Norwegian Elkhound
Trait scores are tendency indicators from 0-100. Example: 42% alone tolerance roughly maps to around 4 hours alone.
Norwegian Elkhounds are ancient Spitz-type hunting dogs bred to track moose in Scandinavia. These independent, bold dogs are devoted family companions with typical Spitz vocal tendencies, and their thick gray coats shed heavily while their strong prey drive and independence require patient training.
Verified source: American Kennel Club profile (2026-02-10)
Quick Facts
AKC VerifiedGroup
Hound
Life Expectancy
12-15 years
Height
19.5-20.5 in
Weight
48-55 lb
Alone-Time Tolerance
About 5 hours
Exercise
60 min/day
AKC popularity rank: #124
Hound context: Hounds were bred to track scent or chase game. They often have strong noses, prey drive, and independent streaks.
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (verified 2026-02-10)
Finding Your Norwegian Elkhound
🏠 Consider Adoption First
Many wonderful Norwegian Elkhounds are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption saves lives and gives deserving dogs a second chance.
Adoption Resources
Search for Norwegian Elkhounds in shelters and rescues near you.
Responsible Breeder Checklist
- Provides health clearances for both parents
- Allows you to visit the breeding facility
- Offers a written health guarantee / contract
- Provides references from previous buyers
- Asks you screening questions about your home
- Breeds only one or two breeds
Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, always prioritize the dog's health and well-being. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that source from irresponsible breeders. For Norwegian Elkhounds, ensure health testing for common breed-specific conditions.
Life Stage Simulator
Who This Breed Fits
Watch Out For
A Day in the Life
A purposeful walk and short training game helps this breed settle for the day.
Most do best with another activity block before winding down near their people.
Longer outings and enrichment games improve behavior and sleep quality through the week.
People often underestimate how quickly behavior slips when routine and enrichment are inconsistent.
Exercise & Activity
Expect about 60 minutes of daily activity, with a mix of walking, enrichment, and short training blocks. Consistency matters more than occasional intense sessions.
High
High
Mental Enrichment Ideas
Health
Long-term outcomes improve with weight control, preventive care, and condition-specific screening based on known breed risks.
Known Health Concerns
Long ears can trap debris and moisture without routine cleaning.
Low thyroid levels can cause lethargy, skin changes, and weight gain.
Disc degeneration can cause pain and neurologic deficits.
Boarding complexity and cost are driven by size, exercise demand, and any special handling needs.
Behavior Reality Check
Good news! This breed typically has manageable behavior traits with proper training and socialization. Of course, individual dogs vary, but Norwegian Elkhounds generally don't present severe behavioral challenges.
Temperament & Traits
All traits rated on a 0-100 scale representing tendency scores.
Lifestyle & Activity
High
High
~8h alone capacity
High
Social & Compatibility
Very High
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
High
Training & Behavior
High
High
Very High
Very High
Maintenance & Care
Low
Moderate
High
Low
Environment & Adaptability
Low
High
High
Moderate
Moderate
Grooming & Coat
Low
Moderate
High
Low
Coat care depends on coat type, but weekly brushing and routine nail, ear, and dental care are baseline requirements. Curly, silky, wire, and long coats usually need more frequent grooming support.
Shedding level varies by coat and season, but routine brushing keeps loose hair and skin debris manageable.
Common Barking Triggers
Lifestyle Planner
PROInteractive Cost Calculator
Adjust the options below to see how your choices affect ownership costs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Annual Cost Summary
Estimates based on breed size, grooming needs, and health risk. Actual costs vary by location, individual dog health, and lifestyle choices. Emergency vet visits and unexpected health issues not included.
10-Year Cost Calculator
PRONeighborhood Compatibility
Breed History
Origin
The Norwegian Elkhound originated in Norway.
Original Purpose
Norwegian Elkhound lines were developed for scent/sight hunting. That working role still shows up today in temperament, stamina, and day-to-day needs.
Breed Group: Hound. Hounds were bred to track scent or chase game. They often have strong noses, prey drive, and independent streaks.
In modern homes, this history matters because it predicts what helps the dog thrive: enough movement, clear structure, and outlets that match their original instincts.
Fun Facts
Norwegian Elkhounds are ancient Scandinavian hunting dogs that were used to track and hunt elk across harsh mountain terrain.
The breed nearly went extinct after WWII, and modern Norwegian Elkhounds descend from dogs that Norwegian breeders found and saved from obscurity.
Norwegian Elkhounds have a distinctive gray double coat with dark markings, and this coloring was selected for camouflage in snowy mountain environments.
The breed has a legendary baying howl that was selected to alert hunters across long distances, making them unsuitable for apartment living.
Norwegian Elkhounds are prone to hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), requiring health screening.
Famous Norwegian Elkhound Dogs
Scent and sight trailblazers
Famous representatives are usually known for tracking, hunting heritage, or storytelling roles.
Classic pop-culture hounds
Many of this group's recognizable dogs come from cartoons, books, and family films.
Practical Next Steps
First-Month Supplies Checklist
Breeder Red Flags
Preparation Timeline
Week Before
Purchase all supplies, puppy-proof your home, choose a veterinarian, and set up training schedule.
Day 1
Gentle introduction to home, establish crate/bed location, first bathroom break routine, quiet time to adjust.
Week 1
Vet checkup, start basic training, establish feeding routine, begin socialization carefully.
Month 1
Start formal training classes - this breed excels with early training! Regular vet visits for vaccinations, establish grooming routine.
Training Priorities for Norwegian Elkhounds
- • Early "quiet" command training to manage barking
Is Norwegian Elkhound right for you?
Use our breed matcher to see how Norwegian Elkhound compares to other breeds based on your lifestyle.
Try the Breed MatcherData Transparency
Quick facts for Norwegian Elkhound are cross-checked against publicly available American Kennel Club breed pages.
AKC source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/norwegian-elkhound/ (verified 2026-02-10)
AKC sync coverage: 188/188 non-mix breeds as of February 10, 2026.
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standards, United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards, Merck Veterinary Manual (canine health references), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening guidance, AKC: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/norwegian-elkhound/