Hound group
Norwegian Elkhound
A bold Viking-era spitz bred to hold moose at bay — loyal, loud and hardy.
Norwegian Elkhounds are sturdy, silver-grey spitz dogs bred to track and hold moose. They are loyal, confident family dogs, but independent, vocal and heavy shedders.
- Height
- 19.5–20.5 in50–52 cm
- Weight
- 48–55 lb22–25 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Size
- Medium
- Group
- Hound
- Origin
- Norway
Coat: Thick, weatherproof double coat. Colours: Grey with black tips.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Elkhounds are friendly, bold and devoted to their families. They are good watchdogs and often playful and affectionate at home.
They were bred to bark to hold moose at bay, so many are vocal. They are independent and can be dominant with other dogs. Consistent training and exercise are essential.
Living with a Norwegian Elkhound
Exercise
Needs an hour or more of vigorous daily exercise; they love hiking and cold weather.
Grooming
Brush several times a week; daily during heavy seasonal sheds.
Training
Intelligent and independent; firm, fair, reward-based training with plenty of variety works best. Teach a quiet cue early.
Kids & other pets
Good with children; may be dominant with other dogs. Supervise with small pets.
Time alone
Tolerates moderate alone time but may bark or dig when bored.
Home fit
Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.
Is a Norwegian Elkhound right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Norwegian Elkhound matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Norwegian Elkhound typically lives 12–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Hip dysplasia
Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.
Progressive retinal atrophy
Inherited vision loss; eye exams and DNA tests help.
Fanconi syndrome
An inherited kidney disorder causing excessive thirst and urination.
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid; managed with daily medication.
Chondrodysplasia
An inherited dwarfism affecting limb growth; DNA testing is available.
Ask a breeder for
- Hip evaluation
- Eye examination
- Thyroid evaluation
- DNA test for chondrodysplasia
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Norwegian Elkhound; Norwegian Elkhound Association of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
Elkhound-type dogs have lived in Scandinavia for thousands of years; skeletons found in Viking burial sites resemble the breed. They hunted moose (called elk in Europe), bear and lynx.
Elkhounds featured in the Norwegian Hunters’ Association’s first dog show in 1877, and the AKC recognised the Norwegian Elkhound in 1913. It remains Norway’s national dog.
Did you know?
- Elkhound-like dogs have been found in Viking burial sites.
- The Elkhound is Norway’s national dog.
- Elkhounds hold moose at bay by barking and dodging.
Library guides for Norwegian Elkhound owners
Grooming
Brushing
A brushing routine keeps Norwegian Elkhound shedding under control.
Training
Come (Recall)
High chase drive makes a reliable recall essential.
Exercise & Play
Fetch
A fast way to meet a high exercise need.
Exercise & Play
Tug of War
An energy outlet that also builds impulse control.
Grooming
Ear Cleaning
Ear care matters for this coat and ear type.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Norwegian Elkhound.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Do Norwegian Elkhounds shed a lot?
- Yes, heavily — especially during seasonal sheds.
- Are Elkhounds good family dogs?
- Yes, for active families. They are loyal and good with children.
- Do Elkhounds bark a lot?
- Yes; they were bred to bark while hunting.