Overview
Ancient Norse spitz — hardy, vocal, big-game hunting heritage.
The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium breed in the Hound group, typically standing 19.5–20.5 in and weighing 48–55 lbs. Expect a lifespan of 12–15 years with good preventive care. Personality is best described as confident, bold, friendly.
Breed history & origin
The Norwegian Elkhound traces its origins to Multiple regions historically. Its original purpose — pursue game by sight or scent — shaped almost every physical and temperamental trait still visible in the breed today.
As a medium member of the Hound group, the Norwegian Elkhound was selectively bred for independent decision-making, high stamina, and working drive. Modern owners describe them as confident, bold, friendly — qualities deeply rooted in that working heritage.
The breed is recognised by all major kennel clubs in the Hound group, with a written standard codifying its silhouette, gait, and temperament.
Today the Norwegian Elkhound thrives as a companion and tracking/lure-coursing dog. It remains one of the more recognisable breeds at North American dog shows and in homes across Canada and the United States, where its combination of confident and family-suitability continues to draw new owners every year.
Like every purebred, the Norwegian Elkhound carries genetic risks tied to its small founding gene pool. Conscientious modern breeders screen for the conditions listed in the health section below and breed for longevity, structural soundness, and stable temperament — the three pillars of a responsibly preserved breed.
- Country of origin
- Multiple regions historically
- Era
- Historic
- Original purpose
- Pursue game by sight or scent
- Modern purpose
- Companion and tracking/lure-coursing dog
Breed timeline
- HistoricNorwegian Elkhound develops in Multiple regions historically
- 20th centuryFormal kennel club recognition in the Hound group
- TodayEstablished as a companion and tracking/lure-coursing dog
Appearance
- Coat length
- Medium
- Coat texture
- Dense double coat
- Undercoat
- Yes — heavy seasonal blow-out
- Body
- Well-proportioned athletic build
Temperament
Norwegian Elkhounds are confident, bold, friendly. With early socialization and positive-reinforcement training in the critical 8–16 week window, they grow into well-adjusted adults that fit a wide range of households.
Exercise & activity
Adult Norwegian Elkhounds need 60–90 minutes/day, split between leashed walks and off-leash play. Under-exercised dogs of this breed are the #1 source of behaviour complaints — chewing, barking, and pulling.
Grooming & shedding
Brush 2–3 times a week and bathe monthly. Most owners can do basic upkeep at home.
Heavy shedder. Expect hair on furniture and clothes year-round, with two heavy blow-outs per year.
Nutrition guide
Feed a high-quality all-life-stage or medium-breed puppy formula with balanced calories and DHA for brain development. Norwegian Elkhound puppies thrive on 3 measured meals per day until 6 months, then 2 meals. Look for AAFCO statements naming "growth" or "all life stages," and skip filler-heavy grocery brands.
Feed an AAFCO-approved all-life-stages puppy formula. 3 meals/day until 6 months, then 2/day.
Adult Norwegian Elkhounds do well on a high-quality kibble (≥ 25% protein, ≤ 15% fat) split into two meals. Free-feeding is the #1 cause of obesity in this breed.
From age 8, transition to a senior formula with glucosamine/chondroitin and reduced calories.
700–1,000 kcal/day
Common allergies: Most common triggers in this breed: chicken, beef, dairy, wheat. A novel-protein diet (duck, salmon, venison) helps if itching or GI issues persist.
- • Grapes & raisins
- • Chocolate
- • Onions & garlic
- • Xylitol (peanut butter labels!)
- • Cooked bones
- • Macadamia nuts
Training guide
Crate-train from day 1. Norwegian Elkhound puppies can hold their bladder roughly (age in months) hours — set a timer and take them out after every nap, meal, and play session.
Use a crate just large enough to stand and turn around. Never use it as punishment. Most Norwegian Elkhounds accept the crate within 2 weeks with kong-and-meal pairing.
Norwegian Elkhounds have an independent streak. Keep sessions ≤ 5 minutes, very high-value rewards, and end on a win.
Critical window is 8–16 weeks. Aim for 100 new people, 50 new dogs, and 25 new environments before 4 months — vaccinated, controlled, positive exposures only.
Focus on rock-solid basics first; advanced sports work best from 18+ months with this breed.
- ×Skipping puppy class because the dog ‘seems fine’
- ×Using punishment for fear-based behaviour (escalates it)
- ×Repeating the cue word — say it once, then enforce
- ×Free-feeding (kills food motivation for training)
Health database
Lifespan: 12–15 years. Below are the conditions vets most commonly screen for in this breed — for education only, always consult your veterinarian.
Lower than average
Low
Standard screening recommended
Average
Average
$500–$900 CAD
Common health concerns
- ▸Dental disease
- ▸Obesity (over-feeding)
- ▸Patellar luxation
Recommended screening
- ▸Patella evaluation
- ▸CERF / OFA eye exam
- ▸Cardiac auscultation
- ▸Annual blood panel
Educational only — always consult your veterinarian.
Living requirements
- Apartment
- Not ideal
- House
- Yes — ideal
- Urban
- Challenging
- Rural / farm
- Strong
- Cold weather
- Excellent — built for cold
- Hot weather
- Sensitive — limit midday activity in summer
- Barking level
- Above average
- Separation anxiety
- Above average — bred for human company
- Escape risk
- Average
- Space
- Apartment OK with daily exercise
Cost of ownership (Canada)
Reputable Canadian breeders typically charge $1,800–$3,500 for a Norwegian Elkhound puppy. Plan for $2,000–$3,400 in annual cost of ownership covering food, vet visits, insurance, training, and grooming.
$1,800–$3,500
$2,000–$3,400
$45–$90 / month CAD
Pros & cons
- +Excellent with children and other family pets
- +Great hiking, running, and adventure companion
- −Heavy year-round shedding
- −Not well-suited to apartment living without a yard
Ideal owner profile
Fun facts
- 1.Norwegian Elkhounds live 12–15 years on average with good preventive care.
- 2.Adults stand 19.5–20.5 in and weigh 48–55 lbs.
- 3.Daily exercise needs: 60–90 minutes/day.
- 4.Classified in the Hound group.
Norwegian Elkhound vs popular breeds
| Trait | Norwegian Elkhound | Labrador Retriever | Golden Retriever | German Shepherd | French Bulldog | Poodle (Standard) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Large | Large | Large | Small | Large |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years | 11–13 years | 10–12 years | 9–13 years | 10–12 years | 10–18 years |
| Energy | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Trainability | 3/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Family-friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Apartment | 2/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Shedding | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Exercise | 60–90 minutes/day | 60–90 minutes/day | 60–90 minutes/day | 60–90 minutes/day | 20–40 minutes/day | 60–90 minutes/day |
