Norwegian Elkhound
Updated December 2, 2025
The Norwegian Elkhound is a robust and ancient breed, famed for its history as a Viking hunting companion. They are friendly, confident, and dependable dogs that excel as family protectors and active partners. While independent, they are deeply loyal and thrive on being an integral part of their human pack.
Bold, Loyal, Independent, Energetic, Reliable
48-60 pounds
19-21 inches
12-15 years
Gray, Black
At a Glance
Good with Kids
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About Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound is a robust and ancient breed, famed for its history as a Viking hunting companion. They are friendly, confident, and dependable dogs that excel as family protectors and active partners. While independent, they are deeply loyal and thrive on being an integral part of their human pack.
What Makes Norwegian Elkhounds Special
The Norwegian Elkhound embodies the spirit of a Viking: bold, courageous, and loyal, with a dignified yet friendly presence.
They are hardy, all-purpose dogs, historically serving as hunters, guardians, and herders. Their intelligence and protective instincts make them superb watchdogs and devoted family members.
With a striking silver-gray coat and an inquisitive, energetic nature, the Elkhound is a steadfast companion for active individuals and families.
Norwegian Elkhound History & Origin
The Norwegian Elkhound is an ancient breed with skeletons of similar dogs found dating back to 4000-5000 BC. These dogs accompanied the Vikings, serving as hunters of large game like elk (moose), bear, and reindeer, as well as guardians of the homestead.
The name 'Elkhound' is a slight mis-translation of the Norwegian 'Elghund,' which means 'moose dog'.
The breed was first exhibited at a dog show in Norway in 1877, establishing its presence in the modern dog world.
It is the national dog of Norway and has been a prized companion and hunter in Scandinavia for millennia.
President Herbert Hoover owned a Norwegian Elkhound named 'Weegie,' which helped increase the breed's visibility in the United States.
A reputable breeder may charge between $1,500 and $2,500 for a Norwegian Elkhound puppy. Adoption is also an option through breed-specific rescues.
Norwegian Elkhound Characteristics
Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Training Needs
Health Issues
Shedding Level
Norwegian Elkhound Appearance
The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium-sized, square-profiled Spitz-type dog, presenting a picture of a hardy and athletic northern breed.
Their distinctive gray double coat, prick ears, and tightly curled tail create a powerful and alert appearance.
They carry themselves with a confident and proud demeanor, always ready for action.
Physical Features
Ears
The Elkhound's ears are high-set, erect, and pointed, giving them an alert look. They are very mobile and turn to catch sounds.
Eyes
Their eyes are dark brown and oval-shaped, expressing a keen, friendly, and fearless intelligence.
Nose
The nose is black, complementing the dark muzzle and ears.
Coat & Build
Coat Length
They have a medium-length, thick double coat. The undercoat is soft and woolly, while the outer coat is coarse and weather-resistant.
Coat Color
The standard color is medium gray with black-tipped guard hairs, creating the characteristic silver-gray hue. The undercoat, legs, and stomach are a lighter silver. The muzzle, ears, and tail tip are black.
Tail
The tail is set high and curls tightly over the back, a hallmark of Spitz-type breeds.
Norwegian Elkhound Temperament
A dog of the Vikings, the Norwegian Elkhound is a fearless and robust Spitz-type breed.
Known for their dependable and friendly nature, they are deeply loyal to their family but can be reserved with strangers, making them excellent watchdogs.
Their history as hunters of large game like moose (or 'elg' in Norwegian) has instilled in them a bold and independent spirit.
While intelligent and trainable, their independence can sometimes pose a challenge, requiring a patient and consistent owner.
They are energetic and playful, thriving in an active household where they can be part of family adventures.
Temperament Traits
Good With
Health
Norwegian Elkhounds are generally a robust and healthy breed with a life expectancy of 12-15 years. Responsible breeders screen for genetic conditions to maintain the breed's health. Awareness of potential health issues is key for proactive care.
Common Health Issues
Preventive Care
Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, consistent exercise, and genetic screening are vital for a long, healthy life.
How to Care for a Norwegian Elkhound
Norwegian Elkhounds are hardy and robust dogs but have significant needs for exercise, grooming, and companionship. They are best suited for active owners who can provide firm, consistent training and plenty of physical and mental stimulation.
Grooming
The Elkhound's thick double coat requires regular brushing, at least two to three times a week, to manage shedding and prevent matting.
They experience heavy seasonal shedding, often called 'blowing coat,' twice a year, during which daily brushing is necessary to control the amount of loose fur.
Despite the heavy shedding, their coat is relatively easy to care for and does not have a strong 'doggy' odor; baths are only needed a few times a year.
Regular nail trims, ear cleaning to prevent infections, and dental care are essential components of their grooming routine.
Training
Elkhounds are intelligent and eager to please, but their independent nature, born from centuries of tracking game, means they can be stubborn.
Training should start early with a focus on socialization and basic obedience. They respond best to positive reinforcement techniques involving praise, food, and toys.
They are natural watchdogs and tend to be vocal, so training them to bark on command rather than at every noise is beneficial.
Their keen sense of smell can be a distraction, so keeping training sessions engaging and in a controlled environment is key.
Diet
A high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and high energy level is crucial.
These dogs have hearty appetites, and their food intake should be monitored to prevent obesity, especially in less active individuals.
It's recommended to feed them two measured meals per day rather than leaving food out all the time.
Fresh water should always be available.
Exercise
Bred for stamina and endurance, the Norwegian Elkhound requires at least an hour of vigorous exercise daily.
They are not suited for a sedentary lifestyle and can become destructive or overly vocal if not adequately exercised.
Activities they excel at include long walks, hiking, jogging, and dog sports like agility and herding.
Due to their strong tracking instincts, they should always be kept on a leash or in a securely fenced area.
Environment
Norwegian Elkhounds thrive in homes with a securely fenced yard where they have room to move.
Their thick, weather-resistant coat makes them well-suited for cold climates, but they can be prone to overheating in hot weather.
They are highly social dogs who bond closely with their families and do not do well if left alone for extended periods.
While adaptable, their energy levels and tendency to bark make them generally unsuitable for apartment living.
Living Conditions
Space Requirements
A home with a securely fenced yard is strongly recommended.
Climate Adaptability
Well-suited for colder climates; can overheat in high temperatures.
Apartment Living
Not ideal for apartment living due to high energy and barking.
Best Suited For
Perfect for active owners and families who love the outdoors.
Training Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Norwegian Elkhounds good family dogs?
Yes, they are loyal and protective, making them good family dogs. They are generally good with children, but their boisterous nature means supervision is always recommended.
How much do Norwegian Elkhounds bark?
They are a very vocal breed and have a tendency to bark a lot. They were bred to track and hold game by barking, so it is a strong instinct. Training can help manage excessive barking.
How much do Norwegian Elkhounds shed?
Norwegian Elkhounds shed a lot. They have two major shedding seasons per year where they 'blow' their undercoat, and moderate shedding year-round. They are not a hypoallergenic breed.
Are Norwegian Elkhounds easy to train?
They are intelligent and capable of learning quickly, but their independent nature can make them stubborn. They require a patient and consistent owner who uses positive reinforcement.
Can a Norwegian Elkhound live in a hot climate?
Their thick double coat is designed for cold weather. They can live in warmer climates but require protection from the heat, such as access to air conditioning and avoiding exercise during the hottest part of the day.
Specialized Care Guides
Puppy Care
Early socialization with various people, sounds, and other animals is critical. Begin obedience training early.
Senior Care
Adjust exercise to accommodate joint health, monitor weight, and schedule more frequent vet check-ups.
First-Time Owner Tips
Can be challenging for first-time owners due to their intelligence, independence, and high energy needs.
Looking for a Norwegian Elkhound?
Connect with responsible breeders, rescue organizations, and pet adoption services in your area.