Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
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Story
Meet Maxie, a striking Norwegian Elkhound with a fun, affectionate personality and a deep love for people. Maxie was purchased as a young dog from Northern Iowa and has only ever lived in one home prior to coming to the shelter. He grew up in a rural, farm setting with plenty of space to explore, far from traffic and city noise.
During his time in his original home, Maxie fathered a litter of six puppies, and when one of his sons stayed on the farm, the two became close companions, often heading off together to chase squirrels and follow exciting scents. As Maxie matured, natural pack dynamics began to shift. After a minor injury under his right front leg that required a cone and a short separation, reintroductions did not go as smoothly as hoped. A scuffle occurred between Maxie and his son related to pack hierarchy, and the situation became tense moving forward. Because of this experience, Maxie would do best as the only dog in the home, where he can feel secure and relaxed without the pressure of sharing space with other canines.
Throughout his life on the farm, Maxie lived alongside goats and chickens. He understands the difference between animals that belong on the farm and animals that are meant to be chased away. He has never harmed livestock and does not have a history of doing “work” with goats. While he could be happy in a farm or country setting, it’s important to know that someone seeking a highly trained livestock guardian dog that performs specific tasks would likely be disappointed. Maxie is more of a porch pal than a working dog, happiest spending time near his people and enjoying his surroundings.
Maxie also loves cats, which is a wonderful bonus for the right home.
Now living at the shelter, Maxie has shown that he can adapt well to indoor life. He seems content indoors, truly enjoys the companionship of people, and is incredibly loving with strangers. He thrives on attention and connection and would love a home where he can spend hours each day with his family. Whether living indoors full-time or enjoying an indoor/outdoor lifestyle, daily walks, human interaction, and shared time are a must for Maxie’s happiness.
True to his breed, Maxie is intelligent, alert, confident, and independent. Norwegian Elkhounds are known for their loyalty and strong instincts, and because of this, breed experience or breed knowledge is a requirement for Maxie’s adoption. He would do best with a family who understands the needs, tendencies, and mindset of northern and spitz-type breeds.
Maxie loves car rides, has lived his entire life away from traffic, and would do best in a rural or low-traffic environment. His recall is a work in progress, and while he would likely enjoy the flexibility of being an indoor/outdoor dog, we are unsure how reliable his indoor potty training may be at first. A patient, understanding home willing to support that transition would be ideal.
Maxie has been on the same food his whole life, enjoys familiar routines, and is a big fan of rawhide chips. With the right home, one built on understanding, structure, and lots of shared time, Maxie has the potential to be a deeply loyal, affectionate companion. He’s ready for a fresh chapter, preferably one with a porch to lounge on, daily walks, and people who truly enjoy his company as much as he enjoys theirs.
