The Norwegian Elkhound (Norsk Elghund): Norway’s Moose Dog

Grey, thick-coated, with pointed ears and a tail curled tightly over its back: the Norwegian Elkhound (norsk elghund) is often called Norway’s national dog. In English it is an “elkhound”, but in Norway it hunts elg, which is the moose.

This article is a reading companion to the free lesson Norwegian A1: Dyr (animals). Read it, watch the videos or press play and listen, and pick up some Norwegian dog words on the way.

What kind of dog is it?

The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium-sized spitz, the same family as huskies and Finnish spitzes. Spitz dogs are built for the cold: a dense double coat, small pointed ears and a curled tail.

Feature	Norwegian Elkhound (grey)
Height	about 52 cm for males, 49 cm for females
Weight	roughly 20–25 kg
Coat	grey double coat, lighter underneath, darker on the back
Tail	tightly curled over the back
Life span	usually 12–15 years

There is also a black Norwegian Elkhound (norsk elghund sort). It is a separate, smaller breed and is much rarer.

A very old Nordic dog

Spitz-type dogs have lived alongside people in Scandinavia for a very long time, and the elkhound is often linked to the Viking Age. For centuries these dogs guarded farms, kept wild animals away and helped hunters in the forest.

The modern breed took shape in the late 1800s, when Norwegian dog shows and breeders began to describe the grey elkhound as a breed of its own.

How it hunts moose

Moose hunting (elgjakt) is a big tradition in Norway every autumn, and the elkhound is made for it.

• The dog runs free in the forest and finds the moose by scent.
• It does not attack. It keeps the moose in one place by moving around it and barking.
• The barking tells the hunter where the dog and the moose are, so the hunter can come closer.

This takes courage, stamina and independence, which explains a lot about the elkhound’s personality at home too.

Is it a good family dog?

Yes, for the right family. Elkhounds are friendly, loyal and usually good with children when they are well socialised. They are also alert watchdogs.

• They bark. Barking is part of the job they were bred for, so neighbours in a block of flats may notice.
• They think for themselves. Training works best with short, positive and consistent sessions.
• They have a strong hunting drive. Many should not be off the lead near sheep, deer or cats.

Care, exercise and health

• Exercise: plan for at least one long walk or hike every day, plus play. A bored elkhound becomes a noisy elkhound.
• Grooming: brush a few times a week. The coat sheds heavily a couple of times a year, so expect a lot of grey fluff.
• Weight: elkhounds love food and gain weight easily. Measure meals and keep treats small.
• Health: choose a breeder who health-tests the parents, for example for hips and eyes, and ask your vet about the breed.

Norwegian words for dog lovers

Meeting a dog owner in Norway is one of the easiest ways to start a conversation. These words will help:

Norwegian	English
en hund	a dog
en valp	a puppy
en elg	a moose
å bjeffe	to bark
å gå tur	to go for a walk
skogen	the forest
båndet	the lead (leash)
halen	the tail
pelsen	the fur, the coat
Kan jeg klappe hunden?	Can I pet the dog?

Tip: Norwegians usually ask before they touch someone else’s dog. Kan jeg klappe hunden? is a polite way to start.

Watch: the Norwegian Elkhound

FAQ

Is the Norwegian Elkhound the national dog of Norway?

It is often called Norway’s national dog. It is one of the best-known Norwegian breeds and is closely linked to the country’s hunting tradition.

What does “elghund” mean?

“Elg” is Norwegian for moose (in British English, the European animal is also called an elk) and “hund” means dog. So an elghund is a moose dog.

Do Norwegian Elkhounds bark a lot?

Yes, many do. Barking is how they tell the hunter where the moose is, so it is part of the breed. Training and enough exercise help.

Can an elkhound live in a flat?

It can, if it gets long daily walks and activity. A bored elkhound in a small flat often barks and becomes restless.

Are elkhounds good with children?

Usually yes, when they are well socialised from a young age. As with any dog, adults should supervise young children.

Keep learning

• Practise it: the free lesson Norwegian A1: Dyr (animals).
• More Norwegian: Norwegian phrases for daily life.
• Count it: Numbers in Norwegian: 1–100.
• Live here: Moving to Norway: the complete guide.