The Norwegian Elkhound
A bold gray hunting dog from Norway, and among the oldest breeds in Europe.
A moose dog by trade
The name comes from the Norwegian elghund, which means moose dog. The animal Norwegians call elg is the one Americans call a moose.
The Elkhound hunts by tracking moose and other big game, often for hours and in any weather, then holding the animal at bay by barking and dodging until the hunter arrives. The work takes courage, agility, and stamina, and the breed standard still describes the dog in those terms.
What an Elkhound looks like
The Elkhound is a medium-sized spitz, about as long as it is tall, with a compact and balanced outline. It has a broad head, upright ears, and a tail that curls tightly over the back.
The dense gray coat lies flat and sheds the weather. Black tips on the outer hairs give each dog its own shade of gray, and gray is the only color the standard allows.
Temperament
Elkhounds are bold and energetic. They make watchful guardians, yet they are normally friendly, and they carry themselves with dignity and a good deal of independence.
A dog bred to work all day and to use its voice does best with people who enjoy an active, independent-minded companion.
Learn more
- Official Standard of the Norwegian Elkhound (PDF, American Kennel Club)
- Norwegian Elkhound breed information from the American Kennel Club
- Norwegian Elkhound Association of America (NEAA), the AKC parent club for the breed