Norwegian Elkhound grey Breed description: Character & Co
Norwegian Elkhound grey
Facts & Origin
When talking about the Norwegian Elkhound grey or Norwegian Elkhound, strictly speaking two breeds are summarized: The grey Norwegian Elkhound and the black Norwegian Elkhound. Both breeds are closely related to each other. The grey Norwegian Elkhound is much more common than the slightly smaller black one.
What is the origin of the Norwegian Elkhound?
The grey Norwegian Elkhound is the national dog of Norway. There are findings from the Stone Age that suggest this type of dog is very old. In Scandinavia, the grey Norwegian Elkhound is classically used for hunting, especially for hunting big game such as bears and moose. For a long period of time, it was bred in Sweden under the name 'Grey Hound'. Since 1981, the breeding has been managed from Norway. The black Norwegian Elkhound is mentioned in the 15th century. Since 1877 it has been kept as a separate breed. It is also used for hunting in Scandinavia, but it is much rarer than the grey elkhound.
| Alternate Name | Norwegian Elkhound, Norwegian Elkhound grey, Norsk Elghund grey, Greyhound |
| Origin | Norway |
| Life expectancy | 12 - 15 years |
| Care requirements | high-maintenance |
| Activity level | high |
| FCI group | Nordic Hunting Dogs |
| AKC group | Hound Group |
| KC group | Hound Group |
Norwegian Elkhound grey mixes
Attitude, character and temperament of the breed
What are typical characteristics of Norwegian Elkhounds?
The moose dog is a hunting dog that independently picks up the scent, extremely powerful, but at the same time autonomous in its decisions. Drill and stubborn obedience are absolutely alien to him. He obeys - if he finds it reasonable. If you have conquered his heart, he will stand by you unconditionally. At the same time he is loyal to his pack or his family and fond of children. The black Norwegian Elkhound is once again considered to be particularly intelligent and also active.
For which people is a Norwegian Elkhound suitable?
For your Norwegian Elkhound you need besides a consistent, calm education above all one thing: a lot of time. The Norwegian Elkhound is by no means a beginner dog. He needs a consistent education without much pressure, but with a lot of understanding for his independent nature. Since he is a powerful working dog, he needs in any case a meaningful occupation, both for the head and purely physical. Under the circumstances he likes to be a friendly and balanced family dog.
Character
Usage
Health and breeding information
What are typical diseases of Norwegian Elkhounds?
The Norwegian Elkhound is extremely robust. At the same time he is bred for performance. Breed specific diseases are not known.
It does not tolerate hot weather well - in hot weather, sporting or hunting work should be postponed until the morning or evening.
What to consider when breeding Norwegian Elkhounds
Outside of Scandinavia, the Norwegian Elkhound is extremely rare. Therefore, there is no real pricing. If you want to add a Norwegian Elkhound to your family, you will either need a lot of patience or quite a bit of luck - or try a breeder there in Scandinavia right away.
What are the breed characteristics of Norwegian Elkhounds?
The Norwegian Elkhound belongs to FCI group 5, which are the point and primitive type dogs. Both moose dogs are almost square in build, they carry their tail curled up over their back.
Appearance and coat of the Norwegian Elkhound
With the appearance the two strokes differ particularly clearly.
The coat of the grey Norwegian Elkhound is of medium length with a coarse top coat and soft undercoat. The colour consists of different shades of grey with lighter markings. The tips of the topcoat are black. A black mask gives it an expressive face.
The coat of the black Norwegian Elkhound is jet black, with smaller markings allowed on the chest or paws.
Like all Spitz, Norwegian Elkhounds are square in build, have erect ears, alert eyes, and a tail curled over the back. The grey Norwegian Elkhound is more compact than the black one, which is more athletic and athletic.
How big does the Norwegian Elkhound grow?
For the grey Norwegian Elkhound, a height of 52 cm is considered ideal for males, and 49 cm for females. The black Norwegian Elkhound is somewhat smaller. Here males should be 46 to 49 cm high, bitches 43 to 46 cm.
How much does a Norwegian Elkhound weigh?
The grey Norwegian Elkhound will weigh 20 to 24 kg. The black Norwegian Elkhound remains somewhat lighter, weighing up to 19 kg.
How old does a grey Norwegian Elkhound live?
The life expectancy of the Norwegian Elkhound is stated to be twelve to fifteen years. This makes the Norwegian Elkhound, like most Spitz, one of the more long-lived breeds.
| Fur length | long |
| Fur | - |
| Ear shape | Standing Ears |
| Tail | rolled up |
| Anatomy | massive, sporty |
| Size ♀ | 43 - 46 cm |
| Weight ♀ | 19 - 25 kg |
| Size ♂ | 46 - 49 cm |
| Weight ♂ | 20 - 24 kg |
| Suitable For | - |
Colors
Other medium dogs
Useful Articles
You can find articles that might interest you in the dogbible blog to match your favorite breed.
Visit our magazineto stay up to date on dog trends.
To find out more, view our Privacy Policy
Find here the breed that suits you and find out what character traits it has. Here you can also learn more about the origin, size and weight of your favorite breeds.
Matching your favorite breed, you'll find articles that might interest you on the dogbible dog blog.
Capturing special moments with your four-legged friend - ideas and implementation
PRA (Progessive Retinal Atrophy) in dogs - what you need to know about it
Hiking with dog in Saxon Switzerland