Norwegian Elkhound Pet Insurance | Compare Policies | Savvy 

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Find out all about Norwegian Elkhounds and their common health conditions, then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

Written by , updated on September 18th, 2023

Price range

$1,500

Height

46–53cm

Weight

20–27kg

Personality

Alert, intelligent, loyal

Coat length

Medium, double coat

Exercise needs

High

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

12–15 years

Overview

The Norwegian Elkhound is known for its robust and versatile nature. Originating in Norway hundreds of years ago, these dogs were primarily used for hunting large game such as elk – hence their name. Their sturdy and well-proportioned build, characterised by a curled tail and striking, silver-grey double coat, is a testament to their ability to withstand harsh Scandinavian climates.

Norwegian Elkhounds are renowned for their loyalty, intelligence and friendly temperament. Despite a strong sense of independence, they make excellent companions and guardians. These dogs thrive in environments where their alertness and protective instincts are appreciated. Families that engage in outdoor activities and can provide mental stimulation will find the Norwegian Elkhound a devoted and energetic addition to their household.

Common diseases and conditions of Norwegian Elkhounds

Hip dysplasia: this is a hereditary condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, potentially leading to arthritis and mobility issues.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): this is a degenerative eye disease that can lead to blindness over time.
Hypothyroidism: this is a disorder where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones, leading to various health problems.
Fanconi syndrome: this is a kidney disorder that affects the reabsorption of nutrients in the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney failure.
Sebaceous cysts: these are noncancerous, fluid-filled sacs under the skin that, while typically painless, may require medical attention if they become infected or cause discomfort.

Breed-specific issues:

Norwegian Elkhounds are known for their strong hunting instincts, which can translate into chasing small animals or displaying a strong prey drive. Owners should therefore be cautious when introducing them to smaller pets and supervise their interactions. Additionally, Elkhounds can be reserved around strangers, making early socialisation a vital component of their upbringing. While they are loyal and protective, their natural wariness of unfamiliar people means they may need time to warm up to new faces.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Norwegian Elkhound?

There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Norwegian Elkhound, including the following:

Age: the older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because older dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.
Type of insurance you choose: there are three basic types of pet insurance for dogs available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.
The policy annual limit: each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.
Sub limits: in addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub limits that apply to the policy, for example a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.
Benefit percentage: pet insurance may not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies up to 90% for top-of-the-range cover.
Excess amount: this is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, while others do.
Any add-ons you choose: it’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.
Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Accident-only

This is the most basic type of pet insurance, covering costs for accidental injuries such as car accidents, poisoning, burns, fractures, snake and spider bites, but not illnesses and other conditions.

Accident and illness

This type of insurance provides cover for accidental injuries as well as illnesses like cancer, gastrointestinal problems and eye, ear and skin conditions, but not routine care for your pet.

Comprehensive

This offers the highest level of protection, covering accident and illness and potentially routine care such as vaccinations, dental care, worm and flea treatments and microchipping.

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Common questions about Norwegian Elkhounds

Do Norwegian Elkhounds bark a lot?

Yes – Norwegian Elkhounds are known to be vocal communicators. They possess a distinct bark and may employ it to express themselves, alerting their owners to any intriguing occurrences or potential threats. It's important for owners to be mindful of this tendency, especially in shared living environments or neighbourhoods where excessive barking may be a concern.

How much exercise do Norwegian Elkhounds need?

Norwegian Elkhounds are an active breed with high exercise needs. They thrive on regular physical activity and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Norwegian Elkhounds typically require at least 60 to 90 minutes of exercise per day. This should include activities like brisk walks, play sessions and opportunities for mental stimulation.

Do Norwegian Elkhounds require a lot of grooming?

Yes – Norwegian Elkhounds have a dense double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition. They shed moderately throughout the year and undergo more significant shedding during seasonal changes. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and prevents mats and tangles. Additionally, they may benefit from occasional bathing to keep their coat clean and healthy. It's also important to check their ears, eyes, and teeth regularly and trim their nails as needed. Overall, consistent grooming helps maintain the health and appearance of the Norwegian Elkhound's coat.

How do I care for my Norwegian Elkhound in warmer climates?

Due to their thick coat, Norwegian Elkhounds may struggle in hot weather, especially during summer months. It's important to provide them with ample shade and fresh water and to avoid strenuous exercise in high temperatures. Additionally, be mindful of signs of overheating, such as excessive panting or lethargy, and take steps to keep them cool and comfortable.

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Sign up to our newsletter

Disclaimer and important things you should know

Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.

We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.

For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.