Norwegian Elkhound

The Norwegian Elkhound was bred to be a hunting dog and the breed combines the hunting skills of a hound with the physical advantages of the Spitz. There is reason to believe that the ancestors of the Norwegian Elkhound date as far back as the Stone Age and for many years, the breed was even considered to be one of the oldest dog breeds in England. The actual known history of the Norwegian Elkhound dates back to around 5000 BC, when the breed was used to hunt big mountain game such as elk and moose.

In 1923, the British Kennel Club accepted the breed and it was also recognized in the 1930's by the American Kennel Club. Although it is a fairly popular family pet, the Norwegian Elkhound is still a working dog in its native Scandinavia.