A confident, lively hunting dog that is friendly by nature and carries itself with quiet dignity. It is bright, playful and devoted to its family, with enough independence to think for itself, and it makes an alert watchdog.132
how to spot oneNorwegian Elkhound coat and colours
thick, weatherproof double coat
A square, sturdy spitz with a coarse, straight outer coat over a soft woolly undercoat. The hair is short on the head and front legs and longest on the neck, thighs and tightly curled tail.31
Comes ingrey in various shades, with black-tipped guard hairs, lighter underparts, a darker muzzle and a harness mark from shoulder to elbow31
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Norwegian Elkhound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery week
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
how busy a day looksNorwegian Elkhound exercise needs
Up to about an hour of exercise a day; it enjoys hiking, tracking and long outdoor walks.4
where they are happiestNorwegian Elkhound at home
Does best with an active family and outdoor access; the coat is made for cold, northern weather.41
who they like aroundNorwegian Elkhound with people and other pets
Forms a very strong bond with its owners and enjoys being part of family life.2
the hands-on bitsNorwegian Elkhound grooming and care
Brush more than once a week; the dense coat sheds, with a heavier seasonal moult.4
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Norwegian Elkhound, and at what times?
Feed your adult Norwegian Elkhound at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent mealtimes help digestion, but avoid free feeding for puppies. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5
What should a Norwegian Elkhound eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Offer a high-quality dog food suited to its age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol, which are especially harmful to dogs. Always check with your vet for a complete list of safe and unsafe foods.6
How often should I bathe a Norwegian Elkhound?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests bathing about every 70 days, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues, using a dog-specific shampoo.7
How often does a Norwegian Elkhound need brushing?
Brush your Norwegian Elkhound at least twice a week, and daily during heavy shedding seasons. Its thick double coat needs regular brushing to manage shedding. Pet Wiki's plan suggests every three days, increasing to daily when shedding heavily.4
How do I trim a Norwegian Elkhound's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.7
How much exercise does a Norwegian Elkhound need?
Your Norwegian Elkhound needs up to an hour of exercise daily, enjoying activities like hiking and long walks. Pet Wiki suggests daily walks and play. This breed thrives with an active family and outdoor access.4
How do I look after a Norwegian Elkhound's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth ideally daily, or at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears every two weeks for dirt or odor, and clean gently with a vet-recommended solution, never insert anything into the ear canal.7
How long does a Norwegian Elkhound live?
A Norwegian Elkhound typically lives 10 years or more. With proper care, many can enjoy a long, healthy life. Regular vet checkups help ensure a good lifespan.4
Is a Norwegian Elkhound good with children and other pets?
Norwegian Elkhounds are friendly and devoted to their family, but their suitability with children and other pets can vary. It's best to ask a good breeder about the individual dog's temperament and socialization. Early introductions and supervision are always recommended.
Can a Norwegian Elkhound be left alone?
Norwegian Elkhounds form strong bonds with their owners and thrive on family life, so they may not do well if left alone for long periods. It varies by individual; consult a good breeder for advice on your dog's needs. Provide plenty of enrichment if you must leave them.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchNorwegian Elkhound health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Norwegian Elkhound. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Primary open-angle glaucoma
Raised pressure in the eye that slowly damages sight; a DNA test (ADAMTS10, POAG-2) is available. Royal Kennel Club Good Practice DNA test ↗
Progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA)
Inherited loss of the retina leading to blindness, with a DNA test available. Royal Kennel Club Good Practice DNA test ↗
Chondrodysplasia
An inherited form of dwarfism with short, bowed legs, with a DNA test available. Royal Kennel Club Best Practice DNA test (CDSL) ↗
Hip dysplasia
Faulty hip development that can lead to arthritis. Royal Kennel Club recommends BVA/KC hip scoring ↗
Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Norwegian Elkhound costs
Running costs for a Norwegian Elkhound, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Norwegian Elkhound legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Norwegian Elkhound in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Norwegian Elkhound tip
Norwegian Elkhounds are food-driven and gain weight easily, so keep treats tiny and infrequent, and factor them into their daily calorie allowance. Because they can have a sensitive stomach, avoid sudden diet changes and high-fat table scraps, and always ask your vet before introducing new treats.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
US President Herbert Hoover owned an Elkhound called Weegie.2
3
It works elk by finding them and holding them in place with its ringing bark until the hunter catches up.4
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The Norwegian Elkhound's name reflects its original purpose: hunting elk (moose) in Norway. The breed was first presented at a dog exhibition in Norway in 1877.2
I am a hunter, but today I'm a family dog. My day starts with a good stretch and a sniff around the yard – I check my territory, just in case. Then my human and I go for a hike in the forest. I love it here; the smells are rich and ancient. I walk ahead, my nose to the ground, but always look back to make sure my human is following. I'm brave, but I like to keep my pack close. We climb a hill, and I stand on a rock, surveying the world like a king. My human laughs and takes a picture. On the way back, we take a detour to a stream, where I cool my paws. At home, I curl up on the rug, my watchful eyes half-closed. I'm ready for whatever comes next – but I hope it's dinner.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganNorwegian Elkhound history
Grey spitz dogs of this type have lived in Norway since ancient times, and skeletons from the Stone Age look much like today's Elkhound. It was used to track elk and hold them at bay by barking until the hunter arrived. The breed was first shown in Norway in 1877 and was recognised by The Kennel Club in Britain in 1901.42
Standard no. 242 (Norsk Elghund Grå), Group 5 Spitz and primitive types, Section 2 Nordic Hunting Dogs; standard published 09.08.1999, country of origin Norway.3
The Royal Kennel Club
Hound group. Wikipedia states The Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1901.4
AKC
Has an AKC standard, approved 13 December 1988 and effective 1 February 1989.1
Sources (7)
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Black Norwegian Elkhound
Jämthund
Karelian Bear Dog