Norwegian Elkhound

Norwegian Elkhound grey and black. Loose dog hunting for moose. Norway's most popular hunting dog.

The Norwegian Elkhound is Norway's national dog and the most widely used hunting dog in the country. The breed comes in two variants: grey and black. Both are compact, powerful dogs with dense coats and curled tails, built for harsh climates and tough terrain.

The Elkhound is used primarily for loose dog hunting on moose. The dog is released into the terrain, finds the moose using its sense of smell, and holds it in place by barking. This is called "baying" the moose. The hunter follows the barking via GPS and tracker, and approaches to within shooting range.

The temperament is independent and courageous. The Elkhound works alone, often far from its owner, and must make its own decisions when facing an animal that weighs ten times more. At the same time, it is loyal and bonds strongly with its family.

Training starts early. The puppy should be socialized with nature and forest from a young age. Many Elkhound puppies show hunting instinct within their first year, but a fully developed hunting dog is typically two to three years old. Obedience is important, but excessive obedience training can suppress the independence the dog needs in its hunting work.

GPS collars (Garmin, Tracker) are mandatory equipment. The dog can travel great distances, and without tracking, it's impossible to follow along. Many hunters also use bark counters that register when the dog is standing and barking steadily.

The Elkhound is also used for bear hunting in Sweden and Finland, where it functions in a similar way. In Norway, bear hunting is very limited, but the breed is versatile enough to be used on other big game where conditions allow.

Regulations for the use of loose dogs vary between countries and regions. Always check local regulations for when loose dogs are permitted in your hunting area.