The Norwegian Elkhound is one of those breeds that turns heads — with its wolfish looks, curled tail, and boundless energy. Originally bred in Norway to hunt moose and big game, this is a dog built for stamina, independence, and loyalty.
If you’re looking for a striking, active companion who will happily guard your home and join you on long adventures, the Elkhound could be your perfect match.
If you’re unsure whether an Elkhound is right for you, try the Which Dog Breed is Best for Me? Quiz early — it’ll help you see if their energy, grooming needs, and temperament align with your lifestyle.
Exercise Needs
Norwegian Elkhounds are working dogs through and through — you won’t tire them out easily.
- Need at least two long walks a day.
- Thrive on hiking, running, and outdoor adventures.
- Love to roam, so a secure garden is a must.
- Without enough stimulation, they become destructive (chewing, digging, nuisance barking).
Ownership insight: Many owners say Elkhounds are “Velcro dogs with rockets for legs.” They love being with you, but also need an outlet for their insane energy.
Temperament & Family Life
Despite their wolfish look, Elkhounds are affectionate and loyal family members.
- Great with older children who can match their energy.
- Less suitable for toddlers (they won’t tolerate rough handling).
- Tend to bond very closely with one person.
- Protective but not aggressive.
Living setup: They can adapt to flat living if exercised enough, but they’re happiest with a secure garden and lots of outdoor time.
Training & Intelligence
Smart, stubborn, and independent — training an Elkhound is never dull.
- Highly intelligent, but they like doing things their own way.
- Respond best to positive reinforcement and varied, fun training.
- Easily bored by repetition.
- Many owners recommend starting early with socialisation and recall.
Tip: For extra support, try our AI Dog Trainer, which gives you instant answers to training questions and helps keep your sessions engaging.
Watchdogs & Guarding Instincts
The Norwegian Elkhound takes guarding seriously.
- Naturally suspicious of strangers.
- Excellent watchdogs — they’ll bark at anything unusual.
- Protective of family, but not aggressive without cause.
Be prepared: they’re barkers. Training them to be quiet on command is essential if you want to keep the neighbours happy.
Living With Other Pets
Elkhounds are hunting dogs at heart.
- Usually fine with other dogs if raised together.
- Two males may clash.
- Cats can be tolerated if introduced young — but neighbourhood cats beware!
- Strong prey drive means smaller animals are often seen as fair game.
Health & Grooming
With their thick double coat, Elkhounds are high-maintenance when it comes to shedding.
- Heavy shedders — they “blow” their coats 2–3 times a year.
- Weekly brushing is essential (daily during shedding season).
- Coat keeps them warm, but they struggle in hot weather.
- Prone to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and kidney issues.
Owner tip: Elkhounds are notorious for piling on weight. Keep treats limited and exercise consistent.
Want to make sure you’re asking all the right health questions before bringing one home? Grab our free Best in Breeder Guide — it covers everything you should ask to avoid nasty surprises.
Norwegian Elkhound Stats
| Trait | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 20–25 kg |
| Height | 49–52 cm |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Best Trait | Wolfish looks + loyal nature |
| Worst Trait | Barking and independence |
Famous Norwegian Elkhounds
- The breed is a national symbol of Norway, celebrated in folklore and Viking history.
- Elkhounds have been companions to Arctic explorers, pulling sledges and guarding camps.
- King Haakon VII of Norway famously kept Elkhounds as royal companions.
Cost of Owning a Norwegian Elkhound in the UK
Owning an Elkhound isn’t just about walks and cuddles — your wallet will get a workout too.
- Puppy price (reputable breeder): £800 – £1,200+
- Insurance: Around £25–£35 per month (£300–£420 yearly)
- Food: £35–£80 per month (£420–£960 yearly)
- Routine vet care (boosters, flea/worming): £150–£250 yearly
- Unexpected vet bills: Average £500+ yearly (can be much more)
- Grooming kit & extras: £100–£200 yearly
Realistic yearly spend: ~£1,800 (around £150 per month). Some years may creep past £2,500 if health problems pop up.
FAQ
Are Norwegian Elkhounds good with children?
Yes, especially with older kids. They’re less suited to toddlers who tug ears and tails.
Can they live in flats?
Possibly — but only with long daily exercise. A garden makes life easier for everyone.
Will they roam off-lead?
Almost certainly, unless recall is trained and proofed early, their prey drive is legendary.
Do they really shed that much?
Yes. Twice a year, it’s like a snowstorm indoors. Invest in a strong hoover and a lint roller.
What health tests should breeders do?
Hip scoring, eye tests for PRA and glaucoma, kidney function checks, and genetic tests for skeletal conditions.
Thinking of Bringing Home a Norwegian Elkhound?
Elkhounds are not dogs for the faint-hearted. They’re loyal, beautiful, and endlessly active — but they need a confident owner who can provide structure. If this wolfish, vocal guardian has caught your eye, be ready for a dog who’ll love your family fiercely, out-bark the postie, and blow their coat across every inch of your home.
Elkhounds are not dogs for the faint-hearted. They’re loyal, beautiful, and endlessly active — but they need a confident owner who can provide structure, stimulation, and plenty of exercise.
Plan ahead with our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner.
Love their wolfish look? You can even capture it forever with a Cartoon Pet Portrait.
Pickles’ Aside: Shed fur? More like free insulation for winter!