Family: Hound
Breed Group: Northern, AKC Hound
Origin: Norway
Date of Origin: Ancient
Originally used for: Herding livestock, Guard dog, Hunting dog
Used today: Companion, hunting dog,
Other Name(s): Norsk Elghund, Gray Norwegian Elkhound, Grähund
History of the Breed: The Norwegian Elkhound is the national dog breed of Norway. This ancient northern breed can be traced backed
to the Vikings. It has served as a guardian of farms, herder of flocks, often defending livestock from wolves and bear and other predators.
Elkhounds were first imported to America in the early 20th century. The (NEAA) Norwegian Elkhound Association of America was formally organized
in 1934.
General Appearance: A medium sized Spitz type dog with a square profile. The head is broad and wedge shaped. The medium sized oval
eyes are dark brown. The small erect pointed ears are set high. The muzzle is thickest at the base and tapers evenly without being pointed.
Lips are tightly closed and teeth meet in a scissors bite. The body is short with a muscular neck and a straight strong back. The rib cage
accounts for most of the body length. The chest is deep with the brisket level with the elbows and with well sprung ribs. The loin is short
and wide with very little tuck-up. The tail is set high, tightly curled, and carried over the centerline of the back. The grey coat is thick,
hard, smooth and weather resistant.
Height & Weight:
Height 19.5 to 20.5 inches
Weight 48 - 55 pounds.
Coat: A double coat. The outercoat is thick, hard, smooth and weather resistant and the undercoat is soft, dense, and woolly.
The hair is short on the head, ears, and on the front of legs. The hair is longer on the back of neck, the buttocks and the underside of the tail.
Color: Gray with darker tips, lighter gray on the legs, stomach, buttocks, and underside of tail. The undercoat is also lighter in color.
Grooming needs: Medium, they shed considerably twice a year
Temperament of Breed: Very protective of the family with an independent personality.
Friendly with children: Yes, if properly socialized starting at an early age
Friendly with other dogs: Yes, they have a pack dog instinct
Suitability as a watchdog: Excellent
Exercise Level: Medium, should be walked every day.
Health Issues with the Breed:
Major: Hip dysplasia, renal problems
Minor: Sebaceous cysts
Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 Years
2006 AKC Ranking: 92
First Registered by the AKC: 1913
Registries: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
ACR -American Canine Registry
AKC -American Kennel Club
ANKC -Australian National Kennel Club
APRI -American Pet Registry Inc.
CKC -Continental Kennel Club
CKC -Canadian Kennel Club
FCI -Fédération Cynologique Internationale
KCGB -Kennel Club of Great Britain
NKC -National Kennel Club
NZKC -New Zealand Kennel Club
UKC -United Kennel Club
Breed Organizations & Associations:
Norwegian Elkhound Association of America
