Norwegian Elkhound Grey

A loyal and affectionate dog that enjoys lots of contact with its owner. Much less affectionate around strangers.

An energetic, bold character that loves to play. The Elkhound is a very intelligent dog, so games must be interesting.

Older Elkhounds are quite calm, but younger dogs, and especially puppies, are very boisterous. Has a tendency to jump up, which can unnerve people who are less familiar with dogs. 

A very intelligent dog with a strong and independent mind. Keeping them mentally stimulated is just as important as keeping them well exercised. 

This dog was bred to hunt elk, moose, and bears. Has a very high prey drive. A fearless hunter. 

A very confident dog that will rarely get scared by anyone or anything. However, they can be a little suspicious of strangers. Because they’re so loyal to the pack, they view strangers as outsiders, and a potential threat.  

Independent and very strong-willed. A dominant personality, especially around other dogs. 

A social dog that requires lots of human contact and company. These dogs have been working alongside people for thousands of years. They’re not suited to solitude. 

Responds well to reward-based training methods, but requires a firm and confident handler. Consistency and structure are really important when training these highly-intelligent animals.

Known as a very vocal breed. The Elkhound has a loud and very distinct bark. 

An extremely loyal dog. Very unlikely to run away. 

This dog is prone to separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behaviour.

No issues with overeating.

Thanks to its loud and distinct bark, the Norwegian Elkhound makes an excellent watchdog. A natural protector. 

A flat is a really bad environment for the Elkhound. Keeping one locked up in such a small space will lead to behavioural problems and mental health issues.

This dog needs around two hours of exercise every day. The Elkhound is an outdoor dog. Owners need a large garden or should live near the countryside.

Easy enough to transport by car, although longer trips should be broken up into stages. The Elkhound will need to stretch its legs, otherwise it will get bored and frustrated. 

The Elkhound is a real working dog with a very high-prey drive. Not suitable for families who have cats.

The Elkhound is naturally competitive and can be aggressive. This can lead to conflict with other dogs. 

Suited for families with older children who know how to behave around dogs. Far too boisterous and powerful to be left alone with toddlers. 

This dog can be a real handful, especially during its first few years. Requires over two hours of exercise every day. Not the best choice for elderly dog owners.  

First time dog owners will struggle to handle the Elkhound. These dogs are strong-minded, willful, and can easily take advantage of a “weak” handler.