Elk-Kee

Breed Information


Type

Is Elk-Kee a purebred?

Cross Breed

Purpose

What were Elk-Kees originally used for?

​Companion

Lifespan

How Long Do Elk-Kees Live? What is average life expectancy for an Elk-Kee? How long can Elk-Kees live?

12-14 years

The average Elk-Kee lifespan is somewhere between 12-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Elk-Kee Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Elk-Kee?

What is the average height of an Elk-Kee? How big is an Cross Breed Elk-Kee height? Elk-Kee dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 18-21 inches (45.7 - 53.3 cm) 7.0 inches (17.8 cm) 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) 9.5 inches (24.1 cm)
Female 17-20 inches (43.2 - 50.8 cm) 7.0 inches (17.8 cm) 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) 9.5 inches (24.1 cm)
What is the average weight of an Elk-Kee? How much should Elk-Kees weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 35-45 pounds (16 - 20 kg) 7.5 pounds (3 kg) 10.0 pounds (5 kg) 10.0 pounds (5 kg)
Female 30-40 pounds (14 - 18 kg) 7.5 pounds (3 kg) 10.0 pounds (5 kg) 10.0 pounds (5 kg)
Hypoallergenic

Are Elk-Kees Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Elk-Kee is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is an Elk-Kee personality? What are Elk-Kee dogs best known for?

Playful
Agile
Alert
Intelligent
Obedient
Loyal
Quick
Strong
Willed
Bold
Bright
Sturdy

Shedding Level

Are Elk-Kees heavy shedders? How Much Does an Elk-Kee Shed?

Elk-Kee dogs are extremely heavy shedders, they will lose a large amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Elk-Kee.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Elk-Kees come from?

​United States

Ancestry

What are Elk-Kees descended from?

Norwegian Elkhound and Keeshond

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Elk-Kee breed?

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

Date of Birth

When were Elk-Kees first bred? How old is the Elk-Kee breed?

Unknown

Elk-Kee Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Elk-Kee eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Elk-Kee nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Elk-Kee coat be naturally?

Black
Silver
Gray
Cream

Coat Length

How long is an Elk-Kees coat?

Elk-Kees are known for their short coat.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Elk-Kee Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of an Elk-Kee?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can an Elk-Kee have in a litter? How many puppies can an Elk-Kee have in her first litter?

5-10 puppies per pregnancy

An Elk-Kee can have a litter of 5-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Elk-Kees are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Elk-Kee Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Elk-Kees have a lot of health problems?

The Elk-Kee is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning an Elk-Kee?

Patellar Luxation
Fanconi Syndrome
Hip Dysplasia
Addison's Disease
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Elk-Kees?

Sebaceous Adenitis
Epilepsy
Diabetes
Von Willebrand's Disease
Hypothyroidism

Occasional Diagnoses

Cataracts
Allergies

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Elk-Kee breed?

X-Rays
MRI
CT Scan
Physical Examination
Urinalysis
Complete Blood Work
Serum Chemistry
Spinal Tap
Neurologic Exam
Ophthalmic Examination

Elk-Kee Needs and Activities


Social Needs

Do Elk-Kees need socialization? How social are Elk-Kees?

Elk-Kee have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should an Elk-Kee have? Do Elk-Kees sleep a lot?

Elk-Kees dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Mouthiness

Are Elk-Kees mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of an Elk-Kee running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Elk-Kee dogs have a high prey drive?

Activity Level

What is the energy level of an Elk-Kee? How much energy does an Elk-Kee have?

High

Elk-Kees are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should an Elk-Kee walk each week? How many miles should an Elk-Kee walk every week?

12 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Elk-Kee, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much an Elk-Kee should exercise a day? How much activity does an Elk-Kee need?

60 minutes

In general most Elk-Kees usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for an Elk-Kee?

The Elk-Kee is a breed of dog that requires a significant amount of grooming. They will also require regular trims, and a professional groomer's help is often necessary to keep their coat in good condition. They may also need regular baths to maintain their coat and skin.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush an Elk-Kee?

Weekly

Elk-Kee should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Elk-Kees?

Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does an Elk-Kee eat?

3 cups

For an average 35-45 pound (16 - 20 kg) Elk-Kee feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does an Elk-Kee Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of an Elk-Kee is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does an Elk-Kee Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of an Elk-Kee is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Elk-Kee Characteristic


Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is an Elk-Kee dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Apartment Friendly

Do Elk-Kee do well in apartments? Are Elk-Kees good indoor dogs?

Elk-Kees are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are Elk-Kees good with kids? Are Elk-Kees good around children?

Elk-Kees are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Elk-Kees good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Elk-Kees good with cats? How friendly Elk-Kees are toward cats?

Elk-Kees are one of the best dogs for cats. They're accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on

Dog Friendly

Do Elk-Kee dogs get along with other dogs? Are Elk-Kees OK with other dogs?

Elk-Kees are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some,

Pet friendly

How do Elk-Kee dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Elk-Kees friendly with strangers?

Elk-Kees are friendly dogs and won't commonly bark at strangers. However, if you wish to change this, training them is easy. With their intelligence, teaching this breed to do anything is pretty simple.

Playfulness

Do Elk-Kees like to play? Are Elk-Kees playful?

Elk-Kees have an average level of playfulness. The Elk-Kees, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Elk-Kee easily trained?

Elk-Kee dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.