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Hound Handbook
Insurance guide
Breed profile

Norwegian Elkhound

An ancient grey spitz from Norway, bred to hold moose at bay by barking. Bold, friendly and loud.

A grey Norwegian Elkhound with a curled tail stands on a grassy riverbank
A grey Elkhound on a riverbank, very much in its element outdoors.Photo: Dmitry Guskov / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Weight
20–25 kg44–55 lb
Height
49–52 cm19–20 in
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Group
Hound
Origin
Norway
Popularity
#128 US#149 UK · 2025

Known for: Cold climatesFamily dogs

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Bold, Friendly, Independent, Vocal.

Health problems to know about

  • Primary open-angle glaucoma
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Fanconi syndrome
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Hypothyroidism

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

An hour or more of brisk exercise daily, on lead or in secure areas. Brush twice a week and daily during the heavy moult. Keep weight in check: Elkhounds love food.

A good fit for

Active families, hikers, cold climates, homes with space and tolerant neighbours.

Probably not ideal for

Flats, hot climates, owners who want a quiet dog or reliable off-lead recall.

Sources

  1. Royal Kennel Club: Norwegian Elkhound breed information
  2. VCA Animal Hospitals: Norwegian Elkhound
  3. Wikipedia: Norwegian Elkhound

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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