Norwegian Elkhound Breed Information
Learn all about Norwegian Elkhound dogs, read about the Norwegian Elkhound breed information, find out about the Norwegian Elkhound Breed Standard, Norwegian Elkhound behavior and more.
Norwegian Elkhound Breed Introduction
The Norwegian Elkhound breed is an active, hard-working hunting dog breed. Protective and friendly, the Norwegian Elkhound is the national dog of Norway.
The Norwegian Elkhound’s Behavior
Source: Wikipedia.
Recommended for: pet, working dog
The Norwegian Elkhound dog breed is a very active breed. Norwegian Elkhounds were bred as pack dogs and today make good family dogs. They are tolerant of children. They are also protective. Norwegian Elkhounds are generally considered independent and a challenge to train. Active dogs, they need time outdoors regularly.
Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog’s actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.
The Norwegian Elkhound’s Physical Characteristics
Here are some of the characteristics of the Norwegian Elkhound breed as determined by the American Kennel Club’s published breed standard.
- Size: male: 20Ω inches, female: 19Ω inches
- Coat: thick, hard, all-weather, smooth-lying
- Color: Gray
- Eyes: very dark brown, medium-sized, oval
- Ears: high-set, firm, standing straight up, small; slightly taller than their width at the base, pointed tips
- Muzzle: thickest at the base, tapered evenly, not pointed
- Nose: straight bridge, parallel to and about as long as the skull
- Tail: high-set, tightly curled; thickly and closely haired
The Norwegian Elkhound’s Origins and History
Source: Wikipedia.
Country/Region of Origin: Norway
Original purpose: hunting large animals
Name: from hunting elk.
Historical notes: For many years, the breed was considered one of the oldest dog breeds, going back more than five thousand years. Recent DNA analysis reveals, however, that this breed is actually a recent construction. These dogs were only bred to resemble an older form. The Norwegian elkhound breed was first shown officially in 1877. The Norwegian Elkhound is today the national dog breed of Norway.