Norwegian Elkhound

The Norwegian Elkhound is probably one of the oldest breeds known. Archaeologists have discovered skeletons of this dog type dating 6000 to 7000 years old from excavations in Norway. Remains have also been found associated with Viking burials, and the type appears to have changed little since this time.  

The National Dog of Norway, the Elkhound is a hunter, originally used to free-track game in woodlands and forests, holding the quarry at bay until the hunter could arrive to make the kill. In open land, the dog would be used on a long line or lead to track quarry without the hunter losing sight of their dog. 

Outside the hunting season, the Elkhound was employed as a watchdog as they were happy to spend long periods out in the cold, well protected from the weather by their dense coat, and very willing to bark furiously should anything unwelcome approach the home. 

As Elk became less common in Norway and Sweden, the Elkhound found a further role in the show ring, first being shown in Norway in 1877, however they are still used for hunting in some places and so retain that drive to follow scent and bark to alert their humans to quarry or danger! 

Elkhound owners need to possess great stamina, have experience with spitz types, and an understanding of how to get the best out of an independent and clever breed. You’ll need to enjoy long walks whatever the weather, be the sort of person who keeps the heating off and the doors open most of the year round, and have a good quality vacuum, as shedding hair is something Elkhounds do well! For active, outdoor loving families with (or without) older children, the Elkhound makes a fun and engaging companion.

Make no mistake, the Norwegian Elkhound is an all-terrain, all-weather hound. An hour a day of walking that involve plenty of ‘sniff-content’, plus some free running and fun training is the minimum dog exercise requirement for this breed. Bred to track game for miles in often harsh conditions, ice and deep snow, this is not a dog for the fair-weather owner. Expect to walk in all weathers except the summers heat (and on those days, walk after dark!), and play scent-based interactive games when walking isn’t an option. 

Compact and quite neat, the Elkhound does not need a huge home, however they are inclined to be noisy and shed a lot of hair. A secure garden is a must, and access to a variety of interesting walking routes and secure spaces to allow off lead or long-line running is vital. Better suited to rural suburbs or truly rural living, as their watchdog nature may result in a stressed dog if asked to live in very built up or busy locations. 

The Norwegian Elkhound needs to have a balanced diet including all the main nutrient groups and a constant supply of fresh water. It's also important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of their particular food. For more information on how to feed your dog, read our detailed guide. 

The weather-resistant coat of Norwegian Elkhounds comprises a thick, woolly undercoat and a profuse topcoat, which is longer on the back of the legs, and on the neck and tail. A brush through two or three times a week is advised, with daily grooming when the coat sheds. You can find out more about dog grooming and daily care with our article. 

An independent thinker, the spitz types are not known for their trainability - and neither are hounds! Surprisingly, when it comes to dog training, the Elkhound is relatively easy to work with, being very food motivated and enjoying the company of their owners. With attention paid to recall training and working on teaching a ‘speak’ and a ‘quiet’ cue, the Elkhound is a fun companion. However, don’t expect to achieve competition standard obedience. The Elkhound will enjoy a variety of canine sports such as agility, CaniX, man-trailing and other scent-based activities. 
 

The Norwegian Elkhound is an excellent family dog for the ‘outdoorsy, long walks up mountains and through forests’ types, which may mean they are better suited to families with older children or teenagers, rather than younger children. They also do not enjoy being left alone for long, so a family where someone is home most of the time would be best. 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with each other and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.