Norwegian Elkhound
An ancient Norwegian spitz hunting dog used to track and bay big game such as elk. Bold, loyal and hardy, but independent, vocal and a heavy shedder.
Norwegian Elkhound scorecard
Overview
The Norwegian Elkhound is an ancient Scandinavian spitz, a robust, square-built hound bred to track and hold big game such as elk (moose). Standing around 49 to 52 cm and weighing roughly 20 to 25 kg, it has a thick grey weatherproof coat, prick ears and a tightly curled tail, presenting a confident, hardy outline well suited to harsh northern conditions.
Bold, loyal and full of stamina, the Elkhound is a devoted family dog with a friendly, outgoing nature, but it is also independent, vocal and a notably heavy shedder. It enjoys exercise and company and does best with active owners who appreciate a self-reliant, characterful hound and don't mind a dog that likes to use its voice.
Good to know — a Norwegian Elkhound needs plenty of space and manageable for committed beginners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Norwegian Elkhound is one of the oldest of European breeds, with spitz-type dogs of similar form associated with Scandinavia for thousands of years, and it has long served Norwegian hunters as a tracker and big-game hound, working to scent, track and bay elk until the hunter arrived. It has also been used as a guard, herder and all-round farm dog.
The Federation Cynologique Internationale recognises the breed (Norwegian Elkhound Grey, Norsk Elghund Grå) under Norwegian patronage, and it is recognised by The Kennel Club in the Hound group. It is a National Dog Breed of Norway and is established, though not numerous, in the UK.
Temperament & family fit
The Elkhound is typically confident, friendly and affectionate with its family, combining boldness with loyalty and a generally good nature around children. As an alert breed with strong guarding tendencies it makes a keen watchdog and will bark readily, a trait that reflects its hunting heritage as a baying hound.
It is, however, an independent and strong-willed breed with a hunter's mind, so recall around wildlife can be challenging and a degree of stubbornness is common. With proper socialisation it is usually sociable, but its prey drive and self-reliance mean it benefits from secure boundaries and sensible management.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
Intelligent but independent, the Norwegian Elkhound responds best to patient, positive, reward-based training that keeps it motivated; it can lose interest in repetitive drills and may simply decide it has better things to do. Firm, fair consistency and engaging short sessions get the best results.
Early and ongoing socialisation, along with dedicated recall work, are important given the breed's prey drive and vocal nature. It is a manageable choice for a committed owner but its wilfulness means it rewards experience and patience.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Norwegian Elkhound typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The dense double coat is a heavy shedder, particularly during the seasonal moults when it 'blows' its undercoat in large quantities. Regular brushing, increasing to daily during moults, is needed to manage the shedding and keep the coat and skin in good order; the breed needs no trimming and is relatively odour-free. Routine nail, ear and dental care complete the regime.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Feed a complete, balanced diet suited to a medium-sized active dog, adjusting portions to age, activity and body condition. The breed can be prone to weight gain if overfed and under-exercised, so keeping it lean is important for joint and overall health. Fresh water should always be available.
Norwegian Elkhound health & costs
Before bringing a Norwegian Elkhound home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£400–600 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£25–45 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£120–300 / year
Occasional pro + home brushing
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Norwegian Elkhound is generally a hardy, healthy breed with good stamina and a typical lifespan of around 12 to 15 years. As with all pedigree dogs, responsible breeders health-test their stock and prospective owners should ask to see relevant results.
Recognised breed concerns include hereditary eye conditions, hip dysplasia and a predisposition to certain kidney and metabolic problems, so screening and routine veterinary monitoring are worthwhile. Weight management and dental care further support a long, active life.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Hip dysplasia — joint malformation; hip scoring of breeding stock is advisable
- Progressive retinal atrophy and other eye conditions — inherited sight loss screened by eye testing
- Renal (kidney) disorders — the breed is noted to be predisposed to certain kidney problems
- Hypothyroidism — underactive thyroid causing weight gain and coat changes, manageable with medication
- Sebaceous cysts — benign skin cysts reported in the breed
- Obesity — easy weight gain if overfed, adding strain to joints
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Norwegian Elkhound; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Norwegian Elkhound puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Norwegian Elkhound
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Robust, loyal family companion
- Hardy and healthy with great stamina
Things to consider
- Sheds heavily, needs regular grooming
- Independent, vocal and strong-willed
Compare the Norwegian Elkhound
See how the Norwegian Elkhound measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Frequently asked questions
What was the Norwegian Elkhound bred to do?
The Norwegian Elkhound is an ancient Scandinavian spitz, a robust, square-built hound bred to track and hold big game such as elk (moose). It has a thick grey weatherproof coat, prick ears and a tightly curled tail, giving a confident, hardy outline well suited to harsh northern conditions. It works as a baying hound, using its voice to hold quarry.
How big is a Norwegian Elkhound?
The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium-sized, sturdy breed, standing around 49 to 52 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 20 to 25 kg. It has a square, well-muscled build and a dense double coat that gives it a substantial, robust appearance, designed to withstand cold and rough country during long days of work.
What is the Norwegian Elkhound's temperament like?
The Elkhound is typically confident, friendly and affectionate with its family, combining boldness with loyalty and a generally good nature around children. As an alert breed with guarding tendencies it makes a keen watchdog and barks readily. It is, however, independent and strong-willed with a hunter's mind, so a degree of stubbornness is common.
Do Norwegian Elkhounds shed a lot?
Yes, the Norwegian Elkhound is a notably heavy shedder. Its dense double coat 'blows' its undercoat in large quantities during the seasonal moults. Regular brushing, increasing to daily during moults, is needed to manage the shedding and keep the coat and skin in good order. The breed needs no trimming and is relatively odour-free.
How much exercise does a Norwegian Elkhound need?
This is an energetic, hardy breed with real stamina that needs plenty of daily exercise, including long walks and the chance to use its nose and explore. Bred to range and track over rough country for hours, it can become bored, vocal or destructive without enough outlet. Because of its strong prey drive, off-lead freedom should be confined to safe, secure areas.
How long do Norwegian Elkhounds live?
The Norwegian Elkhound is generally a hardy, healthy breed with a typical lifespan of around 12 to 15 years. Recognised breed concerns include hereditary eye conditions, hip dysplasia and a predisposition to certain kidney and metabolic problems, so screening and routine veterinary monitoring are worthwhile. Weight management and dental care further support a long, active life.
Are Norwegian Elkhounds easy to train?
They are intelligent but independent, responding best to patient, positive, reward-based training that keeps them motivated. The breed can lose interest in repetitive drills, so short, engaging sessions work best. Early socialisation and dedicated recall work are important given its prey drive and vocal nature. Its wilfulness means it rewards a committed, patient owner.
Are Norwegian Elkhounds good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Norwegian Elkhounds tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Norwegian Elkhound need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Norwegian Elkhound needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Norwegian Elkhounds shed a lot?
Heavy shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.
Are Norwegian Elkhounds easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Manageable for committed beginners. Norwegian Elkhounds are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Norwegian Elkhounds bark a lot?
Vocal / alert barker. They can be quite vocal, so early training and enough exercise and stimulation help keep barking in check.
Are Norwegian Elkhounds good with other dogs?
Generally fine with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Norwegian Elkhounds suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Norwegian Elkhound really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- The Kennel Club — Norwegian Elkhound breed information: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/hound/norwegian-elkhound/
- Federation Cynologique Internationale — Norwegian Elkhound Grey standard: https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/NORWEGIAN-ELKHOUND-GREY-242.html
- PDSA — Dog care, diet and exercise advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs
- Blue Cross — Dog grooming and shedding advice: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.