Norwegian Elkhound Grey

Other names : Norwegian Moose Dog, Grey Elk Dog, Norskelghund, Grå norsk elghund, Gray Norwegian Elkhound, Small Grey Elk Dog, Harmaa norjanhirvikoira, Norwegian Elkhound

Photo: puppy of Norwegian Elkhound Grey breed

The Norwegian Elkhound is an ancient spitz breed. The national dog of Norway, the Elkhound is a revered and skillful hunting dog. A brave and fearless animal, they’re used to track moose, bears, elk, and even wolves. This dog is exceptionally loyal and tends to form a close bond with one member of the family. Thanks to its sharp (and very loud) bark, the Elkhound also makes an excellent watchdog.

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Life expectancy	The Norwegian Elkhound Grey has a life expectancy of between 12 and 14 years
Temperament	Playful High prey drive
Size	Medium
Adult size	Female Between 17 and 18 in Male Between 18 and 19 in
Adult weight	Female Between 44 and 55 lb Male Between 44 and 55 lb
Coat colour	Blue
Type of coat	Long Hard
Eye colour	Brown
Purchase price	The Norwegian Elkhound Grey costs between £1000 and £1500

Good to know

Young Elkhounds are very boisterous, and as puppies, they border on the hyperactive. They need a tremendous amount of exercise and stimulation.

Elkhounds love cold weather, especially the snow.

The Elkhound can be very stubborn and disobedient. They can run rings around less experienced dog handlers.

More details about the Norwegian Elkhound Grey

Norwegian Elkhound Grey: Origins and history

The Norwegian Elkhound is an ancient breed that was developed around 3,000 years ago. It’s a result of a female wolf and male dog hybridization that occured long after wild wolves were first domesticated. It seems that Scandinavian tribes were looking for a way to improve the existing hunting breeds by crossing them with wolves. And they certainly succeeded with the Norwegian Elkhound. This dog has been hunting alongside humans ever since and still helps hunters track large game such as moose, elk, and bears. This highly prized dog was rarely seen outside of Norway until the late 19th Century. It was officially recognised by the Kennel Club in 1901.

Physical characteristics of the Norwegian Elkhound Grey

Medium sized spitz breed. Sturdy build with a square body and large head. Thick fur and bushy tail. Alert, intelligent expression. Elongated muzzle.

FCI classification of the Norwegian Elkhound Grey

Group 5 - Spitz and primitive types
Section 2 : Nordic Hunting Dogs

Norwegian Elkhound Grey: Characteristics

Not very affectionate

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

Very playful

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

Not very calm

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.

Moderate intelligence

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

High prey drive

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

Fearful of strangers

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.

Very independent

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

Norwegian Elkhound Grey: Behaviour

Tolerates being left alone

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.

Not very easy to train

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.

Tends to be very vocal

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

Has a tendency to run away

An extremely loyal dog. Very unlikely to run away.

Can be destructive

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

Moderately food motivated

No issues with overeating.

Very good watchdog

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

Training a Norwegian Elkhound Grey

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.

Norwegian Elkhound Grey: Lifestyle

Not very compatible with living in a flat

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.

Needs a lot of exercise

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.

Moderately easy to travel with

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.

Breed compatibility Norwegian Elkhound Grey

Not very compatible with cats

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

Moderately compatible with other dogs

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

Moderately compatible with children

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

Not compatible with senior owners

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.

Not recommended for a first-time owner

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.

Norwegian Elkhound Grey: Purchase price

The initial cost of a Norwegian Elkhound puppy is between £1,000 to £1,500. The average cost to keep one of these dogs (including vet bills, insurance, and food) is between £50 to £100 a month.

Norwegian Elkhound Grey: Shedding

Average

Sheds throughout the year. Very heavy shedding during the Spring.

Norwegian Elkhound Grey: Grooming

The Elkhound has a thick, profuse coat that needs brushing on a weekly basis.

Norwegian Elkhound Grey: Health

Life expectancy

A very healthy and well-bred dog, although they do have a genetic predisposition to thyroid problems. Their average life expectancy is between 12 and 14 years.

Strong / robust

Bred to survive in harsh natural environments. Very strong. Very robust. Well-built, muscular dog with lots of stamina.

Vulnerability to hot weather

Sheds during the spring, which helps keep them cool in summer. However, they will struggle in warmer countries, especially during very hot summers.

Vulnerability to cold weather

They have a thick, double-layered coat that provides protection against the cold, the rain, and the wind. No problems surviving the cold.

Tendency to put on weight

Although the Elkhound has an average appetite, they’re prone to rapid weight-gain as they approach old age. This is due to problems with their thyroid gland, which slows down the Elkhounds metabolism.

Common illnesses