Norwegian Elkhound
The Good
- Excellent family companion with strong loyalty
- Hardy and healthy breed with good longevity
- Beautiful, weather-resistant double coat
- Natural alertness makes them good watchdogs
- Adaptable to various living situations
The Real
- Heavy seasonal shedding requires daily grooming
- Independent nature can make training challenging
- High exercise needs - minimum 60 minutes daily
- Can be prone to weight gain if overfed
- Strong hunting instincts may chase smaller animals
Gallery
Breed Overview
The Norwegian Elkhound is a magnificent spitz-type dog with a pedigree stretching back to the Viking era. These medium-sized beauties are instantly recognisable with their thick silver-grey coat, perky triangular ears, and that characteristic curled tail that sits jauntily over their back.
Don't let their fluffy appearance fool you; these dogs are built for serious work. Standing around 48-51 cm tall and weighing 20-26 kg, they're perfectly proportioned for endurance and strength. Their deep chest and sturdy legs tell the story of a breed designed for tracking big game through dense forests for hours on end.
What really sets Norwegian Elkhounds apart is their personality. They are the perfect blend of independence and devotion—they'll happily make their own decisions but are absolutely devoted to their families. This makes them fantastic companions for active Australian families who appreciate a dog with both brains and loyalty.
History
The history of the Norwegian Elkhound is as rugged and ancient as the Scandinavian landscape it comes from. Archaeological digs have unearthed skeletons of dogs almost identical to the modern Elkhound dating back over 6,000 years. These dogs were true companions to the Vikings, serving as hunters, guardians, and even sailing with them on their legendary expeditions across the seas. Norse art and legends often depict these courageous dogs as symbols of loyalty and bravery.
Despite their name, they weren't bred to hunt elk in the way a retriever fetches a bird. Their job was far more complex. In Norway, “elk” refers to the moose. The Elkhound's role was to track a moose, corner it, and hold it at bay by barking until the human hunters arrived. This required incredible intelligence, stamina, and an independent mind to make decisions far from their handler.
This ancient heritage is still alive in the breed today. Their distinctive, far-carrying bark was developed to echo through dense Norwegian forests, and their weatherproof double coat allowed them to work and even sleep comfortably in the snow. While they are now cherished family pets in Australia, they carry the spirit of a fearless Viking hunter in their hearts.
Traits & Characteristics
Norwegian Elkhound characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Here's some great news – Norwegian Elkhounds are generally a robust and healthy breed with a lifespan of 12-15 years. Most Australian owners find their Elkies live full, active lives with relatively few health concerns.
That said, there are a few conditions to keep on your radar. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a significant one; it's a genetic condition that gradually causes blindness. Reputable ANKC breeders will screen their breeding stock for this, so always ask for health clearances. The good news is that dogs adapt remarkably well to vision loss if it occurs.
Hip dysplasia can occur, though it's less common than in many other large breeds. Watch for signs like difficulty getting up or a "bunny-hopping" gait. Maintaining a healthy weight from puppyhood is the best preventative measure.
Under all that gorgeous fur, Elkhounds can develop sebaceous cysts – small, usually harmless lumps. While most are benign, it's wise to have any new lumps checked by your vet. Perhaps most importantly, these food-loving dogs gain weight easily. Our relaxed lifestyle can quickly lead to chubby Elkies, which strains their joints. Portion control and daily exercise are key, especially on days over 30°C in places like Sydney or Adelaide, where activity should be limited to cool mornings or evenings.
Norwegian Elkhounds are what we'd politely call "food enthusiasts"—they absolutely love their tucker. This enthusiasm, combined with a tendency to put on weight, means you'll need to be the responsible one with portion control. A high-quality commercial dog food that meets Australian standards will provide all their nutrients.
Adults do best on two measured meals a day rather than free-feeding, which is a recipe for a roly-poly Elkie. Puppies will need three to four smaller meals. If your Elkie wolfs down their food in seconds, a slow-feeder bowl is a great investment to prevent bloat and aid digestion.
How much to feed depends on age, activity level, and metabolism, but the best guide is their body condition. You should be able to feel their ribs without pressing hard and see a definite waistline. If you can't, it’s time to cut back the kibble and add another lap around the park. Be especially mindful during winter when exercise might decrease or over holiday periods when treats are plentiful. Those pleading eyes are just good acting—they're not actually starving!
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: the tumbleweeds of silver fur. Norwegian Elkhounds have a stunning, weatherproof double coat, but it demands a grooming commitment. For most of the year, a quick daily brush for five minutes will keep things under control. A slicker brush is your best friend here, especially if you brush against the direction of hair growth to lift out the loose undercoat.
Twice a year, usually in spring and autumn, you'll experience what owners call "the great shed." During this coat blow, daily brushing is non-negotiable. Booking a professional de-shedding session, which can cost between $90 and $150 AUD, is worth every dollar. Your vacuum cleaner will thank you!
The good news is their coat is naturally clean and doesn't have a strong "doggy" smell, so they only need a bath a few times a year. Their upright ears are less prone to infections than floppy ones, but check them for debris after bush walks. Given the breed's predisposition to PRA, keep an eye on their eyes and report any cloudiness to your vet. While you should never shave their coat, regular brushing in summer helps with air circulation and prevents hot spots.
Norwegian Elkhounds are intelligent but also independent thinkers—a trait that's great for hunting moose but can be a challenge in puppy school. They learn quickly but get bored with repetition. Keep training sessions short, fun, and varied. Positive reinforcement with high-value treats works brilliantly, as they are very food motivated.
Exercise is non-negotiable. They need a solid hour of activity daily, and not just a gentle stroll. Think hiking in the Blue Mountains, long runs on a dog-friendly beach, or energetic games of fetch. Many Australian Elkhounds love swimming, which is perfect for our climate and provides excellent low-impact exercise.
Here's something crucial for Australian owners: these dogs have a strong prey drive and will follow their nose anywhere. Always keep them on a lead or in a securely fenced area. That interesting scent could lead them kilometres away, and their independent nature means they won't always come when called if they're on a mission. Channelling this energy into dog sports like agility or tracking is a fantastic way to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Who is an ideal owner?
The perfect Norwegian Elkhound owner is someone who appreciates both independence and loyalty. If you're looking for a dog to shadow your every move, this might not be your breed. But if you want a confident, capable companion who's devoted to family life while maintaining their own personality, you've found your match.
Active individuals or families are ideal. Whether you love camping in national parks or enjoy daily adventures, Elkhounds thrive with people who match their energy. They're great with older children who know how to interact respectfully with a dog. They adapt well to suburban homes with yards, though apartment living requires a serious commitment to daily exercise.
First-time owners can succeed, but it helps to have realistic expectations about their independent streak in training and the daily grooming commitment. If you can't handle fur, this isn't the breed for you. But if you see grooming as bonding time and don't mind investing in a good vacuum, you'll be fine. Active retirees also make excellent owners, as the breed's moderate size and good health are manageable for those who enjoy a daily walking routine.
Interesting facts about the Norwegian Elkhound
A 6,000-Year-Old Design
Archaeological evidence shows Norwegian Elkhounds have been virtually unchanged for over 6,000 years, with remains found alongside Viking artifacts.
Not an Elk Hunter
Despite their name, they don't hunt elk. They track and bay at moose (called 'elg' in Norway) to hold them at bay for hunters.
Sailed with the Vikings
This ancient breed sailed with Vikings on their expeditions and appears in Norse art and legends as a symbol of courage and loyalty.
Spitz Who Hunts Moose
Norwegian Elkhounds are one of the few spitz breeds developed to hunt large game rather than for sledding or herding.
FAQ
Absolutely! When properly socialised, Norwegian Elkhounds make wonderful family companions. They are loyal and protective, and they bond closely with their people, including children. As with any breed, supervision with young children is always recommended.
Be prepared for significant shedding. They have a thick double coat and will 'blow' their undercoat twice a year, usually in spring and autumn. Daily brushing is essential to manage the fur and keep their coat healthy, especially during these shedding seasons.
While possible, it's not ideal. These are high-energy dogs that need space and at least an hour of vigorous exercise daily. Apartment living requires a very dedicated owner who can commit to multiple long walks, runs, and park visits every single day, rain or shine.
Their thick double coat makes them better suited to cooler climates like Melbourne or Tasmania. In warmer areas like Perth or Brisbane, you must take precautions. Exercise them only during cooler parts of the day, provide plenty of shade and water, and ensure they have access to air conditioning indoors during summer.
They are intelligent but also very independent, which can be interpreted as stubbornness. They learn quickly but can get bored with repetition. Training requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. They want to know 'what's in it for me?'