The Norwegian Elkhound is the National dog of Norway. It is a spitz-type dog bred to track and hunt moose and other large game, such as bears or wolves.
They are medium-sized dogs, with a sturdy build consisting of a short, strong body, deep chest and muscular limbs. They have dark brown eyes, erect mobile ears and a tightly curled tail. They are covered in a profuse double coat of silver-grey with black areas on the muzzle, ears, and tip of their tail. This is a hardy breed, which is also bold, playful and intelligent. They are a naturally friendly breed which greatly enjoys human company and they will become tightly bonded with their owners. They make great family dogs, good with older children and other dogs, and can do well with other household pets with early socialisation. They have a strongly independent streak, which can make them stubborn, but as super smart dogs, they will lap up reward-based training. They love to be active and make great companions for energetic and fun-loving families.
History
The Norwegian Elkhound is a direct translation from its original Norwegian name Norsk elghund, meaning Norwegian elk dog. They were specifically developed for the purpose of independently tracking down elk and holding them at bay until the hunter arrived. They would signal to the hunter their whereabouts with a loud, sharp bark. Dogs of this type go back centuries, with the Vikings using them as shipmates and guardians of farms, herders and hunters. Stone Age skeletons of dogs very similar to the modern Elkhound have also been found, suggesting that the breed has remained largely unchanged.
