Elk-a-Bee

There is not a lot of information about the Elk-a-bee; however, we can study the parent breeds in order to determine what type of maintenance the hybrid breed will require. The Norwegian Elkhound has a double coat that is weather and dirt-resistant. The top coat is short, thick and smooth. The undercoat is dense, wooly, and soft. While the Elkhound does not shed heavily on a regular basis, at least two times a year he will “blow coat” which is a massive shedding that is not good for those with allergies. Weekly brushing will help alleviate much of the shedding hair. The Norwegian Elkhound is a fairly clean breed and doesn’t have a “doggy” smell. He only needs to be bathed when necessary; his natural oils will help keep his coat shiny and healthy-looking. It is important to use a high-quality dog shampoo on the Norwegian Elkhound. Your vet can recommend a good shampoo for the Norwegian Elkhound. The Beagle has a water-resistant smooth, dense double coat. He is an average shedder. Once weekly brushing with a medium-bristle brush or a hound glove will loosen and remove dead hair. Although the Beagle is prone to shedding, the short hairs are often unnoticeable (compared to a poodle, for instance). Springtime shedding is much heavier than other seasonal shedding because the Beagle’s coat thickens during the winter. The Beagle is relatively clean; unless he finds a muddy hole, you shouldn’t have to bathe the Beagle often. You will need to clean his ears regularly. A damp bath cloth wiped gently in the ears will suffice. Check his ears regularly for redness or odor, which could indicate an infection. Your Elk-a-Bee will need to be brushed weekly with a pin brush in order to keep his coat free of loose fur. Bathing often will not be necessary. However, his teeth should be cleaned a few times a week and the nails trimmed bi-weekly, unless your hybrid wears them down with activity.