Norwegian Elkhound Dog Breed Information

Group

Hounds

Weight

22-25 kg

Height

49-52 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Norwegian Elkhound

Reviewed by:

Dr. Liza Cahn

Veterinarian

The Norwegian Elkhound dog breed was designed to be robust, powerful, and resilient in the face of the cold of Northern Europe. Strong climbers and swimmers, these strong dogs can reach up to 55lbs and are great for outdoorsy and active owners.

Today we’re going to look at whether or not these cuddly but capable hunting dogs are right for you, examining their habits, personality, common medical issues, and much more.

What is the history & origin of the Norwegian Elkhound?

The origin of Norwegian Elkhounds, sometimes known as the Norwegian moose dog, is ancient and, according to canine skeletons found in a cave in Norway, could date back as far as 8000 years.

These dogs made perfect hunting companions for tracking some of the animals native to the area, such as seals, moose, and boars. Vikings were known to prize this dog for its invaluable assistance while on a hunt with their keen sense of smell and energetic, playful, but focused spirit.

Although primarily recognized as hunting dogs, their intelligence, energy, and ability to work independently have made them useful in herding tasks as well.

While they have been around for many thousands of years, it wasn’t until 1913 that this pooch was recognised by the American Kennel Club. These dogs are now kept widely as charming yet independent companions and are often still used as hunting dogs.

What is a Norwegian Elkhound breed?

The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium-sized dog that is part of the Spitz family. Its appearance is distinctive, with a thick double coat, bushy tail, and sturdy build. The breed’s physical characteristics are a testament to its adaptability and resilience.

Known for its loyal and independent temperament, the Norwegian Elkhound is both engaging and intelligent. These dogs are energetic and playful, and thrive on plenty of physical and mental stimulation.

The Norwegian Elkhound’s unique combination of qualities has made it a cherished breed. A robust wolf-like appearance and endearing personality have contributed to its continued popularity, and it remains a favored choice for those seeking a capable and charming canine companion.

Who is a Norwegian Elkhound best for?

The Norwegian Elkhound was bred to be outdoors and is perfect for anyone looking for a companion for long outings or for families with lots of time to spare to help drain this dog’s plentiful energy stores. Longs walks, strenuous physical exercise, and mental stimulation are key for this breed.

Norwegian Elkhounds need room to move and explore, so homes with a yard or access to open spaces where the dog can exercise regularly would be ideal.

This breed is also agreeable and loyal, making them well suited to families with older children. Their gentle temperament, combined with proper training and socialization, make them good family pets. But first-time dog owners should think twice before taking on this challenging and independent breed.

Norwegian Elkhound Grooming & Shedding

The Norwegian Elkhound has a rough, thick outer coat protecting a fluffy, thick undercoat. You can imagine that this double coat is a recipe for a big mess on your carpet, particularly during shedding season. Make sure to give them a brush once a day to maintain their coat (and the state of your carpet).

Besides that, they are hygienic dogs that don’t carry a typical doggy smell and generally only require a few baths per year.

Regular nail trimming and teeth brushing are also advised.

Do Norwegian Elkhounds bark a lot?

As a hunting dog, this breed is bred to bark loudly when it notices wild animals, hence the Norwegian Elkhound can be a little too talkative for some pet parents.

It’s important to work on training, socialization, and basic manners when they are young; that being said, some owners report never being able to entirely get their Elkhound to stop barking excessively. Providing plenty of mental stimulation and physical exercise is key, as well as training focusing on positive reinforcement techniques.

On the plus side, the combination of this shrill bark and their attentiveness makes them great guard dogs.

What is the average weight & height of a Norwegian Elkhound dog?

Both male and female Elkhounds will grow to be between 49-52cm tall and weigh between 22-25kg.

They have the compact, stocky build of a medium-sized dog with powerful hindquarters and strong, muscular back legs.

Are Norwegian Elkhounds easy to train?

In terms of dog training, this breed requires an above-average amount of obedience training early in life. Attending puppy training classes, using positive reinforcement techniques, and working closely with your vet if any issues arise will be key.

Like most breeds of hounds, Elkhounds can be sensitive, so it’s important to be gentle but firm while you’re conditioning them. Training them in short, playful bursts will see better returns than repetitive, drawn-out sessions, which would soon bore them, leaving them disinterested and harder to train.

This is part of the reason why this breed is not perfect for new owners, especially if they are considering a puppy. Elkhound puppies are especially cute and easy to spoil, making firm ground rules difficult to lay out and stick to.

Despite these challenges, these dogs are extremely intelligent.

How do Norwegian Elkhounds behave? A look at their temperament and personality

This dog relied on intelligence, work ethic, and team spirit while on a hunt, all behaviours we can still see today.

They are known for their energetic and playful nature, thriving in environments where they can exercise both their body and mind. While they have a strong hunting and herding instinct, they are often gentle and tolerant within the family, forming close bonds with their human companions.

In summary, the Norwegian Elkhound’s temperament is characterized by its lively and playful spirit, combined with a level of independence and loyalty. This breed offers a wonderful companionship to those who can meet its needs for physical activity, mental stimulation, and consistent, loving interaction.

Does the Norwegian Elkhound have any common health issues?

Like most ancient breeds, the Norwegian Elkhound enjoys good health. However, they are known to suffer from some hereditary issues. Some common issues that seem to affect Elkhounds are:

Hip Dysplasia: Malformation of the hip joint, leading to arthritis.
Blindness: Eye issues such as progressive retinal atrophy (a gradual vision loss due to deterioration of the retina) and early retinal degeneration (a hereditary condition that can cause blindness) are more common in this breed. Breeding dogs should be eye tested through the BVA/KC eye scheme.
Renal Dysplasia: Congenital kidney disorder that can lead to kidney failure.
Patellar Luxation: Dislocation of the kneecap, causing discomfort and mobility issues.
Fanconi Syndrome: Rare disorder affecting the kidneys.
Sebaceous Cysts: Common, benign skin growths.
Hypothyroidism: Condition of underactive thyroid gland, leading to various symptoms.
Cancer: Various types of cancer can affect Norwegian Elkhounds, as with many other breeds. Regular check-ups can aid in early detection and treatment.
Heart Disease: Norwegian Elkhounds may suffer from different heart conditions. Monitoring heart health through regular veterinary examinations is essential.

Understanding these health risks and working with a responsible breeder who tests for hereditary conditions can help ensure that a Norwegian Elkhound lives a long and healthy life. Regular veterinary care, proper nutrition, and a suitable lifestyle remain vital in managing or preventing these health challenges.

What is the lifespan of a Norwegian Elkhound?

When properly fed and cared for, an Elkhound can enjoy an average lifespan of between 12 and 15 years.

How much does a Norwegian Elkhound need to be fed?

You should work together with your trusted veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to decide the most appropriate food for your pup.

When choosing a diet, look for WSAVA and AAFCO seals of approval, indicating that the food is complete and balanced. Avoid boutique foods like raw and grain-free, which have been linked to infections and heart disease.

Most owners feed two meals per day after puppyhood, with the amount depending on your dog’s diet, size, and activity level. You can give your dog quality treats in moderation, especially during training, but avoid feeding table scraps as this could be unhealthy and also result in unwanted begging behaviour. These food-driven dogs may overeat if given the chance.

Additionally, fresh water should always be available.

How much can you expect to pay for a Norwegian Elkhound in Australia?

While the final price will boil down to quality, age, gender, parentage, and breeder, you can expect to pay $700 to $1500, or sometimes significantly more. Ongoing costs for food, veterinary care, grooming, training, and other necessities should also be factored into your budget.

Always make sure that you acquire your Elkhound from a reputable breeder dedicated to responsible breeding practices, appropriate testing, and veterinary care to contribute to the health and temperament of their puppies.

Adopting a dog through an animal shelter or breed-specific rescue is another excellent option.

Norwegian Elkhound FAQs

Is a Norwegian Elkhound ideal for a first-time dog owner?

This breed requires a good degree socialization and training. An experienced owner is best for these intelligent, high-energy dogs, independent, and stubborn dogs.

Do Norwegian Elkhounds suffer from separation anxiety?

Like most dogs, Norwegian Elkhounds are sociable animals who don’t do well when isolated from their family for long periods of time. In some cases this can lead to separation anxiety and destructive behaviour.

Are Norwegian Elkhounds hypoallergenic dogs?

No, Norwegian Elkhounds shed their fur year-round and are known to produce a lot of hair and dander.

Will a Norwegian Elkhound need professional grooming?

This is personal preference, but you should be able to groom a Norwegian Elkhound without the help of a professional. Just remember to brush them daily, as they shed regularly and will need dead and loose hair removed to avoid mats.