The Elk-Kee is a good doggo and a cross between the rare Norwegian Elkhound and Keeshond. The Elk-Kee is a loyal and friendly breed that loves being the center of attention. If you have children in the house, they will love it.
It has numerous more traits that make it perfect for families and individuals alike. Please read on to understand these traits.
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Elk-Kee History
The Elk-Kee is a hybrid breed with a relatively short history. To understand it, we will have to grasp the history of its parents. The Norwegian Elkhound is an ancient breed from Norway. The Elk-Kee is, according to some experts, a Viking age dog, while others believe it’s even older than that. It is also believed to have some resemblance to wolves in its genetic makeup. The breed was primarily used for hunting various animals like moose and elk. The AKC accepted the Elk-Kee in 1913.
The Keeshond is also a rare and remarkable breed like the Norwegian Elkhound. Coincidentally it is also a Nordic dog and is related to the same family as the Norwegian Elkhound. The Elk-Kee was named after Kees de Gyselaer, who fought against the House of Orange. The breed was nearly lost until 1905. Mrs. Wingfield-Digby rediscovered the breed and took it to England. The AKC registered this breed in 1930.
Elk-Kee Characteristics
The Elk-Kee has both the characteristics of the wolf-like Elkhound and the simplicity of the Keeshond. It’s meant to withstand the heat, and thus, its coat is dense and well insulated. The color variations for the Elk-Kee are Silver, Black, Grey, and Cream. Its body is muscular and well defined. The facial features of the Elk-Kee include black-rimmed eyes and triangular ears.
How Big do Elk-Kee Get
The Elk-Kee is considered a medium-sized dog. The height of the Elk-Kee will be between 18 to 21 inches for males and 17 to 20 inches for females. The Elk-Kee will weigh between 35 to 45 lbs for males and 30 to 40 lbs for females.
How Long Does Elk-Kee Live
The Elk-Kee is a healthy breed that will normally live between 12 and 15 years of age. There aren’t enough accurate cases or reports of the breed to determine its age. The age, as mentioned above, is a rough figure derived from the lifespan of its parents.
How Much Does a Elk-Kee Cost
You probably won’t be able to find a market for the Elk-Kee easily. You will have to search thoroughly to find a credible breeder with a healthy Elk-Kee puppy. The rough figure that you should remain ready for is anything above 500 dollars. The price will rise for each disease or problem it is safeguarded against.
Elk-Kee Temperament/Personality
The Elk-Kee loves being the life of the party. It won’t enjoy being ignored or discarded from events. It should also be noted that the Elk-Kee will never harm anyone. It’s a very intelligent breed and knows how to play with children and other pets. If your children want a dog, then we recommend the Elk-Kee. Its compatibility with other dogs and strangers depends entirely on its dominant genes. Overall we recommend having it socialized from an early age.
If you are a first-timer, then training the Elk-Kee may be out of your league. It’s a genius breed with a certain degree of independence. It tries to make decisions by itself. Unfortunately, this makes training it tricky and hard. Giving it an engaging training routine and praising it whenever it follows orders is the best way to teach it.
Caring for Elk-Kee
Every good boy needs your help to survive the harsh conditions that befall it. We know that you are probably confused, which is why we have compiled all of the data about its needs.
Elk-Kee Nutrition
The Elk-Kee is a medium-sized cutie and requires nutrition based on this fact. The average lump of Dog Food that it gets per day shouldn’t exceed a total of one cup. We recommend Diamond Naturals Dog Food and Merrick Dog Food due to their health benefits. Try not to overfeed it because obesity can become a major problem for the Elk-Kee.
How to Groom a Elk-Kee
The fixed grooming standards or routines aren’t readily available for the Elk-Kee. You will be required to brush its coat at least thrice in a single week. You should use a Slicker-Type Dog Brush to give its shallow coat a healthy shine. Bathe it with a medicated Dog Shampoo every month or two months. Trim its nails after every two weeks. If you don’t do that, then a few paw infections per year will await you. Brush its teeth from a young age, preferably at least three times per week.
Elk-Kee Activity Levels
The Elk-Kee is an active breed that requires a healthy dose of exercise. The general routine should be at least 60 minutes long. We recommend taking to the local park or any outdoor recreational area for a few whiffs of fresh air. If you have a hiking spot near your house, then that’s even better.
Caring for Elk-Kee
The Elk-Kee will require a few additional things, including safety from extreme heat. You will also be required to dry it out thoroughly. Use a combination of indoor activities to keep it busy and engaged. Separation anxieties develop very quickly with the Elk-Kee, thus ensure that it remains nearby. Finally, please do not scold your little buddy. The Elk-Kee is a sensitive breed and does not enjoy being scolded or punished.
Elk-Kee Health
The Elk-Kee is a hybrid breed. As you may be familiar with the concept, being a hybrid increases the chances of inheriting weaknesses to certain diseases. The Elk-Kee has a very long list of inherited weaknesses. The conditions include Patellar Luxation, Sebaceous Adenitis, Fanconi Syndrome, Hip Dysplasia, Von Willebrand’s Disease, Addison’s Disease, PRA, Hypothyroidism, and Epilepsy. The most problematic condition is probably Diabetes in the Elk-Kee’s case.
What can you do to make its life easier? First of all, give it monthly check-ups and thorough examinations to ensure that the diagnosis process is streamlined. Ask the vet for recommendations about its diet or any deficiencies. Take care of its exercise requirements. Ensure that it eats healthy and stays healthy is the best strategy to help any breed survive.
Breeds Similar to Elk-Kee
Best Dog Food for Elk-Kees
The best dog food for Elk-Kee is Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food. With this food, you don’t have to worry about your pal’s weight because the well-balanced nutrients in this food works wonder for managing the weight of your Elk-Kee. The real chicken included in this food is a great source of protein that will build your dog’s muscles.
- Equipped with amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and all-natural ingredients.
- Includes kibble that promotes muscular growth.
- Great taste that your dog will crave.
Best Puppy Food for Elk-Kees
The best puppy food for Elk-Kee is Nutro Ultra Puppy Dry Dog Food. Nutro has produced this food with the perfect blend of vegetables, fruits, healthy oils, and whole grains. This food is a good source of antioxidants, amino acids, and much more. Additionally, the lean protein from salmon, lamb, and chicken boost muscles and provide better growth.
- Good balance between fat and protein.
- A better digestive system with whole grains.
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and all kinds of preservatives.
Best Dog Crate for Elk-Kees
The best dog crate for Elk-Kee is Lucky Dog Sliding Double Door Wire Dog Crate. This crate has been made considering the security and comfort of your dog. It has a sliding door design that makes it more comfortable and convenient. With this carte, you will be saved from door sticking. It also contains a stabilizer at the corner to reduce rattling and chances of accidents.
- Equipped with a removable and leak-proof pan that is extremely easy to clean.
- Strong and sturdy design with wire construction.
- Good resistance against rust with its coated and reinforced wires.
Best Dog Bed for Elk-Kees
The best dog bed for Elk-Kee is American Kennel Club Blanket & Burlap Stripes Pillow Dog Bed. Known for its comfortable and cozy design, this bed is made of ultra-soft foam. The best thing about this bed is that it is equipped with a free blanket.
- Manufactured from plush material for superior warmth.
- Hassle-free and easy cleaning with its machine-washable quality.
- Includes non-skid bottom that keeps the bed at a place.
Best Dog Harness for Elk-Kees
The best dog harness for Elk-Kee is PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness. This harness enables your dog to have a comfortable walk with natural movements. Its unique design discourages your dog from pulling the leash, while with the quick-snap buckles, you can easily put it on and off.
- Saves you from a twisted strap with its martingale loop located on the chest.
- Equipped with four adjustable straps for a reliable fit.
- Delicate throat area that avoids choking and coughing etc.
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