Norwegian Elkhound

The Norwegian Elkhound has always been an excellent scenthound, used to track large game. They have also been used as guard dogs, herders, and protectors. The Elkhound survived and evolved to do many different jobs during the coldest of weather, in the roughest of terrains, and in the deepest mountains.

Above all, the Norwegian Elkhound's most revered ability is hunting Elk, as the breed's names suggests. The job of the Norwegian Elkhound was not actually to kill the animal, but rather to locate the prey and keep it in place until the hunter arrived to make the kill.

There is a bit of confusion over the history of the Norwegian Elkhound, mostly because its roots are tied to the spitz breed, yet is placed in the Hound Group. And anyone not familiar with the breed would immediately assume it was a spitz due to the Elkhound's physical appearance. They made their way to England and the United States sometime during the late 1800s and were recognized by the AKC in 1930.

The Norwegian Elkhound can be summed up as courageous, bold, independent, playful and with a boisterous attitude. These husky members of the Hound Group are a combination of spitz-like traits, mixed with that of the hound, and always looking for the next outdoor adventure. With its high energy levels and overly friendly personality, the Norwegian Elkhound makes an excellent pet for any family that enjoys exploring the great outdoors.

Read more about the Norwegian Elkhound.