Six‑Month‑Old Norrland Norwegian Elkhound Males in Remote Upstate New York

By Merv Carlson, Kamia Kennels

Introduction: The Rebirth of the Working Norwegian Elkhound

Krieger and Magnum are not Full Bloods — they are Norrland Norwegian Elkhounds, carrying two of the oldest and most intact Norwegian lineages left in the world: Varja’s ancient Norway maternal line and Odin’s ancient working‑line paternal heritage. These two young males represent the Norwegian Return, the restoration of the real working Norwegian Elkhound that predates show‑ring drift and modern dilution.

At six months old, they are already showing the unmistakable rise of the old‑world Norwegian frame — the bone, the tendon strength, the scenting ability, and the mental sharpness that defined the original Scandinavian hunting dog.

Their development in the remote, rugged backcountry of upstate New York with Adam is accelerating the expression of these ancient traits. This is the terrain where the true Norwegian Elkhound emerges.

1. Structural Development: The Old Norway Bone Architecture Returning

1.1 Bone Density and Mass

Adam’s comment says it all: “They have legs like trees.”

This is the signature of the ancient Norwegian Elkhound — not oversized, not inflated, but dense, mineral‑rich, and terrain‑engineered bone. At six months, both males are showing:

• thick, cylindrical forearms
• long radius/ulna proportions
• wide scapular base
• tight pasterns
• early hock strength
• balanced rear angulation

This is the same skeletal architecture that allowed the old Norwegian dogs to track, hold, and maneuver around moose in deep snow and broken terrain.

1.2 Rib and Thoracic Development

Both males are showing:

• early rib depth
• elongation through the thoracic cavity
• widening of the sternum
• strengthening of the spinal column

This is the thoracic engine of the working Norwegian Elkhound — the oxygen chamber that powered long‑range tracking and sustained pursuit.

2. Field Performance: Natural Working Instincts in Real Terrain

2.1 Exceptional Noses

Krieger and Magnum are demonstrating the classic Norwegian scenting profile:

• cold‑trail capable
• moisture‑responsive
• terrain‑adaptive
• consistent across wind shifts

This is not a hobby nose — this is the nose of a real working Elkhound.

2.2 Handler Focus

Both males show the hallmark of the Norrland line: off‑leash handler partnership.

Even in wildlife‑dense forest, they maintain:

• natural range control
• situational awareness
• directional responsiveness
• cooperative working mindset

This is the ancient Norwegian temperament — the dog that works with the handler, not independently.

2.3 Field Sharpness

Their sharpness is cognitive, not reactive:

• reading terrain
• adjusting pace
• checking back naturally
• identifying scent transitions
• maintaining awareness of Adam’s position

This is the mental clarity of a true working Norwegian Elkhound.

3. Temperament: Calm, Grounded, and Old‑World Serious

Krieger and Magnum are showing the temperament that defined the original Norwegian Elkhound:

• calm under pressure
• confident without bravado
• alert without anxiety
• serious without hardness
• naturally protective but stable

This is the temperament that allowed the old Norwegian dogs to work around livestock, children, hunters, and unpredictable wildlife without losing judgment.

4. Program Role: Sires of the Norwegian Return

These two males are not just promising pups — they are foundational sires for the rebirth of the working Norwegian Elkhound in North America.

Their role:

• Sires for the Full Blood females (bringing ancient Norway genetics back into the restoration architecture)
• Anchors of the Norwegian Return (restoring the original working Norwegian Elkhound phenotype)
• Carriers of two of the oldest known Norwegian lineages (Varja’s ancient maternal line + Odin’s Finnish hunting lineage)

Their development confirms what the genetics predicted: these are old‑world Norwegian males rising exactly on schedule.

5. Notes From Adam (Field Handler Observations)

“Hi Merv!

Good to hear from you. The boys are doing really well. As of last night, Krieger weighs in at 43.8 lbs and Magnum weighs in at 46.4. Both are very active and always rough housing with each other. Although according to the scale Magnum weighs more, visually Krieger looks bigger. I’ll have to try to send you a picture. He has legs like tree trunks. However they are both sturdy fellas.

Just measured them today at their withers and they’re both between 18.5 to 19 in tall give or take with their fur. Krieger was experiencing some hot spots if that is what you would call it. Some scabbing on the back of his neck and lower back. However, it seems to be basically cleared up as of today.

They eat a lot of frozen fish, beef, venison, duck, chicken, and for now a couple of wild turkeys I harvested along with occasional goat, lamb, some pork, beaver, muskrat, duck eggs and chicken eggs. Always trying to add new proteins to their diet.

Their obedience has been improving quite nicely with the both of them; however, their noses can sometimes get the best of them so depending where I am hiking them, I put on the harnesses with an extra long lead. For the most part, I never have to give a jerk on the lead. All in all, they are some magnificent boys! Can’t thank you enough. ” Adam

Conclusion: Two Young Males Carrying the Old Norway Flame Forward

At six months old, Krieger and Magnum are already showing the bone, the mind, the scenting ability, and the working partnership that defined the original Norwegian Elkhound. Their time in the remote New York backcountry is accelerating their rise into the old‑world frame.

These are the males that will power the Norwegian Return — not just in pedigree, but in living, working proof of what the real Norwegian Elkhound was, and what it will be again.