Norwegian Elkhound
Norway's grey hunter — moose ahead, millennia behind.
Vital stats
| Size | Medium · 49–52 cm |
| Weight | 20–25 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years |
| Energy | High — 60–90 min/day |
| Shedding | Very heavy, seasonal blows |
| Coat | Dense grey double coat · black-tipped guard hairs |
| Group | Hound · FCI №242 / AKC |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
For centuries the Elkhound ranged ahead of Norwegian hunters, trailing moose alone and pinning them in place with relentless barking — work that bred a dog who thinks for itself and reports at volume. At home it is loyal, dignified, and affectionate on its own terms, with a hunter's nose that never clocks off.
Habits & quirks
The bark bulletin
News, weather, and visitor alerts are delivered at hunting volume.
Snow-drift napping
Offered a warm bed and a snowbank, it will often choose the snowbank.
The nose veto
An interesting scent trail outranks most instructions.
Dinner diplomacy
Few breeds negotiate for food with such patient, dignified persistence.
Care
| Exercise | An hour or more of vigorous daily activity — hiking, jogging, long rambles; this breed has trailed moose all day. |
| Grooming | Rake the dense coat weekly, and daily through the spectacular spring and autumn moults. |
| Feeding | A famously easy keeper: measure meals and ration treats or the waistline vanishes. |
| Training | Start recall early and keep sessions short — an independent hunter obeys when convinced, not commanded. |
Common questions
Do Norwegian Elkhounds bark a lot?
Yes — barking is literally the breed's hunting technique, and the voice carries. Training moderates it, but a quiet Elkhound was never the design.
Can Norwegian Elkhounds live with cats?
Raised together from puppyhood, often yes — but the prey drive is real, and strange cats or small pets outdoors will be chased. Manage introductions carefully.
Are Elkhounds good apartment dogs?
Only for dedicated owners: the barking and exercise needs work against flat life. A house, a garden and long daily outings suit this forest breed far better.