Copyright 2007 by Laurel Fork Farm. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome To Laurel Fork Farm Located in the Beautiful Mountains of West Virginia
AKC Norwegian Elkhounds
The Norwegian Elkhound is one of the ancient Northern Spitz-type breed of dog and is the National Dog of Norway. The Elkhound has served as a hunter, guardian, herder, and defender. In a land of subzero temperatures, deep snow, thick forests, and rugged mountains, only the hardiest of the breeds could evolve to perform the variety of jobs at which the Elkhound excels. Its Spitz courage is probably a by- product or residue of the fact that a significant number of them were used to hunt bear and other large game, like moose. The Norwegian Elkhound was first presented at a dog exhibition in Norway in 1877.
The AKC breed name "Norwegian Elkhound" is a direct translation from its original Norwegian name "Norsk Elghund," meaning "Norwegian moose dog." (European settlers mistakenly called the North American cousin of the red deer an elk, when in fact in the Norwegian language the term elk or elg means moose.) Despite its name in America, it is not a hound dog; the Elkhound does not hunt like a hound dog nor is it directly related to hounds. The breed's goal in the hunt is to hold the moose at bay — jumping in and out toward the moose — until the hunter can arrive to shoot it. Another way of hunting with the dog is to let one of the hunters follow the dog, then chase the moose towards a row of hunters, so they can shoot it
Temperament
Adult Norwegian Elkhound displaying characteristic friendly expression.Norwegian Elkhounds are bred for hunting large game, such as wolf, bear and moose. Although the breed is strong and hardy, the dogs typically have an inseparable bond with their masters and are quite loyal. All Elkhounds have a sharp loud bark which makes them suitable as guard-dogs.
Norwegian Elkhounds are loyal to their "pack" and make excellent family dogs if given proper attention. It is bold, playful, independent, alert, extremely intelligent, and, at times, a bit boisterous. This is a dog ready for adventure and is happiest if that adventure takes place outdoors in cold weather. It needs daily exercise, lest it become frustrated or even destructive. It is an exceptionally friendly breed. If untrained, it tends to pull when on leash. This dog needs attention for it to understand its place within the family (or the pack), else it may develop social problems and feel neglected. This is a very proud and noble breed that can easily have its feelings hurt if its owner deserts his or her allegiance or duty. An inevitable bond will develop between the dog's family, master, or pack, and if there is disloyalty, the dog will definitely feel it and be hurt. Although each dog is an individual, they generally are very gentle and get along great with children. They are happiest when they feel that they are part of the family. This, combined with their loud bark, makes them a good watchdog.
Norwegian Elkhounds can be challenging to train because of their intelligence and deep independent streak, but they are good obedience dogs, good-natured, and very understanble in their learning and training. For example, if they fail to "come" because there is something of greater interest in the other direction, they can be quick to learn the importance of the command if taught correctly. They can be wonderful in agility and are particularly good tracking dogs.
All puppies are sold at this time.
Puppies with AKC Registration $500
To reserve your puppy a nonrefundable deposit of $100 must be placed when the puppies are born.
We also offer stud service. Fee is $300 per litter. We will negotiate price for pick of the litter.
Remington and Wolfie are just wonderful with our two children Collin and Kendra!
As you can see our puppies are very well socialized. We have a male, Remington and a female, Wolfie that we allow to have one litter per year. We live on a farm so these dogs and their puppies are not kept in a kennel. They have free run of the farm. We have chickens, goats, horses, cows, cats, sheep, a donkey, a mule etc..
Our two children Collin, age 8 and Kendra, age 4 constantly play with the puppies and they have a blast. When there are no puppies to keep them occupied they play with Wolfie, Remy, and Jenna. Jenna is a puppy from the last litter and is now one year old. We were going to sell her but my kids got so attached that we just decided to keep her. She is a wonderful addition to our family.
These dogs are wonderful with children. Kendra was playing dentist with Remy one day and gave his teeth a full examination and he didn't move a muscle. He loved every minute of the attention. When Kendra was little she used try to ride Wolfie! They have never snapped or bitten anyone.
They are fierce hunters. Wolfie, Remy, and Jenna have treed about 15 raccoons this year and killed 3 on the ground. They protect my goats by barking at anything strange that comes within a mile of our home. I don't have to worry about Coyotes since I got my Elkhounds. They help herd the cattle and are very smart and quick learners. They are loving and kind to their human family and protect the farm with all their hearts. I wouldn't trade my Elkhounds for any other breed.
Laurel Fork Farm offers a training program in the comfort of your own home. Marsha Louk is a dog obedience trainer/instructor and can help with problems that prevent you from enjoying your pets. Problem solving isn't only about training your pet but also receiving skills so that you can maintain the training in every day life. Call for a price quote.
Laurel Fork Farm does not board animals, all training is done in the pets home environment.
Norwegian Elkhound appearance
Build: medium, sturdy and squarely built Weight: 45-60 pounds (18-27 kg.) Height: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm.) Coat: Coarse, straight, with soft undercoat Color: Black and white coloring, often noted as grey or silver Head: Broad and wedge-shaped with a defined stop Teeth: Scissors bite Eyes: Dark brown with a keen, friendly expression Ears: Pointed, erect Tail: Rolled tightly over back Limbs: Straight and parallel Life span: 12-16 years
Thanks Wayne, Rachelle and family. We sent this lucky little puppy out on a plane to his new home in Idaho.
This is Bear. He is out of Wolfie and Remington's first litter, Jenna's brother. Owned by Linda Dyer in WV.
Elly, the goat, was not feeling well and was pinned in a stall in the barn. Remington, Norwegian Elkhound, and Scootin, bottle fed cat, decided she needed some company. Remington has slept with her nearly every night. We certainly have amazing dogs! (and cats)
Playing in the Snow!
Jenna
To the left: Jenna is a female that we kept from a Previous litter. She is wearing a tracking collar and getting ready to go on a hunt. This helps us find her if she goes too far ahead.
This is Sangria. She is out of Wolfie and Remington. Owned by Steve and Tammy Drewry in VA. Born December 08
I am sorry it has taken so long to get you pictures. Here is our baby girl. We also have a picture of Sangria and Skittles. They play together and they do not like to be separated from each other. She is beautiful and she is so loving. She is what I needed to complete our family. Thank you so much for this wonderful gift you shared with us. I hope you and your family are good.
You can tell everyone with your next litter that I highly recommend them getting a puppy from your family.
Love Tammy Drewry Owner of Sangria
This is Agapay. She is out of Wolfie and Remington. Owned by Kory Labbe in Alaska. Born December 08
Agapay is a great companion, loving, sweet, and full of personality. She is a great addition to my small family (just me and her). We made the trek to Alaska a few weeks ago, and she loved the whole trip. Thank you for such a wonderful dog!
Kory Labbe Owner of Agapay
Wolfie's new puppies born August 9. This is the their first taste of goat milk. They seem to like it. Kendra is helping me give them milk before the adults see us. We gave it to them in the kennel hoping to keep the adults away so the pups could eat.
Wolfie spots the goat milk. She comes to make sure the pups clean their plates!
Kendra gives Wolfie the look. "That milk is for the puppies!"
Wolfie can't resist!
These puppies are never full!!
Porcupines in West Virginia! Come on, how can that be. Ask my Elkhounds and they will tell you it's true! I came home from riding horses 9/4/09 and found my Elky's in great pain with quills sticking out of their faces. Dr. Crissman took them out and verified that these are porcupine quills.
Yep, a little porcupine got all three dogs at one time. But I am finding that this is not the first case of dog verses porcupine in WV. Since this happened I have found four other stories that people have encountered porcupines in our area alone! Which to me proves that there are more than just this one that some how became WV residents. Hope I don't find the little creature! If anyone has doubts I saved the quills after the vet pulled them out!