Norwegian Elkhound

Norwegian Elkhound
A Norwegian Elkhound with a grey and black coat walks on a leash during a dog show, with a "Hound Group" sign visible in the background.

Meet the Norwegian Elkhound

From his ancient heritage as a hunting and guard dog companion to the Vikings, the Norwegian elkhound is a fearless hunter of moose and other big game in Scandanavia. This scenthound is a sturdy, medium-sized, gray dog that remains relatively unchanged in breed type for thousands of years. This hardy, intelligent dog is fiercely loyal to his master while maintaining his independence. Norwegian elkhounds were first imported into America in the early 1900s. Today, they continue to be versatile as companions to the active family and as competitors in the breed, obedience and agility show rings.

Breed Group:

Hound

Breed Personality:

Courageous, Outgoing, Playful, Smart

Breed Specifics

Max Life Expectancy
(years): 15
Max Height
(inches): 20.5
Max Weight
(lbs): 55

Main Breed Characteristics

Good with Children (3/5)
Good with Other Dogs (3/5)
Shedding (3/5)
Grooming Needs (2/5)
Coat Length (1/5)
Good with Strangers (4/5)
Playfulness (4/5)
Protectiveness (5/5)
Trainability (4/5)
Energy Level (4/5)
Barking Level (4/5)

Breed Variations

USEFUL LINKS
RELEVANT INFORMATION

Official Breed Club

Visit the official breed club website to access trusted resources, connect with experts, and stay informed about breed standards.

All About Dog Shows

Discover how dog shows work, what judges look for, and how to get involved—whether you’re a spectator or an aspiring participant.

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