Norwegian Elkhound (Gray)Close relative
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AI-generated imageNorwegian Elkhound
Health grade B- Shoulder height46–53 cm
- Weight18–25 kg
- Life expectancy12–15 yrs
- Puppy price1,800–3,000 €
- Energy4/5
The essentials at a glance
The Norwegian Elkhound is a fearless, robust athlete—bred as an independent Nordic hunting dog that tracks formidable game over long distances and keeps it at bay with tireless barking.
- Health grade B: In the Norwegian Elkhound, there are breed-specific risks of hip dysplasia (HD) as well as hereditary eye diseases and kidney disorders such as familial nephropathy (FN).
- You enjoy intensive tracking or search work in the woods—simple walks are not enough to satisfy this highly specialized Nordic hunter.
- You spend hours outdoors in absolutely any weather and are looking for an extremely enduring companion for demanding hikes.
- You are looking for a companion for relaxed off-leash walks in the woods—his deeply ingrained hunting instinct and massive tracking radius usually make this impossible.
How the health grade is calculated
Sources for required breeding screenings. Deutscher Club für Nordische Hunde e.V. (DCNH)
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Similar Breeds
Karelian Bear DogSame FCI section
West Siberian LaikaSame FCI section
Norwegian BuhundSame FCI group
Finnish SpitzSame FCI section
Is the Norwegian Elkhound right for you?
At a glance
Norwegian Elkhound overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Shoulder height
46–53 cm
Weight
18–25 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,800 – 3,000 €
- Coat: Dense, straight, undercoat
- Origin: Norway
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Norwegian Elkhound, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
What colors does the Norwegian Elkhound come in?
The coat colors that occur in the Norwegian Elkhound — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Brown
Coat type
Double coat
Short
Perfect for you if:
- You have a great sense of humor and the patience to guide that notorious Scandinavian stubbornness with loving consistency.
- You appreciate a dog with a strong character that assesses situations and makes its own decisions rather than waiting blindly for commands.
Less ideal if:
- You live in an apartment with thin walls—loud, persistent barking is his genetic tool for cornering moose, not just a bad habit.
- You expect classic obedience and a quick 'will-to-please'—this dog was bred to work completely autonomously miles away from the hunter.
The real vibes check
A dog whose ancestors cornered full-grown moose in the Scandinavian thickets and barked at them tirelessly will not be impressed by a stern throat-clearing in your living room. You are not buying a soft subordinate here, but a primal, extremely self-confident woodsman. If you don't dismiss this raw independence as mere stubbornness but channel it instead, you will gain an unshakeably loyal partner.
Breed Profile
The Norwegian Elkhound is a robust and versatile dog breed that was originally bred in Norway for hunting moose and other large game. It belongs to the group of Spitz and primitive type dogs and is characterized by its compact, muscular build. The dense, weather-resistant coat protects it from the harsh climatic conditions of Scandinavia. Its upright, triangular ears and the tightly curled tail, which elegantly lies over the back, are distinctive features. The Norwegian Elkhound is known for its endurance, intelligence, and strong hunting instinct, while also being a loyal and friendly companion that integrates well into families. As with many hunting dogs, consistent training and sufficient exercise are important to fully realize its potential.
All measurements in detail
- Height
- 46 - 50 cm (Female), 49 - 53 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 18 - 22 kg (Female), 20 - 25 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 12 - 15 yrs
- Character
- Loyal, intelligent, alert, hardworking, high hunting drive
- Coat
- Dense, straight, undercoat
- Coat Color
- Black, gray, red, white
- Price
- 1800 - 3000 €
Character & Temperament
The Norwegian Elkhound is a robust and versatile hunting dog with a strong work drive and a strong bond to its family. Originally bred for moose hunting, it is characterized by endurance, courage, and high attentiveness. Despite its independent nature, it is very people-oriented and shows a friendly, balanced demeanor towards children and other pets. This dog needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to remain balanced. It loves to take on tasks, whether in hunting, retrieving, or search games. Its intelligence and willingness to learn make it a reliable partner who enjoys being challenged. Consistent but loving training is important to control its natural hunting instinct and build a close bond. The Norwegian Elkhound is alert and shows natural protective behavior without being aggressive. It is well suited as a family dog that wants to be active both indoors and outdoors. Due to its origin and temperament, it is not a dog for short walks but needs regular, enduring activities and clear leadership.
| Watchfulness A natural watchdog with real protective instinct. | High |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
The Norwegian Elkhound is a true outdoorsman: it was specially bred to hunt and track moose in the cold forests of Norway. With its dense, weather-resistant coat, it withstands even freezing temperatures and is so enduring that it can roam through rough terrain for hours.
What Awaits You
The Norwegian Elkhound is a robust and enduring hunting dog, specially bred for moose hunting. It is friendly, alert, and shows a close bond with its family. These dogs are active and require a lot of exercise as well as consistent but loving training. The Norwegian Elkhound is well suited as a family dog if it is sufficiently exercised.
Housing & Care
Norwegian Elkhounds are robust and confident dogs that require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They are very alert and make good family dogs because they are loyal and friendly towards their people. They generally get along well with children but, like all dogs, should be supervised when interacting with small children. Norwegian Elkhounds are social and compatible with other dogs but need consistent and loving training. Due to their hunting and guarding instincts, they need plenty of exercise, ideally in rural areas or homes with gardens. They are only conditionally suitable for city living if enough time is planned for walks and activities.
- Family Friendly
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Family-oriented - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Generally tolerant - City Friendly
Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners.
Difficult in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Training & Education
The Norwegian Elkhound is an intelligent and hardworking dog that requires consistent and patient training. Similar to the Labrador and German Shepherd, it is important to meet its natural urge for movement and activity. The Elkhound was originally bred as a hunting dog, which is why retrieving and search games as well as endurance walks and hikes are ideal to mentally and physically challenge it. Training should be positive and reward-based to strengthen the close bond between you and your dog. Norwegian Elkhounds are eager to learn but can also be independent and sometimes stubborn, so clear leadership and patience are crucial. Frustration tolerance and impulse control should be encouraged early to avoid unwanted hunting or territorial behavior. The Elkhound is well suited for various dog sports such as obedience, rally obedience, or tracking work, which promote its natural abilities. It is important not to overwhelm it and to plan sufficient rest periods to keep it balanced. Overall, the Norwegian Elkhound requires dedicated training that takes into account its enthusiasm for work and its urge for movement. Those willing to invest time and patience will gain a loyal, versatile, and lively companion.
Nutrition & Care
The Norwegian Elkhound requires a balanced diet that supports its active lifestyle. High-quality dog food with a good proportion of proteins and nutrients is important to promote muscles and health. Make sure to avoid overweight, as this can strain the joints. The dense, weather-resistant coat of the Norwegian Elkhound protects it well from cold and wet conditions. It consists of a thick undercoat and a sturdy topcoat. Regular brushing, at least 2-3 times a week, helps remove loose hairs and prevent matting. They shed heavily, especially during the coat change in spring and autumn. The Norwegian Elkhound is well adapted to cold and humid climatic conditions. In high temperatures, sufficient shade and water should be provided to avoid overheating. Overall, consistent care and appropriate nutrition are important to ensure the health and well-being of this active and robust dog.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Health & hereditary diseases
Health
B
Solid
Health grade
In the Norwegian Elkhound, there are breed-specific risks of hip dysplasia (HD) as well as hereditary eye diseases and kidney disorders such as familial nephropathy (FN). The Deutscher Club für Nordische Hunde e.V. (DCNH) mandates an X-ray for hip dysplasia (HD) with a threshold of HD A–C (C only with a partner A/B) as well as an ophthalmological eye test for eye problems with the result 'clear' for breeding. Responsible breeders additionally test their animals for genetic diseases such as familial nephropathy (FN) or progressive retinal atrophy, where carriers may only be mated with clear partners. Before purchasing a puppy, demand to see the official certificates for HD, clear eye status, and relevant genetic tests of both parent animals without being prompted.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
In daily life this can mean
With joint-friendly rearing, a healthy weight, and regular eye check-ups, most of these dogs remain active and fit for a long time.
The breeder's role
Responsible breeders have hip dysplasia (HD) and eye problems screened as required by breeding regulations, and voluntarily test for familial nephropathy (FN) and progressive retinal atrophy.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Health risks for this breed
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
11
Risks tracked
2
Club standard
7
High severity
Eyes
Most affected area
Where this breed is vulnerable
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
severemoderatemild
How thoroughly does the breeder test?
Tier 1 reflects the tests Deutscher Club für Nordische Hunde e.V. (DCNH) actually mandates. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Club standard. Deutscher Club für Nordische Hunde e.V. (DCNH) requires these tests for breeding approval. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Costs & where to find one
How much does a Norwegian Elkhound cost?
A Norwegian Elkhound costs around ~€180 per month (€100 – €340, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€5,430 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (13.5 years) it comes to about ~€32,860.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€180 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€180
In the first year
~€5,430
Across the dog's life
~€32,860
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,800 – €3,000
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
Calculate your personal costs1-minute self-check with your own answers
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Appearance, variants & origin
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageHistory
The full history
The history of the Norwegian Elkhound (Norsk Elghund Grå) dates back to the Viking Age. Archaeological findings from Scandinavia confirm that dogs of this Nordic spitz type were living alongside humans as early as the year 1000. Originally, this robust and enduring breed was developed in the rugged, dense forests of Norway to track moose, bears, and other large game, holding them at bay by barking until the hunter arrived. This demanding task required an exceptional sense of smell, great agility, and immense courage. Although the Elkhound was an indispensable companion to Norwegian farmers and hunters for centuries, systematic purebred breeding only began in the late 19th century. In 1877, the breed was presented at a dog show in Norway for the first time, sparking interest in standardized breeding. By 1887, the Norwegian Association of Hunters and Anglers drafted the first official breed standard. The Norwegian Elkhound, now considered the national dog of Norway, has retained its original instincts and weather-resistant nature to this day and is still actively used for hunting in Scandinavia.
Original Use
The Norwegian Elkhound was bred for hunting moose and is exceptionally well-suited for tracking in dense forests.
Origin
Norway
Date
1000
Owner experiences
Many owners value the Norwegian Elkhound as an affectionate, child-loving companion that's surprisingly easy to live with indoors.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
Many owners value the Norwegian Elkhound as an affectionate, child-loving companion that's surprisingly easy to live with indoors. With its own family it's cuddly, loyal and even-tempered, as long as it gets enough of a challenge outdoors. With strangers it's usually neutral to openly friendly. Despite its deep bond with its people, though, it keeps a spitz-typical independence and isn't considered a typical "lap dog" that constantly waits for instructions.
Its strong alertness and tendency to bark are a recurring challenge at home. Because the breed was selected to hold game at bay with loud barking and to announce visitors to the farm, it's quick to sound off at noises or anything it spots. Owners therefore often note that close quarters in an apartment building or a dense suburb can quickly lead to conflicts with neighbors unless the barking is redirected early. A securely fenced yard and surroundings that tolerate some noise make life together much easier.
Sources:agila.depaw-champ.comhundeforum.comeinfachtierisch.deedogs.de
In owner accounts of training, owners regularly stress that the Norwegian Elkhound is very intelligent but doesn't come with built-in bli…Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
In owner accounts of training, owners regularly stress that the Norwegian Elkhound is very intelligent but doesn't come with built-in blind obedience. It likes to cooperate but is quick to question whether a command makes sense. Pressure or excessive harshness quickly makes the breed withdraw stubbornly, while positive reinforcement, clarity and patience bring the most reliable progress.
Its deeply rooted hunting instinct is the dominant training issue in daily life. As an independent finder and flushing dog, it reacts strongly to game scent and sightings. Many owners report that reliable off-leash time in the woods or near fields takes years of anti-hunting training, and some Elkhounds have to be kept on a long line as a precaution. If you don't hunt with the dog, it needs consistent substitute work for its nose, such as tracking, mantrailing or search games, to keep it mentally satisfied.
Sources:forum.wildundhund.depaw-champ.comeinfachtierisch.detackenberg.dereddit.com
Owners and breed experts agree that the Norwegian Elkhound is a weatherproof, tough and very healthy, resilient breed.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
Owners and breed experts agree that the Norwegian Elkhound is a weatherproof, tough and very healthy, resilient breed. Thanks to its dense coat with plenty of undercoat, rain, snow and freezing temperatures hardly bother it, and it really comes alive in cool weather. In high summer, on the other hand, it clearly avoids the heat and needs shady spots and cooler walk times.
Day-to-day grooming is manageable, since the coat is considered self-cleaning and usually gets by with a weekly brushing. Owners do, however, describe the seasonal coat change as very intense: twice a year the dog sheds huge amounts of undercoat, which calls for thorough daily brushing. Breeding and veterinary reports also stress keeping an eye on the breed-typical joint issues (hip and elbow dysplasia) and hereditary eye diseases in Elkhounds. Fortunately, with enough exercise and a balanced diet the breed is hardly prone to obesity and often lives to an old age.
Sources:forum.wildundhund.deagila.detackenberg.deunitedpetclub.comzoomalia.de
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
FAQ & more
Is a Norwegian Elkhound the right dog for me?
The Norwegian Elkhound is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Norwegian Elkhound live?
The average life expectancy of a Norwegian Elkhound is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Norwegian Elkhound need?
Norwegian Elkhound grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Norwegian Elkhound good for families with children?
The Norwegian Elkhound can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
What colors does the Norwegian Elkhound come in?
The Norwegian Elkhound comes in these colors: Grey, Black. Colors that fall outside the breed standard are marked as such on the breed page.
Are you a Norwegian Elkhound breeder?
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Norwegian Elkhound.