Norwegian Elkhound

Quick Take

• The name 'Norwegian Elkhound' is misleading in at least two distinct ways, and untangling those inaccuracies reveals something unexpected about what these dogs actually hunted.
• Their compact size fools most new owners, who are rarely prepared for one physical feat this breed routinely pulls off that demands a very specific response from anyone with a yard. See the fence-jumping concern →
• An independent streak that looks like stubbornness actually responds to one training approach far better than the obvious methods. Explore reward-based training →
• Being labeled a 'family dog' doesn't tell the whole story. There is a specific household profile where this breed consistently struggles. See household compatibility →

Norwegian Elkhounds are one of the oldest dog breeds in Europe, having existed for thousands of years. They were used as hunting and guard dogs by the Vikings. Not a Hound, despite the name, they are classified as part of the Spitz group by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale). In Norwegian, “elg” means moose and “hund” means any dog. So they may have helped hunt elk, but they were more commonly used to hunt moose. They can smell game from over a mile away.

These dogs are agile, alert, and always ready for adventures with their families. In addition to being fun family companions, they are also accomplished watchdogs. Further, the AKC classifies them as part of the Hound group, and they were also the favorite hunting companions of the Vikings.

These dogs are always ready to join any adventure. They are sensitive to their owners, yet strongly independent. They are perfect for family activities and have a longer lifespan. Although there are no hybrid varieties of this breed, they come in several color variations ranging from black to silver.

3 Pros and Cons of Ownership

Size and Weight

The Norwegian Elkhound is considered a medium-sized dog, with male height averaging 20 inches and female height averaging 19 inches. The average weight is 55 lbs. for males and 48 lbs. for females.

Common Health Issues

This breed has a few health issues that can come at a high price to treat. Hip dysplasia is one of the most common health issues that these dogs live with, a painful condition affecting mobility. Progressive retinal atrophy is a condition that can affect the eyes. Norwegian Elkhounds may also be susceptible to autoimmune hypothyroidism. Fanconi syndrome, a type of kidney disease, and skin cysts are also conditions that these dogs are vulnerable to. Getting a dog from a responsible breeder that screens for problems with the heart and eyes may help decrease the chances of your pet developing these problems.

Temperament

From the time they are puppies, this breed is naturally extroverted, independent, protective, and loyal. These dogs are always happy to be in on the action, with a temperament that embodies their fun-loving nature and a mischievous gleam in their eyes. This breed has a strong independent streak, which can make training a little bit tricky at times.

Norwegian Elkhounds are protective and will not let even perceived threats near their families without putting up a fight. Although not aggressive, they have a bark that is usually enough to encourage a would-be intruder to stay away. These dogs are loyal to their families, without question, and develop strong bonds with all family members.

Care

There are several important considerations for new Norwegian Elkhound owners to keep in mind, regardless of whether they have dogs from a breeder or rescue dogs. Breed-specific considerations may range from maintaining an ideal weight and whether coat color requires special care, to which conditions your vet should screen for during exams.

Best Dog Food

Norwegian Elkhounds at all life stages have unique nutritional needs due to their high energy and playful nature. The food that you pick will need to address the dog’s individual needs, ranging from its teeth to its coat. At periodic appointments, collaborate with your vet to come up with the ideal diet for your dog. If this breed develops kidney disease, many vets recommend low-phosphorus dog food.

Puppy food: Puppies of this breed thrive on diets with a high ratio of amino acids for a stronger immune system. Foods rich in protein help their muscles grow strong. Lean meats, such as fish or chicken, can help easily meet growing puppies’ needs, especially for healthy teeth and bones.

Adult dog food: Foods high in amino acids and protein will be necessary for adults as well. Blends of freeze-dried meat and dry food are among the most popular food types. Any food that these dogs eat should have meat as the first ingredient.

Maintenance And Grooming

Norwegian Elkhounds do not shed much but blow their coats two or three times yearly, often leading to clumps of black or silver hair around the house. Brushing once or twice a week and bathing the dog every six months will help keep the coat clean. Dog brushes with stiff bristles will get through the dog’s hair quickly. Aside from skin cysts, these dogs generally have no significant coat or skin conditions.

Training

These dogs are very intelligent, with a strong independent streak. However, they are relatively easy to train when using reward-based methods. Treats are some of the most popular rewards.

Exercise

Norwegian Elkhounds require vigorous activity daily because of their natural energy level. Because of the breed’s activity level and loud bark, these dogs are better suited to houses with yards than to apartments. At least a walk a day is recommended. Running in enclosed areas, playing fetch, or combining the two into a longer session are all ideal activities for these dogs.

Puppies

Although Norwegian Elkhound puppies are less common in rescues than many other breeds, finding one is still possible. Because these dogs are so high-energy, they are often a poor fit for people without the time to devote to the dog’s training. These puppies, in particular, love to chew on anything within easy reach. Sometimes, owners who acquire one of these dogs are unwilling to devote the time to training or pay the price of a trainer.

Children

Although these are loyal family dogs, they are not necessarily suited to people of all ages. These dogs are often somewhat rough in their play, increasing the chances of injuring a small child. The breed does best with older children and teens.

Similar Dogs

Similar dog breeds to the Norwegian Elkhound include the Finnish Spitz, German Spitz, and Japanese Spitz.

• Finnish Spitz: Shares a love of elk hunting, a loud bark, and playful nature with the Norwegian Elkhound. This dog is somewhat smaller in size, however.
• German Spitz: A smaller alternative, the German Spitz shares the thick coat and watchdog traits with Norwegian Elkhounds, as well as a similar color.
• Japanese Spitz: Also a smaller alternative to the Norwegian Elkhound, the Japanese Spitz shares strong family loyalty, a fluffy coat, and an athletic build.

Famous

The most famous Norwegian Elkhound was President Herbert Hoover’s dog, Weegie, who was gifted to him in 1931 and lived with the family during and after his presidency. An “X-Files” episode mentions a Norwegian Elkhound that a character owns. The breed also appears in When Christ and His Saints Slept by Sharon Kay Penman and Orlando: A Biography by Virginia Woolf.