Dog Breed Guide

Norwegian Elkhound

Profile

Size

Medium

Country of origin

Norway

Origin

Ancient

Bred for

Moose hunting, Watchdog

Height

male about 52cm (20in), female about 49cm (19in)

Weight

male about 23kg (51lb), female about 20kg (44lb)

Life span

12 - 15 years

A Nordic hunting dog with a solid, square build and a thick gray double coat. Black tips on the hairs give the gray coat a silvery sheen. Erect ears and a tail curled tightly over the back are its hallmarks.

Brave and independent, the Elkhound is loyal and affectionate with its family. It is wary of strangers and unfamiliar animals and barks readily to raise the alarm. Because it was bred to make its own decisions on the hunt, it can be stubborn.

It is extremely tolerant of cold but sensitive to heat. It sheds a lot, especially during shedding season, so frequent brushing is needed. It has high exercise needs and suits a home where it can be properly active every day.

Good to know

The Norwegian name, elghund, actually means "moose dog." (In Europe the moose is called an elk.) In English it became Elkhound, which in North America, where "elk" means a different deer, is easily misunderstood.

The dog's job was to hunt the giant moose of the Nordic forests. Once it tracked down its quarry, it would hold the moose at bay by circling and barking loudly and continuously until the hunter caught up. Facing an animal weighing hundreds of kilograms without backing down required both courage and intelligence.

Bones of dogs closely resembling the Elkhound, dating from about 5000 to 4000 BC, have been found in a cave in Norway, and it is thought to be one of the oldest breeds in the world. In the Viking era too it was treasured as a hunting partner, watchdog and family member, and some dogs were even buried with their masters.