Norwegian Elkhound

The Norwegian Elkhound is a classic example of a Spitz dog. They have a compact body, a wide head, and upright ears, all complemented by a thick silver coat and a curled tail. These dogs are designed for strength and speed, featuring a strong chest, powerful back legs, and solid limbs. Norwegian Elkhounds are active and enthusiastic, making them great friends and reliable guardians.

Quick Info

Size
Medium
Colours
Shades of gray with the topcoat tipped in black
Lifespan
12 to 15 years
Height
19 to 21 inches
Type
Hound
Hypoallergenic
no
Weight
48 to 55 pounds
Family
Spitz

Personality

Norwegian Elkhounds have a unique personality; they are shy at first but quickly become lively and show their fun-loving, confident side. These dogs enjoy being around people, are quite talkative, and are very friendly, often staying close to their owners. When they are socialized correctly, they tend to get along well with other dogs.

History

Norwegian Elkhounds are among the oldest dog breeds, possibly existing for nearly 7,000 years. The Vikings valued these dogs greatly, as noted in old stories. Their remains were frequently interred alongside their owners, reflecting the deep respect and love people had for them. These dogs have taken on many roles, including hunting, tracking, guarding, herding, and protecting. They traveled from Sweden and Norway to both England and America. As a token of gratitude for his support during World War I, President Hoover received a Norwegian Elkhound as a gift from Norway.

Ideal Owner

Norwegian Elkhounds are lively dogs full of energy and endurance. To match their spirit, owners should be equally active. This means being ready to take them on long walks in any kind of weather and leading a lifestyle that includes plenty of outdoor fun. It’s best if owners have some background with Spitz breeds and reside in cooler areas.

Exercise Needs

Norwegian Elkhound dogs require regular physical activity every day. They enjoy long walks, running freely, exploring with their noses, and playing tracking games. These dogs have a lot of stamina and prefer to be outside, no matter if it’s raining, snowing, or any other bad weather, so be prepared with your jackets. If they don’t have enough chances to burn off their energy, Norwegian Elkhounds may become loud and cause trouble.

Space Requirements

The Norwegian Elkhound doesn’t require a big house, but it does need a lot of outdoor space. It’s important for owners to have a big, safe yard and to be near different paths where the dog can run freely without a leash. Elkhounds thrive in country settings or in less crowded suburbs since they tend to be quite noisy. When they are in tight spaces, their natural guarding instincts can become stronger, which might cause stress for both the dog and neighbors who hear them.

Training

Norwegian Elkhounds are smart and generally cooperative, but their strong-willed personality can occasionally lead to challenges during training. Using positive reinforcement works well, and giving treats is effective since these dogs are motivated by food.

Grooming

Norwegian Elkhounds have dense double coats that shed quite a bit. Because of this, you may find a lot of loose fur in your home. Spending just five minutes brushing them can really lighten the load for your vacuum! Usually, these dogs don’t have a strong odor and don’t require regular baths.

Suitability for Family Life

Norwegian Elkhounds are great companions for families who enjoy being active and spending time outdoors. These dogs require plenty of exercise, so they are best suited for homes with older kids who can help keep them active. Elkhounds don’t handle being alone for extended times very well, so it's ideal for families who are around most of the day.

Did You know?

The Norwegian Elkhound makes a special sound known as "yodeling," which consists of a distinct pattern of sharp barks.

Similar Breeds

Karelian Bear Dog

Need to Know

Suitable for experienced owners
Extra training required
Enjoys active walks
Can be left alone occasionally with training
Medium dog
Minimal drool
Requires frequent grooming
Chatty and vocal dog