Norwegian Elkhound

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Dog Breed Group

Hound Dogs 

Origin of Breed

Norway as a hunting dog 

Life Expectancy

10 - 12 Years 

Color

Gray with black tipped hairs. 

Coat

Dense, smooth lying, weather resistant, outer-coat is coarse and straight with an under-coat that is soft and wooly. 

Exercise Needs

Exercise should be at least one hour per day and can consist of a run or free play. 

Temperament

The Elkhound is alert, friendly, dependable, trustworthy, independent and dominant 

Good with Children

Gets along with children, if children do not pester him. Usually get along well with other dogs. 

Grooming Needs

Minimal grooming is required to keep the coat as his coat is both water and dirt resistant. 

Average Size - Male (in)

20.5 

Average Size - Female (in)

19.5 

Average Weight - Male (lbs)

50 - 55 

Average Weight - Female (lbs)

45 - 48 

Health Issues

Hot spots and shedding problems. Susceptible to subcutaneous cysts and tumors. Possibility to progressive retinal atrophy, lens v

Living Conditions

House with a fenced yard is essential. 

Breed Description

The Norwegian Elkhound has the courage, agility and stamina to hold big game at a distance and the endurance to track for hours in all types of weather and terrain. He is extremely versatile. Is a straightforward, equable, friendly and gentle character. Makes a great family pet and home guardian as he is very loyal and protective. Puppies are born black but turn gray in about a week as their fur develops. He can trace his ancestors back 6000 years to the Viking days where he was used as a watchdog and guard against wolves and bears and as a hunter of elk and other large game.