Norwegian Elkhound Breed Profile: Essential Facts
Their double coats require a lot of brushing, but these loyal dogs are worth the effort.
- AKC Group: Hound
- Weight: 40–60 lbs.
- Height: 18–21 in.
- Life Span: 13–15 years
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Key Characteristics
Norwegian Elkhounds are medium-sized dogs with short legs.
They have oval-shaped, medium eyes that are dark brown.
The ears are set high and stand erect with pointed tips. The oval-shaped paws are small, and the tightly curled tail rests over the back.
The double coat is weather-resistant and changes as the dogs age.
When they are born, Norwegian Elkhound puppies have black coats. As the coat develops, it turns gray with black tips on the outer coat while retaining a lighter under coat.
Where They Came From
The origin of the Norwegian Elkhound has been traced to as far back as 5000 B.C., and these dogs have a close association with the Vikings.
The warriors relied heavily on their dogs and were attached to them. The Elkhounds would regularly accompany Vikings on ships and into battle.
The relationship was so intertwined that, according to mythology, if a Viking was killed in battle, the dog had to be sacrificed because the warriors believed the canine companion would exist in the afterlife with his soldier.
The breed's name is a bit of a conundrum. They are Spitz-type dogs -- not hounds -- and they hunted moose. The dogs would circle around their prey and bark to confine them until the hunter arrived.
The dogs also worked as guardians of livestock to keep bears and wolves at bay.
The dogs became treasured companions and bred for conformation in the 1800s. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 1913.
How Friendly Are They?
Norwegian Elkhounds are fearless and friendly.
They're also loyal and affectionate, even with children, despite their independent spirit.
They can be reserved with strangers and difficult to train, even though they are intelligent dogs. They like to wander, and their barking can be excessive. It's a natural trait and may not be something you can "train out" of the dog.
These dogs get along with cats but shouldn't be trusted with smaller animals.
Norwegian Elkhounds love to hunt and follow scents, but be warned -- some people report that their elkhounds kill animals such as raccoons, opossums and squirrels.
Is This the Right Dog for You?
Exercise Needs
HIGH: Norwegian Elkhounds have a lot of energy and stamina and do best with extended exercise (they make great jogging companions). Exercise your dog for more than 1 hour a day, but keep them on a leash or in an enclosed area -- they may wander off out of curiosity or to follow a scent.
These dogs can do well in apartments if their exercise needs are met.
Grooming Needs
MEDIUM: The majority of the grooming regimen involves brushing. Norwegian Elkhounds don't need to be bathed often and lack the typical "doggy odor." The coat repels water and dirt.
Shedding can be seasonally heavier, which usually happens twice per year. You won't need to trim or clip the coat, but you'll have to perform regular maintenance (cleaning the teeth and ears, as well as trimming nails).
Health Problems
MEDIUM: The breed is generally healthy, but your dog may be susceptible to these issues: Hip dysplasia Pyotraumatic dermatitis (hot spots) Progressive retinal atrophy Fanconi syndrome Obesity
According to Dr. Ross D. Clark, DVM, author of Medical, Genetic & Behavioral Risk Factors of Norwegian Elkhounds, the breed is also at risk for retinal dysplasia.
Lighthearted roughhousing or dog ballet? These Norwegian Elkhounds get some twirls in while playing:
Where to Adopt One
In a recent online adoption search for a Norwegian Elkhound, we found only 41 available dogs in the country. About one-quarter of this group was purebred.
If you contact a breeder, monitor your interactions closely for warning signs of a puppy mill operation.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Norwegian Elkhounds make great family dogs. They are loyal, affectionate, and good with children, but they need regular exercise and training to manage their strong-willed nature.
Yes, Norwegian Elkhounds are naturally vocal and tend to bark frequently, especially when alerting their owners to strangers or unusual sounds. Training can help reduce excessive barking.
No, Norwegian Elkhounds are not part wolf, but they are an ancient breed with a strong resemblance to early hunting and Nordic spitz-type dogs.
Yes, Norwegian Elkhounds are relatively rare in the US, with a small breeding population compared to more popular spitz-type breeds.
Additional Resources
- AKC's Norwegian Elkhound Page
- Norwegian Elkhound Association of America
Kristine Lacoste has been researching dog and cat breeds for nearly a decade and has observed the animals up close at dog shows in both the United States and the United Kingdom. She is the author of the book One Unforgettable Journey, which was named as a finalist for a Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America, and was host of a weekly pet news segment on the National K-9 Academy Radio Show. In addition, she was the New Orleans coordinator for Dogs on Deployment, a nonprofit that helps military members and their pets, for 3 years. Kristine has researched and written about pet behaviors and care for many years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, another bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Business Administration degree.
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