How Much Does a Norwegian Elkhound Cost?

Buying a Norwegian Elkhound is a huge choice that should not be taken lightly. A big dog breed comes with a large responsibility. Remember that lovely tiny puppy will grow into a full-grown dog who requires exercise, training, nutrition, and attention.

Normally, a male Norwegian Elkhound weighs 50-60 pounds and stands 21 inches tall. Females weigh 50 kilograms and stand 20 inches tall at the withers.

The Norwegian Elkhound’s history dates back to at least 5000 BC. Since then, these tough canines have helped humans hunt great wildlife, including the elk that gave the breed its name. Their hunting talents are not restricted to elk.

These canines can hunt beavers, lynx, cougars, bears, foxes, reindeer, and bunnies. They are esteemed flock protectors, watchdogs, and sled dogs. The Norwegian Elkhound is a courageous, devoted, and active friend. Strangers may be wary of these dogs, but they will enthusiastically greet relatives and friends.

The Norwegian Elkhound, like other north dogs, is self-sufficient. This independence is required to hold an elk until the human hunter arrives, but it might be difficult to teach in modern obedience training. The Elkhound’s watchdog skills are visible in its territorial nature and excessive barking.

This proud, clever, independent, yet affectionate animal prefers a home with older children or none at all. Adding a Norwegian elkhound to a home with smaller dogs should be done with caution.

However, you should consider your budget before buying a puppy. There will be various costs, not just the purchasing price, during the dog’s life.

Here is all the breakdown you need to give you an idea of a Norwegian Elkhound cost:

Let us examine all the costs associated with this dog in detail.

How Much Does a Norwegian Elkhound Puppy Cost in USD?

After you have completed your basic research on the care and requirements of a Norwegian Elkhound, it is time to choose a breeder from which to purchase your puppy. You have several alternatives available to you.

Private sellers

These individuals, often known as backyard breeders, may raise both mixed breed and thoroughbred Norwegian Elkhounds and other similar breeds in their homes.

The benefit of purchasing from a backyard breeder is that the pups will have been socialized with other people. They will also receive excellent attention. The cost per pup will be around the same as what certified AKC breeders would charge – approximately $1500.

It is possible that backyard breeders have not performed genetic testing on the parent dogs, which is a disadvantage of purchasing from them.

Breeders

These are often non-profit organizations that are dedicated to the welfare of the breed as a whole. Breeders with a good reputation will also provide health assurances for their puppies. You will also be required to sign a contract stating that you will not be able to resell the puppy and will instead return it to the breeder if it does not adapt to your household for whatever reason.

Purchases from breeders have the disadvantage of being more expensive – about $5000 for show dogs or winning pups, for example. In addition, some breeders require owners to spay or neuter their dogs rather than allowing them to reproduce.

Puppy mills and pet stores

These facilities breed dogs irresponsibly to the point where many of the dogs suffer from health problems as a result. In addition, they are maintained in unsanitary circumstances. Frequently, the dogs develop behavioral issues such as aggressiveness or fear/timidity due to their experiences. Pet store Norwegian Elkhound dogs may be purchased for between $700 and $1500.

Shelters/Rescue

You could also think about adopting a Norwegian Elkhound that has been abandoned. The advantage of adopting a rescued dog is that many of them are already housetrained and obedience broken. Some animals may be neutered and spayed as well. Aside from that, the cost of adoption (about $200 to $300) is far cheaper than the amount you would pay a breeder.

The following is a table displaying the various prices of Norwegian Elkhound dogs.

Basic Supplies cost for your Norwegian Elkhound

It doesn’t matter if you are acquiring a Norwegian Elkhound pup or rescuing an older dog; you will need certain gear in your home to make their lives more comfortable. By having this equipment on hand, you can reduce your dog’s amount of stress while adjusting to its new environments.

A crate will offer your Norwegian Elkhound pup a safe and comfortable area to rest while you are out and about. Crates can be made of metal, steel, or plastic.  The price ranges from $50 and $100 per person. Make the environment more comfortable by including comforters, crate pads, and toys.

Chew/outdoor toys

In order to keep your Norwegian Elkhound’s teeth healthy, you should purchase high-quality chew toys. Toys such as Kong toys, Nylabone, and string toys are all wonderful options. You would need some balls and other outside toys to complete the set. It is recommended that dog toys cost no more than $50.

Bowls

Choose food and drink dishes that will not tip over or slide. Bowls made from heavy plastic or porcelain work best, but stainless steel bowls are also acceptable. These should not be more than $30 in price.

Grooming equipment

Although Norwegian Elkhounds do not require a great deal of grooming, you will still need to invest in certain essentials such as a toothbrush and dog toothpaste, a comb, dog cleanser, some wipes, and nail clippers to keep them in good health. These will assist you in maintaining the health of your pet. This will cost you between $50 and $75.

Leash and collars

This is something you’ll need after your veterinarian gives you the green light to take your canine companion out on walks. Choose a robust harness or collar with no pulls and ID badges to keep your dog safe. It is possible to have a leash made of nylon or leather. It is estimated that the cost will be $30.

Here is a table outlining these expenses:

Norwegian Elkhound Training Costs

When it comes to addressing and avoiding many behavioral disorders in dogs, basic obedience classes are the starting point. The importance of training for the breed cannot be overstated. Always keep in mind that Norwegian Elkhounds were originally intended to be working dogs. As a result, they frequently demonstrate an innate instinct to protect and even herd tiny animals and children. As a result, strict teaching and handling are required from the beginning of the process.

There are many different kinds of dog training programs accessible for your puppy that may be customized to fit your needs. If you’re still not sure which program is best for your pet, you can always contact a professional dog trainer in your region for guidance. He can assist you in determining which training methods will be most effective for your pet.

Here are some choices for you:

Basic obedience training or individual training

A canine trainer will work with you and your dog to improve their interaction skills. You will learn how to give commands, and your Norwegian Elkhound will learn how to obey those commands after they have been learned. It will learn basic instructions such as heel, stay, quiet, come when called, leave it, or drop it, and other fundamentals. The cost of basic individual training ranges from $40 to $120 per hour, depending on the level of training.

Group classes or training school

If you want your Norwegian Elkhound pup to be able to mingle with other dogs, this is a fantastic choice for you. This method of dog training is also somewhat less expensive than other methods of dog training. Depending on the institution, puppy obedience classes can cost anywhere from $430 to $80 for each lesson, with the nationwide average being $50 per class.

Let us have a thorough look at dog training prices:

Norwegian Elkhound Food Costs

Your veterinary doctor will advise you on the proper meal quantities to give your dog based on his age and activity level. The recommended daily diet quantity for a healthy adult Norwegian Elkhound is three cups of high-quality dog food. This recipe may be divided into two meals. If your dog is particularly active, you will need to raise the amount of food that you give him correspondingly.

Wet or canned food can also be provided; however, wet food is mostly water, so a dog will require more wet food than dry food.

In addition to canned food, freeze-dried food, and even raw food are available for your Norwegian Elkhound’s diet. Nowadays, the raw food diet, often known as the BARF diet, is extremely popular with dog owners.

It is quite similar to what canines (or their ancestors-wolves) consume in the wild, and as a result, it is extremely nutritious for them. Generally speaking, if you prefer to feed your Norwegian Elkhound raw, you will need to provide at least 2-4 percent of its body weight every day. Added to that, you’d have to supplement their diet with micronutrients that raw food cannot give in sufficient quantities.

It is preferable to feed pups the same food that the breeder or shelter was giving them when it comes to pups. This will help keep any stomach disturbances to a minimum and keep your companion from being overly stressed. As your dog develops, your veterinarian may advise you on the proper feeding quantity as well as the proper sort of food to feed him.

Here is a table that shows the amount of food that should be purchased each month, as well as the approximate cost:

Norwegian Elkhound – Dog Food Comparison

A Norwegian Elkhound’s ideal diet includes high-protein foods such as chicken, turkey, salmon, and lamb, among others. You may prepare them separately and then combine them with kibble/dry food for a complete meal. If you choose raw feeding, make sure to include lots of chicken wings, gizzards, and cow ears, as well as fruit and vegetables in your diet.

Norwegian Elkhounds benefit from eating oily fish since it is a fantastic source of fat and protein. You may also incorporate flaxseed and linseed into your dog’s food to offer him beneficial fats and oils. These assist in keeping the animal’s joints flexible and pain-free.

Puppies will require a different type of diet – one that is high in DHA and EPA to support a healthy brain, as well as calcium and other elements to support bone growth.

Commercial dog diets that are high in cereals, fillers, maize, wheat, soybeans, and artificial additives should be avoided at all costs. The fact that they provide no nutrients and may possibly cause stomach problems is a concern.

Based on these recommendations, we’ve compiled a list of the best-rated dog meals that are suitable for your Norwegian Elkhound.

Norwegian Elkhound Medical Costs

As soon as you buy your Norwegian Elkhound home from the breeder, you should take it to the veterinarian for a thorough examination. Preserve a record of the immunizations and deworming schedules that the breeder has implemented. Following that, your veterinarian will give you a schedule for your recurrent immunizations and boosters.

Vaccines are critical for your Norwegian Elkhound since it needs these doses to protect against certain diseases. The majority of immunizations range in price from $40 to $100, based on the kinds of shots required. Depending on where you live, your vet may even offer non-core injections. You may need to get your dog vaccinated against Lyme disease if you live in an area where ticks are quite prevalent.

Here is a table displaying the vaccination age and associated expenses:

If you do not want to breed your Norwegian Elkhound, it is preferable to have him or her desexed before getting him or her. This can help to avoid some canine malignancies as well as undesirable behaviors like attempting to flee or excessive territorial marking, among other things.

Spaying operation typically costs approximately $400, and neutering costs somewhere between $100 and $300, depending on the veterinarian’s office where you go.

Additional Medical Expenses

In addition to routine vaccinations, spaying/neutering, fleas, and tick prevention, and deworming, a dog owner may wish to budget for certain unforeseen medical expenditures for their pet.

Even a simple check-up at a veterinarian’s office can cost upwards of $40 in one visit to the facility. Every year, your Norwegian Elkhound will require at least two or three such trips.

A simple blood test may cost as little as $100, but X-rays could cost as much as $200. The cost of a heartworm test might range between $40 and $50. An ear infection might cost you back $150 to $200 in medical expenses. Allergy testing might cost up to $300 for each test session.

Fractures are also extremely expensive to treat, costing over $400 each fracture. A single night’s hospitalization might cost up to $1000, while emergency procedures can cost up to $2000, depending on the circumstances.

Common Health Issues in Norwegian Elkhound

The Norwegian Elkhound is prone to several genetic issues that are frequently seen.

These include the following:

Canine hip dysplasia

Orthopedic problems in dogs, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, are the most often encountered in this breed. These disorders can be avoided to a certain extent, but not completely. Because they are inherited, it is critical that you get your puppy from a reputable breeder. Breeders who care about their dogs’ health will do health tests on them and avoid breeding dogs who may be infected with these illnesses. The cost of treating hip dysplasia can range from $2000 to $4000 for each hip, depending on the severity of the condition.

Dwarfism

It is common for puppies to first develop the shape of their bones out of cartilage and then subsequently fill in the gaps with bone as they grow. Occasionally, this process goes awry, resulting in aberrant cartilage and bone formation during the early stages of development. This condition can severely affect your Elkhound. There is no treatment for the ailment, which is not unpleasant; instead, the dog will have shorter legs than usual due to the short legs. Responsible breeders advise against using sick individuals for breeding because the characteristic is passed down through the family. There is no treatment for dwarfism, so we can not estimate its costs.

Kidney Disorders

Inheritable Glomerulonephropathy steadily impairs your Norwegian Elkhound’s renal function, eventually leading to kidney failure, which can occur at an early age in many cases. Because unhealthy kidneys leak protein, it is possible that your vet will be able to detect this condition by examining his urine for an excessive amount of protein in it. Treatment of Kidney issues usually costs $4000.

Fanconi syndrome

Fanconi syndrome is also a kidney illness in which important nutrients from the blood are allowed to leave and end up in the urine. In addition to increased urine and thirst, afflicted Elkhounds may have weight loss and fatigue due to aberrant electrolyte levels, which are caused by the deficiency in essential nutrients. Symptoms often occur between the ages of two and six years old. Depending on the dog, the severity and duration of the disease can vary greatly. Some dogs stay fairly stable over time, and others succumb to renal failure, which is deadly. Routine urine analysis can aid in the early detection of Fanconi syndrome, and immediate treatment can significantly increase both the length of your pet’s life and the quality of life he or she has. Its treatment usually costs around $5000.

Pet Insurance – Should You Buy It For Your Norwegian Elkhound?

As can be seen, your Norwegian Elkhound may require extensive medical attention throughout its life. Even the most basic immunizations and periodic check-ups can cost several hundred dollars or more. Dog owners who require emergency medical treatment may incur financial losses in the thousands of dollars.

Over the last several years, there have been major developments in the field of veterinary medicine. This has the potential to help extend the lives of our cherished pets. Naturally, these therapies are not without a price tag.

As your Norwegian Elkhound grows older, it is possible that he will require more medical attention. Naturally, as a responsible dog owner, you must ensure that you have enough money set up to cover these unexpected charges.

Pet insurance may be able to assist with any or all of these expenses. The cost of preventative procedures, including as flea and tick treatments, spaying or neutering, and disease-prevention vaccines, are often covered by pet insurance policies. Some insurance providers will also pay the veterinarian immediately, saving you the hassle of having to pay upfront. All of this may be quite convenient, and it will be well worth the high premium you will have to pay.

Additionally, several pet insurance firms provide insurance coverage at reasonable costs. Some options are available for as little as $7 per month. Of course, it’s critical that you read the tiny print and understand exactly what each plan entails. In this way, your dog will be able to receive the care it needs.

Here are 2022’s top-rated insurance plans for dogs:

Additional Costs of Owning a Norwegian Elkhound

Additionally, as a pet parent, you have the following obligations towards your pet, all of which come at a financial cost:

Travel

Will you be bringing your Norwegian Elkhound with you, or will you have someone come over to take care of it while you are away? Perhaps the best option is to board your dog in a kennel or other pet boarding facility. If your dog is well-behaved, it may be transported in a cage, but this will cost you around $300 each trip. You should even consider purchasing a dog carrier.

If you decide to have someone come over and ‘dog sits’ your pet, the fees range from around $50 to $75 each day, depending on the service. It is also possible to board your dog for around $300 for a period of 4-5 days.

Microchipping

The microchipping of your Norwegian Elkhound is an excellent method of permanently identifying your dog. There is a tiny chip implanted just beneath the skin as part of the procedure. This operation can be performed by a veterinarian at any time and will not cost more than $50.

Dog walking services

Norwegian Elkhounds require a significant level of physical activity on a daily basis. It is possible that you may want to walk your pet at least twice a day. If your schedule does not allow for this, you should consider hiring a dog walker. These companies charge anything from $10 and $50 for a 30-minute walk in the park. If you want to have someone walk your dog twice a day, the monthly cost might be as much as $200 per month.

Key Takeaways – How Much Does a Norwegian Elkhound Cost?

Clearly, the Norwegian Elkhound is not a cheap dog to acquire, as seen by the price tag attached to it. The medium to large dog breed may be quite expensive, and we aren’t just talking about the price of a puppy here.

All of the expenses you will incur are listed below:

Initial investment

The puppy’s price is included in the initial investment, which can range from around $700 to almost $1500, depending on the breeder. You will also have to spend money on basic supplies, preventative expenditures such as vaccinations, and spaying and neutering your pets. This can amount to about $3000 in total.

First-year costs

Training charges, pet insurance, fleas and tick control, and feeding expenditures will all be included in the first year’s expenses in addition to the purchase price and medical costs. If you include grooming and travel expenses, the first year’s cost might reach about $2000. If you include the cost of the puppy’s purchase as well as the early costs, you may spend up to $5000 in the first year.

Annual cost

After the first year, the cost of having a Norwegian Elkhound may reach over $1500 to $2000, with the majority of the money going into food, insurance, travel, normal medical expenses, worming, flea-tick prevention, and grooming.

Lifetime cost

An average Norwegian Elkhound will live between 12 and 15 years. As a result, you should anticipate spending between $13,000 and $16,000 throughout the course of your dog’s life.

These are only estimates, and the real cost may vary significantly depending on where you live and how you raise your dog.

We hope that our cost guide will assist you in estimating your actual financial commitments and determine whether having a dog such as the Norwegian Elkhound is good for you.