People usually search the Norwegian Elkhound when they’re weighing up a medium-sized spitz with a big voice, a thick coat, and a real need for daily activity. It’s the sort of breed that can fit beautifully into the right home—and feel like too much dog in the wrong one.
Below is a clear, practical look at what Norwegian Elkhounds are like to live with in Australia: size and coat, temperament, exercise and training needs, common health concerns, grooming realities, and what to ask before you buy from a breeder.1, 2
Norwegian Elkhound at a glance
- Size: Medium. Ideal height: dogs 52 cm at the shoulder; bitches 49 cm.1
- Weight: Dogs approx. 23 kg; bitches approx. 20 kg (breed standard “ideal”).1
- Coat: Close, abundant, weather-resistant double coat (soft, woolly undercoat; coarse outer coat).1
- Colour: Grey of various shades with black-tipped outer coat; darker ears and foreface are typical.1
- Life expectancy: Commonly cited around 12–15 years (individual dogs vary).2, 3
- Temperament (broadly): Alert, independent, energetic, people-oriented, often vocal.3
History and original purpose
The Norwegian Elkhound is a Nordic spitz developed to work in harsh conditions: travelling over difficult ground, tracking scent, and holding large game at bay with persistent barking while the hunter closed in. That heritage shows up today as stamina, independence, and an “always on” awareness of what’s happening around the home.3
Physical characteristics and appearance
Norwegian Elkhounds are compact, squarely built dogs with pricked ears and a tightly curled tail. The coat is designed to shed water and protect against cold, with a dense undercoat and harsher outer coat. Markings are typically grey with darker points on the muzzle and ears; small variations occur, but pronounced departures from the grey colour are considered undesirable in the Australian breed standard.1
Temperament and behaviour: what owners tend to notice
This is usually a friendly, steady companion with its own opinions. Many Elkhounds enjoy being close to their people but aren’t always “obedience tidy” without patient training. Their alertness can be a joy on bushwalks and a nuisance at home if boredom builds.
Common, realistic traits include:
- Independence: They can think for themselves, which is useful in a working dog and challenging in a suburban backyard.3
- Vocalising: Barking is part of the breed’s traditional working style. Without training and adequate exercise, it can become a habit.3
- Prey drive and scent interest: Some will follow their nose with determination—good fencing and a recall plan matter.
Training and exercise needs
Norwegian Elkhounds cope best when exercise is routine, not occasional. Think of daily movement plus something to do with their brain: sniffy walks, short training sessions, and games that let them work for food. Many do well with positive reinforcement, clear boundaries, and variety. Consistency matters more than intensity.
Early socialisation helps them move calmly through the world—other dogs, visitors, traffic noise, grooming, the lot—before their watchful instincts and confidence fully settle in.3
Grooming and coat maintenance (the honest version)
The double coat is protective and attractive, but it’s not low-maintenance. Regular brushing helps remove loose undercoat and reduces matting—especially during heavier seasonal sheds. The Australian breed standard describes a coat that should not be trimmed; in day-to-day life, this generally translates to brushing and de-shedding rather than clipping the dog short.1
Bathing is usually occasional, but drying matters. A thick coat that stays damp close to the skin can contribute to skin irritation in some dogs, particularly in warm, humid weather or after swimming.6
Quick grooming checklist
- Brush thoroughly several times a week; increase during heavy shedding periods.
- Check ears, teeth, and nails routinely.
- After swims or rain, dry the coat properly down to the skin (not just the top layer).6
Health concerns to know about
No breed is “problem free”, and individual lines vary. The best protection is selecting a breeder who health-tests appropriately, provides evidence, and is open about what they’re seeing in their dogs.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia occurs across many medium and large breeds. It can range from mild changes with no obvious signs through to painful arthritis. If you’re buying a puppy, ask what hip scoring scheme the breeder uses and to see documentation for both parents (and ideally close relatives).
Eye disease (including glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy)
Norwegian Elkhounds are among the breeds in which inherited eye disease is a known concern. Breed-specific programmes and DNA tests exist for some conditions overseas (for example, primary open-angle glaucoma has had formal DNA testing schemes recorded by The Kennel Club in the UK).5
Pyotraumatic dermatitis (“hot spots”)
Hot spots are fast-developing, inflamed skin lesions often triggered by itching, trapped moisture, or underlying issues such as allergies, parasites, or ear disease. Thick-coated dogs can be more prone if they stay wet against the skin. If you notice sudden, intense licking or a painful, weeping patch, contact your vet promptly—these can worsen within hours.7
Living with a Norwegian Elkhound in Australia
Many Norwegian Elkhounds enjoy cooler weather. In hotter parts of Australia, plan for heat management: shade, fresh water, cooler walking times, and a home that can stay comfortable in summer. Heavy coats and high energy are a tricky combination if exercise only happens at midday.
They often suit homes that can offer:
- Daily exercise and time outside (not just a quick lap of the block).
- Training that continues past puppyhood.
- Good fencing and supervision (especially if wildlife or neighbour cats are common).
- A tolerance for some noise—and a willingness to train and manage it.
Choosing a Norwegian Elkhound: finding a reputable breeder
If you’re buying in Australia, start with breeders registered with Dogs Australia (ANKC). A good breeder expects questions, provides paperwork, and is frank about the downsides of the breed as well as the joys.8
Questions worth asking
- Are the puppies registered with a Dogs Australia state body?8
- What hereditary conditions occur in your lines, and what health testing do you do (hips, eyes, and anything breed-relevant)? Can I see results?8
- Can I meet the dam (and sire if possible), and see where the puppies are raised?8, 9
- At what age do puppies go to new homes? (In Australia, reputable sellers do not rehome puppies under 8 weeks.)10
Final thoughts
The Norwegian Elkhound is a sturdy, capable dog with the instincts of a working hunter: alert, vocal, and built to keep going. In a home that enjoys daily exercise, steady training, and regular coat care, they can be wonderfully companionable. In a home that needs a quiet, low-maintenance dog, they’re likely to feel like a constant project.
References
- Dogs Australia (ANKC) – Norwegian Elkhound breed standard
- Purina UK – Norwegian Elkhound (overview, size, lifespan)
- American Kennel Club (AKC) – Norwegian Elkhound breed information
- United Kennel Club (UKC) – Norwegian Elkhound breed standard
- The Kennel Club (UK) – DNA schemes for inherited disease in the Norwegian Elkhound
- PetMD – Norwegian Elkhound health and care (coat, heat considerations)
- Kingston Veterinary Hospital (Australia) – Hot spots / pyotraumatic dermatitis in dogs
- Dogs Australia – Choosing a breeder (questions to ask)
- RSPCA Pet Insurance (Australia) – Tips for safely buying a pet (responsible breeder checks)
- RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase – Red flags when buying pets online (including under-8-weeks concern)
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom