Dunker

Despite being bred to hunt some of the most fearsome predators on the planet, the Norwegian Hound is a big softy to the people he meets daily.

Younger Norwegian Hounds are extremely playful. They have boundless energy and will play for hours at a time. Games that stimulate his intellect and physical abilities will help to reinforce his education and the relationship between master and dog.

The Norwegian Hound can be quite boisterous, especially when they get excited. Although this can be entertaining, it can also overwhelm some people. These powerful dogs need a confident hand.

These dogs are very smart. This means they know how to get what they want. This highly intelligent dog is capable of running rings around an inexperienced dog owner.

The Norwegian Hound is a fearsome hunter. He is capable of tracking down bears, moose, and wolves.

He is naturally very suspicious of unfamiliar people and can be out of control if he is not well socialised.

These dogs are strong-minded, willful, and can become a real handful if not properly trained.

The absence of his master doesn’t worry him, and allows him to fulfil his mission of guardian.

This intelligent, independent dog requires an expert handler who is familiar with complex dog training methods. First-time owners will struggle to handle this willful animal.

This dog is a real barker, and he’s capable of making lots of noise. He will bark incessantly when he spots his prey, and when he wants to get his master’s attention. Early training and socialisation are vital.

His very strong predatory instinct drives him to run off as soon as he has the opportunity.

They’re not naturally destructive dogs, although they are prone to separation anxiety. This can lead to destructive behaviour, and these powerful dogs can do lots of damage. Make sure their needs are being met.

Using treats to educate this dog is a must, because you really need to have good sources of motivation to get him to cooperate.

The Norwegian Hound is a first-rate watchdog. They also make excellent guard-dogs. They’re strong, brave, and fearless. Just one look at these dogs will deter any potential intruders. 

These working dogs should never be kept in a flat or a small house. He should preferably live in the countryside, in a secure environment to avoid repeated escapes.

One hour of high-intensity physical and mental exercise every day. These dogs are much better on the leash than other working dogs, although they still need to run free and explore. This dog has stamina, courage, and energy in spades.

Norwegian Elkhounds are too big to travel by plane. He can travel alongside his master thanks to his average size, but it requires a lot of training and socialisation work to him to integrate well into new environments.

If you’ve got cats, then don’t get a Norwegian Hound. These dogs have a huge prey drive and will chase any cats at the first opportunity.

If they’re introduced from an early age, Norwegian Hounds get on really well with other dogs. Older hounds can be territorial and very protective of their owners. They might see other dogs as a threat.

Despite being very playful and loving, these dogs can be very boisterous and do not like being harassed. They’re not really suited for families with young children or toddlers.

Some elderly people will struggle handing these powerful dogs. They can also be quite stubborn and demanding.

If you’ve never owned a dog before, then the Norwegian Hound is not a good place to start. They’re far too willful for a novice dog owner.