The Norwegian Elkhound is one of the oldest Spitz-type dogs from Europe, dating back to Viking times. Their name in Norwegian, Norsk elghund, means moose dog because they were used as both scent and sight hounds in Moose hunting. Their job was to track and keep at bay moose until hunters came. Today, the Norwegian Elkhound is a family pet, but the hunting instincts are still present in this sturdy Viking dog.

1. Size

The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium-sized dog. Males are slightly bigger than females. The official Kennel Club breed standards are:

• Male height: around 20.5 inches (52 cm)
• Male weight: 51 pounds (23 kg)
• Female height: around 19.5 inches (49 cm)
• Female weight: 44 pounds (20 kg)

The Elkhound is compact and strong. It has an arched neck, short loin, long and muscular, well-built legs, and a tail that curls high above the back. Their ears are pricked, with a Spitz-like shape. This breed is perfectly developed to do their job – hunt large game and track them for hours on a very hard terrain. 

2. Color

The coat color of the Norwegian Elkhound is grey. They come in all shades of grey with black tips to the outer coat. The undercoat is a solid pale grey color. There are also lighter parts of grey on the overcoat, such as the underside of the tail, stomach, chest, legs, and buttocks. The darker parts are the foreface (part of a muzzle in front of the eyes) and ears. 

3. Social Traits

The Norwegian Elkhound can be a good family dog if you take the time to train them and keep them active. They can be stubborn which makes training a bit more difficult. However, they bond with their owners and are very gentle with children. As a matter of fact, high-energy children and Elkhounds are a match made in heaven. 

Before you decide on bringing any type of dog, it is important to properly socialize dogs and to teach children how to behave with dogs. This way, we minimize the possibility of any accidents. 

Generally speaking, Norwegian Elkhounds go well with other dogs, but some may be more territorial than others. However, if raised with other dogs and properly socialized, there shouldn’t be any problems. 

They have a strong prey drive, which means they will chase small animals they think of as prey. But, they are alright with animals that they grow up with. Other animals, outside of their home/territory, could be a problem.

Good with children: yes

Good with other dogs: yes, needs socialization

Good with other animals: needs socialization

4. Trainability

The key to training a Norwegian Elkhound dog is consistency. No one in the family can allow them to break the rules. They are smart dogs and will quickly learn how to not do what they don’t want to. So, follow the rules, be consistent, and use positive reinforcement.

Most dogs are food-motivated, and Elkhounds are no different. However, if you happen to have a dog that is not food-motivated, use a toy or playtime as a reward. Try out different dog treats to find one that your dog loves. You can use some fruits that are safe for dogs to eat as well.

5. Activity Needs

The Norwegian Elkhound is an active dog breed. They will need at least 1 hour of daily walks combined with some playtime. The walks can be divided into two 30-minute walks, in the morning and in the evening. But, they need more exercise in between.

Give them some time to run around freely. Just make sure they are in a secured, well-fenced area. Play a game with them, such as tug of war to keep them active and satisfy their need for playtime. This is also a good way to further bond with your dog.

Going on a hike or any “adventure” with a dog is another great way to keep them both mentally and physically active. The adventure can be exploring a new place, allowing them to find new interesting scents or meet new dogs. Keep it interesting, and your dog will be happy.

6. Feeding

The amount of food a dog needs every day depends on a dog’s health, activity levels, and age. Generally speaking, an adult Norwegian Elkhound needs from 2 to 2.5 cups of kibble food every day divided into two meals. 

It is not recommended to free-feed adult dogs, especially if you notice they are food-motivated. This can hinder your training. If a dog knows food is always available, then they won’t be motivated to do what you ask them during training sessions. 

7. Grooming

The Norwegian Elkhound has a double coat. They shed moderately, with profuse shedding during two shedding seasons – in spring and in fall. During the shedding season, they will need more frequent brushing to remove the loose hair. Outside their shedding season, they need a brush once a week.

The best dog brush for an Elkhound is a 2-in-1 brush where one side is a pin brush and the other one a bristle brush. The pin brush can reach to the undercoat and the bristle brush is good for the outer coat.

Like other dogs, they need regular nail trimming approximately once a month and an occasional bath. It is important to dry the coat thoroughly after bathing. 

8. Possible Problems

The Norwegian Elkhound is a healthy dog breed. Responsible breeding programs are the key to keeping the bloodline healthy and without hereditary diseases. Of course, just like any other living being, the Elkie can also have some issues. The common issues are:

• Hip dysplasia
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Hypothyroidism
• Fanconi syndrome  

They have a lifespan of over 10 years, usually from 12 to 15 years. 

Summary

The Norwegian Elkhound is a sturdy, energetic, and loyal dog breed. They were bred to hunt, which means they will have a naturally high prey instinct. However, if properly socialized and brought up with small animals (such as cats) they will act friendly and protective towards them.

They also go great with children, but supervision is always advised when the children are too young. Older children are great playmates and friends. 

Don’t forget they were bred to work in a cold environment and that they have a double coat. This means they don’t do well in hot climates. 

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