Dog breed · Hound / Spitz
Norwegian Elkhound
An ancient spitz hunter that held moose at bay by barking and dodging. Hardy, devoted and famously talkative.
Illustrative cover using relevant category imagery; it does not depict the exact subject.
Breed characteristics
- Group
- Hound / Spitz
- Origin
- Norway
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 20–25 kg
- Height
- 46–52 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Thick, weatherproof grey double coat
- Temperament
- BoldLoyalIndependentVocal
History
Hunted with Scandinavian peoples for thousands of years; remains found alongside Viking-age burials.
Appearance
Compact, square grey spitz with a tightly curled tail, pricked ears and a black-tipped silver coat.
Exercise and activity
90 minutes daily; loves cold-weather hiking and pulling sports.
Care and grooming
The dense coat sheds heavily twice a year; weekly brushing otherwise. Heat-sensitive.
Health considerations
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Kidney disease (Fanconi-type, occasional)
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Norwegian Elkhound
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: 90 minutes daily; loves cold-weather hiking and pulling sports. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Hip dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy, Kidney disease (Fanconi-type, occasional)), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Sources on this topic
Pages on this specific subject from recognised organisations. They are cited for further reading and do not mean the organisation has reviewed this page.
- Norwegian Elkhound Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- Dogs Trust — dog care, behaviour and welfare advice