We got an elkhound as a wedding present to ourselves almost 15 years ago (we were younger and dumber and didn’t know about petshops) so we lost our Gypsy in 2001 and have somehow survived without an elkhound until now. With our anniversary coming up and this pup in Nebraska needing a home, I didn’t really have a choice.
Awwww she is really cute but if you can I would suggest she stay with the mother longer.
Five weeks is pretty young to be separated. She may be weaned but the next two to three weeks is a critical time to learn socialization from the mother. You can read more about it here.
In any event I hope she makes a good addition to your family.
As I said on Daily Kos, “I’m sorry, that’s not a puppy. That’s an adorable fluffball of cuteness.” I’m afraid she will need to be cuddled and petted very often. She is, after all, just a tiny baby. mansqueee!
Right. Eight weeks is the earliest that most people recommend, and a bit more wouldn’t hurt. Reputable dog people regard it as unethical to separate a puppy from his or her mother and littermates before 8 weeks; I’m always seeing complaints about this on dog websites.
What a cutie-butt. Five weeks is awfully young. She’s going to still be chewing on everything for a long while. Elkhounds (IIRC) get frackin’ huge, I hope you have enough room for her. Have you decided on a name yet? She looks like an Emma to me, lol.
Squee!!! She is SO cute. I hope she has a lovely few weeks with her mum and littermates getting lots of mum-milk, learning, play and growing in. Then much joy to you when she becomes part of your family.
Yes we are very excited to get her! Haven’t really decided on a name yet, I thought of Wicca or Wiccan…our boys don’t know we are getting her, they have an idea that some day we will get another puppy. As for getting her this young talk to hubby lol. The breeder said we get could her this weekend (3rd) We get to meet half way in Nebraska to pic her up. Shall we hold a thread for names or throw some out here? lol We’ve missed having an Elkie in the house and yes we do have a nice big back yard and a park down the street to take her too and she will have Kiara our American Eskimo to play with and along with many family members dogs. I did a big ol sqeeeeee when I saw them and decided she was the one we had to have
We are just anxious to get her and she will have a great home to be in.
I had no idea about the Maltese dogs needing to stay longer. Is that a toy dog thing? (They talked about lab dogs being bigger at that age and transitioning to solid foods more quickly.) I will totally keep that in mind–I love the Maltese breed.
I really hate to sound negative but I doubt any reputable breeder would let you have a pup that young. It really is to young for her to be without her mother.
She is going to miss out on some important social skills.
I hope the puppy has at least had some shots and been health tested. You really don’t want the puppy mixing with your other dog until it has been tested for worms, parasites, parvo, mange etc. You could end up with some hefty vet bills for the puppy and your current pets.
When I was growing up on a farm, we had three Norwegian Elkhounds (in succession, not at the same time). They are very, very smart, loyal, and have great personalities. We decided our first one was part mountain goat because my brother was throwing hay bales down the chute and she climbed right up the pile. And of course they are absolutely gorgeous.
Dudes, chill. The pics are of the pup at 5 weeks. That was in the past and we pick her up in the future. The breeder set the date based on her knowledge of this dog and we’re abiding by what she recommends.
They really don’t get all that big, although our previous one was built like a brick she wasn’t a large dog - I used to say she was square because her shoulders were nearly as wide as she was tall. Females are smaller than males, so probably 45-50 pounds and about 20" (5 decimeters) at the shoulder. Not exactly a lapdog by any means, but not a wolfhound either.
Before the hips on our first one started deteriorating she was nimble, quick, and nearly impossible to upset. Two young boys and she never once snapped at them. If she was tired of being played with (or on) she’d just get up and leave. And when an elkhound decides to leave there’s no stopping them. Stubborn dogs, and built to back up that stubborn streak, but very loyal and great with kids.
