Trim nails every 3-4 weeks.