--- title: "Norwegian Elkhound" id: "191492" type: "breeds" slug: "norwegian-elkhound" published_at: "2022-07-02T04:19:11+00:00" modified_at: "2026-10-17T15:27:20+00:00" url: "https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/breed/norwegian-elkhound/" markdown_url: "https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/breed/norwegian-elkhound.md" excerpt: "The Norwegian Elkhound, known for its striking appearance and spirited personality, has a rich history as a versatile hunting dog from Norway, originally bred to track and hunt large game in harsh icy terrains. As potential owners, you will find..." taxonomy_breed_group: - "Hound Group" taxonomy_breed_size: - "Medium" --- [Back to Breeds](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/breed/) Medium breed # Norwegian Elkhound Puppies The official dog of Norway, the Norwegian Elkhound is a dog that possesses all the qualities people want in a dog. The elkhound got its name from its ability to effectively track and hunt elks. Elkhounds serve not just as hunters, but also as defenders, comforters, and guardians. These impressive qualities earned them the title of the national dog. Discover more about our [Norwegian Elkhound puppies for sale](/puppies-for-sale/) below! - Great with kids - Active breed - Alert watchdog - Protective [Ask about Norwegian Elkhound puppies](#pb-ask) We do not have Norwegian Elkhound puppies on the floor today. Tell us what you are looking for and we will let you know the moment one arrives, or help you find a breed that suits your home just as well. - Exercise 60 min a day ![Norwegian-Elkhound](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/norwegian-elkhound-1-600x600.jpg) Share[https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpetlandmallofgeorgia.com%2Fbreed%2Fnorwegian-elkhound%2F](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpetlandmallofgeorgia.com%2Fbreed%2Fnorwegian-elkhound%2F) [https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpetlandmallofgeorgia.com%2Fbreed%2Fnorwegian-elkhound%2F&description=Norwegian%20Elkhound%20puppies](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpetlandmallofgeorgia.com%2Fbreed%2Fnorwegian-elkhound%2F&description=Norwegian%20Elkhound%20puppies) ## About the Norwegian Elkhound [Stay connected via Google News Follow Us For The Latest Pet Updates and Guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandmallofgeorgia.com) The Norwegian Elkhound, known for its striking appearance and spirited personality, has a rich history as a versatile hunting dog from Norway, originally bred to track and hunt large game in harsh icy terrains. As potential owners, you will find that these dogs possess a courageous and friendly temperament, making them a great fit for families who appreciate both adventure and companionship. Their affectionate nature is balanced with a strong sense of independence, ensuring they are both loving pets and confident explorers of their environment. Read more about the Norwegian Elkhound Show less With a moderate energy level, Norwegian Elkhounds thrive in active households and enjoy a good amount of daily exercise, whether that means long walks, hikes, or playing in the yard. Although they have a lively side, their energy needs can be met with regular routines, allowing them to adapt to various living situations, though they may not be the best choice for apartment dwellers without ample outdoor access. They are sturdy dogs that generally do well with young kids and can coexist with other pets, though early socialization is key to fostering harmonious relationships among them. Grooming is an essential part of keeping your Norwegian Elkhound healthy and looking its best, with a monthly brushing routine recommended to manage shedding. Their thick double coat requires attention, especially during seasonal changes when they shed more profusely. Training can be enjoyable with this intelligent breed, as they are capable and eager to learn, though consistency and positive reinforcement will yield the best results. As you consider welcoming one of these remarkable dogs into your home, you’ll find that they offer a wonderful blend of companionship, loyalty, and a dash of the wild spirit that makes every day an adventure. If you are looking for a Norwegian Elkhound in Petland Mall of Georgia, come meet these charming dogs and see if they are the perfect fit for your family. [Stay connected via Google News Follow Us For The Latest Pet Updates and Guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandmallofgeorgia.com) ## Norwegian Elkhound breed profile Every score below is set by our team for this breed. Higher is simply more of that trait, not better or worse. ### Temperament - Affection Affectionate - Playfulness Very playful - With strangers Warms up - Territorial Territorial - Prey drive Moderate ### Family & other pets - Young children With supervision - Older children Good - Other dogs Usually fine - Cats Needs care ### Energy & exercise - Energy High - Mental stimulation High ### Training - Trainability Willing learner - Intelligence Very bright - Stubbornness A stubborn streak ### Care & upkeep - Shedding Heavy - Drooling None to speak of - Barking Moderate ### Home life - Apartment living Prefers a house - Time alone A few hours - Cold weather Thrives in it - Warm weather Needs shade ### A good match for - First-time owners Manageable - Senior owners Suitable - Running partner Good - Hiking Good - Therapy work Unlikely - Guarding Protective ## Living with a Norwegian Elkhound ### History The Norwegian Elkhound’s history is deeply rooted in Norway. In the medieval era, they were called ‘Dyrehund’ which means ‘animal dog’. Elkhounds were highly prized during that era because of their impressive hunting skills. Before the 19th century, the dogs were only bred in Norway. Later in the 19th century, they made an appearance in England and eventually spread to other parts of the world. In 1901, the Kennel Club recognized the Norwegian Elkhound. ### Temperament The Norwegian Elkhound has good hunting skills and for that reason, they are majorly bred to hunt large animals such as elk and wolves. They also have very loud barks hence can be used as watchdogs. Despite their ferocity in hunting, elkhounds are loyal dogs that form close ties to their owners. They also make good domestic dogs as they can be playful, independent and intelligent dogs. ### Environment The Norwegian Elkhounds are playful dogs that can do well in the home and out in the forest. They are very active dogs and generally fare better in an open space. The dog's origin in Norway, a cold region, makes them able to spend time outside in winter. They enjoy the snow. The best environment for this breed would be a wide, fenced yard. They do very well on a ranch too as it gives them the freedom to move around. Keeping a Norwegian Elkhound in a closed space might affect their mental health and lead them to depression. ### Exercise It is important to engage the Norwegian Elkhound with frequent exercise. If you keep Elkhounds indoors and their need for major physical activities aren’t met, they will most likely become destructive. They will chew on shoes, clothes and tear couches. This breed of dogs has great stamina so to stay fit, they require daily exercise. They also have a tendency to become overweight when they are overly fed with no exercise. So at least two hours daily, it is important to take them out for walks, runs, ball fetching, farm activities, and obedience exercises. This helps improve their physical and mental health. ### Grooming Despite the fact that the Norwegian Elkhound’s exterior coat sheds off dirt and dust, they need to be brushed frequently to ensure they are clean enough to be kept in the home. Brushing their coats daily will keep them tidy enough. They also shed greatly and have at least two major blowouts a year. Bath them thoroughly each week to keep shedding under control. Our **Norwegian Elkhound**puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. USDA licensed commercial breeders account for less than 20% of all breeders in the country. The unregulated breeders who are selling outside of the USDA regulations and without a license are what we consider to be “Puppy Mills.” We are committed to offering **Norwegian Elkhound**puppies who will grow up to become important members of your family. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. ## Caring for a Norwegian Elkhound GroomingMonthly brushing Grooming costAverage Monthly foodAverage Outdoor spaceA yard is recommended Allergy friendlyNot considered hypoallergenic ## Norwegian Elkhound Video ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Are Norwegian Elkhound easy to train? The Norwegian Elkhound intelligence level is above the average level for dogs hence they can be strong-willed. Training an Elkhound will require extra effort from you. ### Are Norwegian Elkhound good with children? Elkhounds are very friendly and people-oriented. They are gentle dogs that love children. Once they are loyal to a family, they become protectors of everyone in the family. ### What is the average lifespan of a Norwegian Elkhound? The Norwegian Elkhound has a lifespan of 13 to 15 years. ### Do Norwegian Elkhounds have common health problems? Dogs of this breed may sometimes be susceptible to retinal atrophy. The large breeds may suffer from a cyst, hip dysplasia, and other renal problems as they age. Generally, they are a strong breed with little health issues. ### What is the average size of a Norwegian Elkhound? The average size of a male Elkhound is 50-60 lbs., 19-21 in while the average size for the female is 40-55 lbs., 18-20 in. It is important that they are not overfed as they have the tendency to become overweight. ### Are Norwegian Elkhound aggressive? They can be aggressive to other dogs, cats, and unknown animals. To avoid this, introduce them to various animals as puppies. ### Can you teach Norwegian Elkhounds to swim? Because of their thick coats, swimming is not easy for dogs of this breed. Submerging in water makes their coats very heavy, therefore, makes swimming difficult for them. ### What do you feed the Norwegian Elkhound puppies? Feed the puppies high-quality dog food to ensure they grow into healthy Elkhounds. You can also mix the dog food with broth and water. As they get older, they may also like boiled eggs, noodles, vegetables and cheese. ### Are Norwegian Elkhounds good with cats? They can be territorial around cats but after months of socializing them with the felines, they can cohabit. ### What is Norwegian Elkhounds temperament? Norwegian Elkhounds are loyal, bold, playful, independent, sharp and strong-willed. ## Similar Breeds ![Beagle](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/beagle-1-300x300.jpg) ### [Beagle](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/breed/beagle/) 1 available ![Afghan Hound puppies breed info](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/afghan-hound-1-300x300.jpg) ### [Afghan Hound](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/breed/afghan-hound/) ![American Foxhound puppies breed](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/american-foxhound-1-300x300.jpg) ### [American Foxhound](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/breed/american-foxhound/) ![Basset Hound](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/basset-hound-1-300x300.jpg) ### [Basset Hound](https://petlandmallofgeorgia.com/breed/basset-hound/) ## Ready to Meet Them? Call us to check current availability or to arrange a visit with a Norwegian Elkhound. - [Georgia, GA (678) 324-9046](tel:6783249046) ## Ask About Norwegian Elkhound Puppies Our pet counselors are ready to help you find your new best friend. "*" indicates required fields ``` Petland Mall of Georgia 4082 Google reviews Write a review Posted on Google Emily H Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Posted on Google Cathy b Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joey was absolutely a delight to work with! I absolutely loved our conversation. She was very helpful answering questions. Next time I come in, I am definitely going to request joy Posted on Google Chris W Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cally was a great sales associate! We appreciate her knowledge showing our girl the dogs! Posted on Google YOOmi R Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Matthew was GREAT! Very detailed and knowledgeable! And Timmy mini poodle was so sweet and cute!! Our girls loved the visit! Posted on Google Corina G Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Posted on Google Maleigha S Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Matthew was a wonderful help and me and my bf had a great chat with him! Very kind professional and kind to us we loved the dogs too shoutout Chocolate. Posted on Google Grace K Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 👍 Posted on Google Alexander S Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Blue is SUCH A CUTIE I LOVE HIM SM AGHHH Posted on Google Patrick W Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joy was amazing and she was so helpful with information!! ```