Photo: Sannse · CC BY-SA 3.0 dog breed · 927 on Animalso
Norwegian Elkhound: Norway’s National Dog
- Animal
- Dog
- Origin
- Norway
- Height
- 49 cm
From Norway, the Norwegian Elkhound is a Northern Spitz-type dog and the country’s national dog. Its recorded work includes hunting, guarding, herding and defending. It tracks and hunts elk and other large game, including bears and wolves. The listed height is 49. The breed first appeared at a Norwegian dog exhibition in 1877.
What the Norwegian Elkhound is
The Norwegian Elkhound comes from Norway and belongs to the Northern Spitz-type group. It is the National Dog of Norway.
Its working history covers hunting, guarding, herding and defense. The breed is known for courage while tracking and hunting elk and other large game, including bears and wolves.
A short history
The Norwegian Elkhound was first presented at a dog exhibition in Norway in 1877.
What stands out
This breed combines several recorded working roles: hunter, guardian, herder and defender.
Its history centers on tracking and hunting large game.
Points to weigh
The breed’s recorded background is closely tied to demanding hunting and working roles.
Price
Price information is not provided.
Who may want another breed
Look elsewhere if you are not seeking a dog with a Norwegian origin and a working history built around hunting, guarding, herding and defense. Explore other dog breeds by type and origin.
Our view
Choose the Norwegian Elkhound if its Norwegian roots, Northern Spitz type and large-game hunting history match what you want to learn about in a dog.
What stands out
- Originates in Norway.
- National Dog of Norway.
- Worked as a hunter, guardian, herder and defender.
- Known for tracking and hunting large game.
- Belongs to the Northern Spitz-type group.
Worth knowing
- Its history includes hunting elk and other large game.
- Its background includes guarding and defense work.
- Its recorded roles also include herding.
Suits
- Readers interested in Norwegian dog breeds and working history.
- People comparing Northern Spitz-type dogs.
Think twice if
- Skip if you are looking for a cat or horse breed.
- Skip if Norwegian origin is not part of your search.
In short
The Norwegian Elkhound is a Norwegian dog with a clear working identity. It belongs to the Northern Spitz group, stands at a listed height of 49, and is recognized as Norway’s national dog. Its historical jobs ranged from hunting to guarding, herding and defense, with elk and other large game at the center of its tracking work. The 1877 exhibition record gives the breed a documented place in Norway’s dog history. It is a focused choice for readers drawn to that origin and purpose.
Questions
Where does the Norwegian Elkhound come from?
The Norwegian Elkhound comes from Norway. It is also the National Dog of Norway. See dog breeds from Norway.
What roles did the Norwegian Elkhound serve?
Its recorded roles include hunting, guarding, herding and defense. It tracked and hunted elk and other large game, including bears and wolves.
How tall is a Norwegian Elkhound?
The listed height for the Norwegian Elkhound is 49.
When was the breed first shown at a dog exhibition?
The Norwegian Elkhound was first presented at a dog exhibition in Norway in 1877.
More dog breeds from Norway
Photo credits7 photographs on this page
- Norwegian Elkhound — Sannse · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Black Norwegian Elkhound — Rvenes · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Dunker — Wikimedia Commons contributor · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Halden Hound — Sabine on · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Hygen Hound — Bjørn Konestabo · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Norwegian Buhund — Wikimedia Commons contributor · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Norwegian Lundehund — Karen Elise Dahlmo · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under the licence each one names. How Animalso credits photographs.