Norwegian Elkhound breed guide

Norwegian Elkhounds are famously fine companions and intelligent watchdogs. AKC says the breed does not tend to be a star in the obedience ring: it learns very quickly, being highly intelligent, then reacts as if to ask whether it did not already do this 12 times.

Another difficulty in training is the independent nature of dogs that had to make their own decisions when hunting moose.

Norwegian Elkhounds live 12 to 15 years. AKC says the average lifespan is 12 to 14 years, with most owners losing their dogs to cancer or heart issues and negligible incidence of progressive retinal atrophy that may be traced to foreign dogs.

Hip dysplasia occurs, but dogs that are checked usually get good or fair evaluations from the OFA, many rating excellent.

The Norwegian Elkhound has a two-ply coat of top coat and undercoat. AKC says breeders warn that in shedding season there will be tumbleweeds of silver undercoat rolling around the house, while the outer coat sheds less.

In Norway they track and follow moose, ranging far ahead of the hunter and trotting many miles for several days if necessary, so independent, woodland-loving Norwegian Elkhounds need real exercise.

Shipmate of the Vikings, guardian of remote farms, herder of flocks, defender against wolf and bear, sometime hauler and always a hunter, the Norwegian Elkhound has survived more than six millennia with its Nordic traits intact, AKC says.

It looms in Norse history and myth: it appears in epic sagas. Its remains have been found beside a Viking master along with the Viking's sword and shield.