Norwegian Elkhound characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | 33% of breeds |
| Energy level | High | — |
| Trainability | Medium | 48% of breeds |
| Friendliness | High | 35% of breeds |
| Good with children | High | — |
| Grooming needs | High | 20% of breeds |
| Shedding | Very High | 12% of breeds |
| Barking | High | 17% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Medium | 38% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 13 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Norwegian Elkhound right for you?
The Norwegian Elkhound is a mid-sized breed that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. In terms of temperament, it is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog and will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive. Day to day, the Norwegian Elkhound needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Norwegian Elkhound needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. With high energy and high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Norwegian Elkhound to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Norwegian Elkhound requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims and drops hair heavily in every season. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Norwegian Elkhound is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions and is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you. It is reasonably independent and takes alone time in its stride, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Norwegian Elkhound
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Norwegian Elkhound genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Shedding: Very high — the Norwegian Elkhound sheds more heavily than nearly every other breed we score. Only 12% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Barking: High — the Norwegian Elkhound is more vocal than most breeds. Only 17% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Grooming needs: High — the Norwegian Elkhound needs more grooming than most breeds. Only 20% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Norwegian Elkhound actually costs you
| Exercise | Around an hour to ninety minutes of daily exercise, and it will notice when a day is skipped. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Brushing several times a week, with professional grooming at intervals. |
| Time alone | Handles normal working hours better than most, given exercise either side. |
| Noise | More vocal than most; worth factoring into flat living. |
Where the Norwegian Elkhound fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Workable on space, but the barking needs managing where walls are shared. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | High child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Depends | Manageable for a committed beginner who takes training seriously from week one. |
| Homes with cats | Depends | High prey drive. Introductions need managing, and a bolting cat triggers exactly the instinct this breed was selected for. |
| Long working days | Good fit | High independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Poor fit | Very high shedding and no low-allergen coat recorded. |
Perfect for
- Cold climates
- Norwegian enthusiasts
- Active families
- Spitz lovers
Things to consider
- Heavy shedding
- Can be independent
- Vocal nature
Not sure which breed is right for you?
Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.
Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Norwegian Elkhound good with children?
- Yes — the Norwegian Elkhound is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Norwegian Elkhound shed a lot?
- The Norwegian Elkhound has very high shedding.
- How much exercise does the Norwegian Elkhound need?
- With high energy, the Norwegian Elkhound needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation — long walks, runs or active play.
- How long does the Norwegian Elkhound live?
- The Norwegian Elkhound typically lives around 13 years.
- Can the Norwegian Elkhound live in an apartment?
- The Norwegian Elkhound can live in an apartment provided it gets enough daily exercise and mental stimulation.
- Is the Norwegian Elkhound easy to train?
- The Norwegian Elkhound is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Norwegian Elkhound be left alone during the day?
- The Norwegian Elkhound is reasonably independent and takes alone time in its stride. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.