At a glance the quick version
The AKC standard gives about 55 lb (25 kg) for males and 48 lb (22 kg) for females; Wikipedia gives 20-23 kg. The FCI standard sets no weight.
Coat and looks how to spot one
thick, weatherproof double coat
A square, sturdy spitz with a coarse, straight outer coat over a soft woolly undercoat. The hair is short on the head and front legs and longest on the neck, thighs and tightly curled tail.13
Personality what they are like
A confident, lively hunting dog that is friendly by nature and carries itself with quiet dignity. It is bright, playful and devoted to its family, with enough independence to think for itself, and it makes an alert watchdog.312
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Up to about an hour of exercise a day; it enjoys hiking, tracking and long outdoor walks.4
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush more than once a week; the dense coat sheds, with a heavier seasonal moult.4
Home where they are happiest
Does best with an active family and outdoor access; the coat is made for cold, northern weather.43
Company who they like around
Forms a very strong bond with its owners and enjoys being part of family life.2
The story where it all began
Grey spitz dogs of this type have lived in Norway since ancient times, and skeletons from the Stone Age look much like today's Elkhound. It was used to track elk and hold them at bay by barking until the hunter arrived. The breed was first shown in Norway in 1877 and was recognised by The Kennel Club in Britain in 1901.42
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 242 (Norsk Elghund Grå), Group 5 Spitz and primitive types, Section 2 Nordic Hunting Dogs; standard published 09.08.1999, country of origin Norway.1
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Hound group. Wikipedia states The Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1901.4
- AKC
- Has an AKC standard, approved 13 December 1988 and effective 1 February 1989.3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Norwegian Elkhound. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
- Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
- Bathevery 10 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard N° 242 Norsk Elghund Grå fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament
- Wikipedia: Norwegian Elkhound en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, weight, lifespan, history dates, fun facts
- AKC Official Standard of the Norwegian Elkhound images.akc.orgused for height, weight, temperament, colours
- The Royal Kennel Club: Norwegian Elkhound royalkennelclub.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, history, hunting style
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.