The Norwegian Elkhound originated in Norway. A hunting dog, used to hunt elk, bear, and other wild animals, is bold and energetic. He thrives on companionship and will prove to be a lifelong loyal friend. In appearance, the Norwegian Elkhound is a typical northern dog of medium size and substance.

Bold and energetic, the Norwegian Elkhound is a hardy grey hunting dog. As a hunter, he has the courage, agility and stamina to hold moose and other big game at bay by barking and dodging attack, and the endurance to track for long hours in all weather over rough and varied terrain.

The Norwegian Elkhound's head is broad at the ears and wedge shaped. His expression is keen and alert, indicating a dog with great courage. Eyes are very dark brown, medium in size and oval in shape. The Norwegian Elkhound's ears are set high, "prick," being firm and erect.

Males are 20 & 1/2; inches at the withers, bitches 19 & 1/2; inches. Weight for dogs is about 55 pounds, for bitches about 48 pounds. The Norwegian Elkhound is a squared bodied dog, with the distance from brisket to ground appearing to be half the height at the withers and the distance from forechest to rump equaling the height at the withers.

The Norwegian Elkhound's coat needs a good brushing once a week and a periodic bath. The coat itself is thick, hard, weather resisting and smooth lying - with a soft, dense, woolly undercoat covered by coarse, straight covering hairs.

The Norwegian Elkhound Standard describes coat color, thusly, "Gray, medium preferred, variations in shade determined by the length of black tips and quantity of guard hairs. Undercoat is clear light silver as are legs, stomach, buttocks, and underside of tail. The gray body color is darkest on the saddle, lighter on the chest, mane and distinctive harness mark (a band of longer guard hairs from shoulder to elbow). The muzzle, ears and tail tip are black. The black of the muzzle shades to lighter gray over the forehead and skull. Yellow or brown shading, white patches, indistinct or irregular markings, "sooty" coloring on the lower legs and light circles around the eyes are undesirable. Any overall color other than gray as described above, such as red, brown, solid black, white or other solid color, disqualifies."

The Norwegian Elkhound is a square and athletic member of the northern dog family. His unique coloring, weather resistant coat and stable disposition make him an ideal multi-purpose dog at work or at play. His gait is even and effortless - normal gait for a dog constructed for agility and endurance. Bold and energetic, he is an effective guardian - yet normally friendly - with great dignity and independence of character.

To learn more about this lifelong-loyal dog, please visit the
Norwegian Elkhound Association of America.