Elkhound

The Norwegian Elkhound is an exceedingly versatile dog developed as a companion to the Vikings, guardian, herder and hunter.

His compactness, robustness, and stamina evolved from the need to have a hunter where endurance rather than speed was called for. Originally used to hunt elk, the dog alerted the hunter to the presence of the quarry by whimpering, and then pursued the elk, and bouncing like a rubber ball, jumped nimbly in and out of reach of the antlers and forefeet. His high pitched voice directed the hunter to the scene.

A medium sized grey dog, the Elkhound is square in profile with a broad skull, prick ears and a tail which is curled tightly over the back. The coat is dense and smooth lying.

Lively and energetic with a friendly disposition, intelligent, quick to learn, trustworthy, sensitive, and with an ability to adapt to any circumstances, the Elkhound makes an ideal companion for adults and older children.