The Norwegian Elkhound

Quick Overview

Name: Norwegian Elkhound (Norsk Elghund if you’re feeling continental)
Size: 19-21 inches tall (basically a medium-sized coffee table with legs)
Weight: 48-55 pounds (about the same as a large suitcase, but furrier)
Grooming: High maintenance (prepare for tumbleweeds of fur)
Training: Moderate to challenging (they’re polite but have their own agenda)
Exercise: 2+ hours daily (they were bred to chase elk, not lounge about)
Temperament: Independent, loyal, vocal, perpetually convinced they’re in charge
Origins: Norway (where being tough is a survival skill)
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Typical Cost: £800-1,500 for a puppy, £70-100 monthly for food

A History of the Hardy Norwegian

The Norwegian Elkhound is basically a Viking dog that’s been time-travelled into your living room, complete with all the attitude and none of the understanding that central heating exists. These dogs have been trotting around Scandinavia for over 6,000 years, which makes them older than most European civilisations and infinitely more self-assured.

Originally bred to hunt elk (which are basically deer the size of small cars), these dogs had to be tough enough to survive Norwegian winters and brave enough to face down animals that could flatten them with one hoof. They didn’t just track elk – they’d corner them and bark until the hunters arrived, which explains why your Elkhound thinks every delivery driver needs a thorough vocal assessment.

The breed was so valued that they were often buried with their Viking owners, presumably to provide commentary on the afterlife. Norwegian folklore is full of these dogs, and they’ve appeared on everything from ancient petroglyphs to modern postage stamps. They’re basically Norway’s unofficial mascot, though they’re probably too dignified to care about such human designations.

What’s Daily Life Actually Like?

Living with a Norwegian Elkhound is like sharing your home with a polite but opinionated Nordic relative who judges your lifestyle choices and isn’t shy about expressing their views. They’re incredibly loyal to their families but maintain a distinctly Scandinavian approach to affection – it’s there, but it’s delivered with dignity and on their terms.

Apartment living? Technically possible, but your neighbours will quickly become intimately familiar with the Norwegian Elkhound’s thoughts on postal workers, squirrels, and the general state of the world. These dogs have opinions about everything, and they express them loudly.

They’re excellent with children, treating them like small pack members who need gentle supervision. However, they’re not particularly playful in the traditional sense – think more “wise guardian” than “bouncy playmate.” They’ll watch over your kids with the dedication of a professional bodyguard, just don’t expect them to fetch tennis balls with enthusiasm.

Training: The Diplomatic Challenge

Norwegian Elkhounds are intelligent dogs who understand exactly what you want them to do. Whether they choose to do it depends entirely on whether they think it’s a reasonable request. They approach training like a negotiation – they’ll hear your terms, consider them carefully, and then decide if there’s something in it for them.

Training Reality:

• They learn commands quickly but execute them selectively
• Positive reinforcement works better than demands (they respond poorly to being ordered about)
• Early socialisation is crucial – they can be reserved with strangers
• They have strong prey drive and will chase anything that moves quickly
• Recall training is essential but challenging – they were bred to work independently

Training Tips:

• Keep sessions short and varied (they get bored easily)
• Use high-value treats and make training feel like their idea
• Never shout at an Elkhound – they’ll simply ignore you with Nordic dignity
• Consistency is key, but so is patience

Exercise: The Never-Ending Adventure

These dogs were bred to track elk across vast Norwegian landscapes, so a quick walk around the block isn’t going to cut it. They need proper exercise – the kind that makes you question your own fitness levels and possibly invest in better hiking boots.

Exercise Requirements:

• 2+ hours of exercise daily, preferably in different environments
• Long hikes or runs (they’ll outlast most humans)
• Mental stimulation through tracking games or puzzle toys
• Secure areas for off-leash time (their recall can be selective)
• They excel at activities like canicross, hiking, and dog sports

What happens if they don’t get enough exercise? You’ll discover that a bored Elkhound is a creative Elkhound, and their creativity tends to focus on home renovation projects you didn’t authorise.

First-Time Owner Reality Check

Probably not the best choice for complete beginners. While they’re not aggressive or overly difficult, they require an owner who understands that respect is earned, not demanded. They’re independent thinkers who need consistent, patient training and plenty of exercise.

If you’ve successfully raised teenagers, you’re probably qualified to handle an Elkhound. If you prefer dogs who hang on your every word and live to please, consider a Labrador instead.

Common Behavioural Challenges

• Excessive barking – they have a lot to say about everything
• Selective hearing – they’ll hear a crisp packet opening from three rooms away but mysteriously miss “come” commands
• Strong prey drive – anything small and moving is potentially interesting
• Independence – they’ll wander off if something catches their attention
• Resource guarding – they can be possessive of food, toys, or favourite sleeping spots
• Stranger wariness – they’re polite but not immediately friendly with new people

Grooming: Welcome to the Fur Factory

That gorgeous double coat comes with a price – dog hair everywhere, all the time, for eternity. During shedding season (which seems to be most of the year), you’ll find Elkhound fur in places that defy the laws of physics.

Grooming Schedule:

• Daily brushing during shedding season (spring and autumn)
• 3-4 times weekly during “normal” times
• Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks
• Regular nail trims (they grow quickly)
• Weekly ear cleaning (those upright ears collect debris)

Pro tip: Invest in a really good vacuum cleaner. Then buy a second one as backup. You’ll understand why eventually.

Climate Considerations

Built for Norwegian winters, challenged by anything above 15°C. These dogs have a serious double coat designed for temperatures that would make polar bears reach for cardigans. They’re happiest when you’re scraping ice off your car windscreen.

Hot weather reality: They can overheat quickly in warm climates. Summer exercise should be early morning or late evening, and they’ll need access to air conditioning or at least serious shade and water. If you live somewhere that requires flip-flops year-round, seriously consider a different breed.

Cold weather: They’ll be outside building snow forts while you’re inside wondering if your heating bill was a typo. This is their element.

Compatibility Assessment

With Children: Excellent. They’re patient, protective, and naturally gentle with kids. They see children as pack members who need supervision and will take this job seriously.

With Other Pets: Generally good with other dogs, especially if socialised early. With cats, it depends on the individual dog and how well they’re introduced. Small pets (rabbits, guinea pigs) might trigger their prey drive, so supervised interactions are essential.

With Other Dogs: Usually fine, though they can be dominant with same-sex dogs. They prefer dogs who respect their personal space and don’t try to be overly familiar too quickly.

Health Considerations

Overall Health: Generally robust and healthy, as you’d expect from a breed that’s survived 6,000 Norwegian winters. However, like all purebreds, they have some hereditary concerns to watch for.

Common Issues:

• Hip dysplasia (have parents’ hips tested)
• Progressive retinal atrophy (eye testing essential)
• Hypothyroidism (can affect coat and energy levels)
• Sebaceous cysts (usually benign but worth monitoring)

Lifespan factors: With proper care, they typically live 12-15 years. Their hardy constitution and medium size work in their favour for longevity.

The Bottom Line

The Norwegian Elkhound is a magnificent breed for the right owner – someone who appreciates an independent, intelligent companion and doesn’t mind a dog with strong opinions. They’re not for everyone, but for those who click with their personality, they’re incredibly rewarding.

Perfect for: Experienced dog owners, active individuals or families, people who enjoy hiking and outdoor activities, those who appreciate a dog with character and dignity.

Not ideal for: First-time owners, apartment dwellers without access to exercise areas, people who want an immediately obedient dog, anyone living in consistently hot climates, or those who prefer low-maintenance pets.

Remember, this is a breed that helped Vikings navigate the Norwegian wilderness. They’re not going to be impressed by your ability to open a tin of dog food, but earn their respect, and you’ll have a loyal companion who’d follow you to Valhalla (though they’d probably have some suggestions about the route).

Still exploring breed options? Check out our List of other Hound Breeds which are recognised by the AKC at Five Minutes Spare, where we’ve got more Nordic breeds than you can shake a stick at (though we don’t recommend stick-shaking around Elkhounds – they might take it as a personal challenge).