The Norwegian Elkhound Community

The Norwegian Elkhound is one of the oldest and most historically significant dog breeds in the world, a Scandinavian hunting spitz whose ancestors have been working alongside humans in the Norse lands for at least six thousand years - skeletal remains of dogs closely resembling the modern Elkhound have been found in Norwegian archaeological sites dating to 4000 BC. The breed was developed and refined over millennia to track, hunt and hold elk, bear and other large game in the challenging terrain of Scandinavian forests, working at close quarters with large and dangerous quarry by locating prey with its exceptional nose, following trails across rough country and then holding the quarry at bay with a characteristic quick-darting bark until the hunter could close in. The breed was first presented to the outside world at a show in Denmark in 1877 and was registered by the Kennel Club in the Hound Group, reflecting its hunting heritage. The Norwegian Elkhound is a compact, strongly built and well-balanced spitz of medium size. The coat is the breed's most immediately striking feature - a thick, hard, self-cleaning double coat in silver-grey with characteristic black tips on the outer coat. The undercoat is soft, dense and white. The tail curls tightly over the back in typical spitz fashion. Adults typically stand 49 to 52 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 20 to 23 kilograms. The character is bold, loyal and deeply devoted to its own family - combining the affectionate loyalty of a companion dog with the vigour, independence and self-reliance of a working hunter. The breed is good with children and families it has been raised with, energetic and playful in daily life, and steady and confident in new situations. The hunting background instils a degree of independent judgement that is always present and must be understood and managed rather than overridden. The prey drive is genuine and the breed's tracking instinct is strong. Recall must be thoroughly trained before off-lead work in open terrain is attempted. The breed is vocal and will bark to announce arrivals and when engaged outdoors. Training requires positive reinforcement and an understanding of the breed's independent character. Harsh methods produce resistance and resentment. The Elkhound responds to owners who earn its respect through calm, consistent handling. Health considerations include Progressive Retinal Atrophy, for which DNA testing of breeding stock is essential. Fanconi Syndrome and Hip Dysplasia have also been documented. Purchase prices from KC-registered, health-tested breeders range from £1,000 to £2,000. Monthly running costs average £90 to £150. The Norwegian Elkhound Association of Great Britain is the primary resource for breed information, health testing, responsible breeders and rescue contact.