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MediumHound Group

Norwegian Elkhound

The Norwegian Elkhound is a Nordic spitz-type scent hound, documented in Scandinavian archaeological records back 6,000 years.

Calculate Norwegian Elkhound age
Lifespan12.9 yrrange 12–15
SizeMediumHound Group
Weight48–55 lb21.8–24.9 kg
Senior at7 yrgeriatric at 11

Gallery (3)

About

About the Norwegian Elkhound

The Norwegian Elkhound is a Nordic spitz-type scent hound, documented in Scandinavian archaeological records back 6,000 years. Bred for moose (elk) trailing and holding in Norwegian forests; AKC recognition dates to 1913.

Aging

How Norwegian Elkhounds age

RVC VetCompass gives a median 12.9 years (n=209). Progressive rod-cone degeneration (prcd-PRA) is the defining breed eye concern — DNA-testable — with Fanconi syndrome and hypothyroidism secondary; obesity drives late-life joint stress.

Lifespan deep-diveAvg 12.9 yr · range 12–15Senior careSenior at 7 · geriatric at 11Common health issues5 tracked conditions
Physical

Physical characteristics

Weight
48–55 lb(21.8–24.9 kg)
Height
19.5–20.5 in(49.5–52.1 cm)
Coat type
Double
Colors
Gray Black & SilverSilver Gray & BlackGray & BlackSilver & BlackBlack White & SilverBlack & GrayBlack & Silver
Temperament

Temperament

How Norwegian Elkhounds tend to show up around their people, other dogs, and the world.

boldplayfulloyalindependent
  • Energy
  • Trainability
  • Good with kids
  • Good with other dogs
  • Shedding
Health

Common health issues

Full health profile
  • Moderatetypical onset ~7 yr

    Cataracts

    Description and veterinary guidance for Cataracts land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.

  • Low prevalencetypical onset ~2 yr

    Elbow Dysplasia

    Description and veterinary guidance for Elbow Dysplasia land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.

  • Low prevalencetypical onset ~2 yr

    Patellar Luxation

    Description and veterinary guidance for Patellar Luxation land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.

Exercise
60min
per day

About 60 minutes of activity per day keeps a Norwegian Elkhound physically and mentally satisfied. Split it between a structured walk and free play.

Related

Related breeds

Breeds with a similar size and group profile, for readers comparing options.

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References

Sources

Lifespan and health figures on this page are drawn from the peer-reviewed and organizational sources below.

  1. AKC breed standardAmerican Kennel Club breed page

    Breed size, weight range, height, AKC group, origin, coat type, and temperament baseline.

  2. RVC VetCompassRoyal Veterinary College VetCompass life-table research (McMillan et al. 2024)

    UK primary-care records; source for the median-lifespan and mortality figures.