Description: This is a medium-sized dog which is sturdy to look at. With the visual Spitz look, the Norwegian Elkhound is short and square to look at, which enhances their sturdy look. With his wedge shaped head, that is broad, and the thick muzzle. The teeth should meet in a scissor bite. It has oval shaped eyes and these are dark brown. The ears are definite but mobile. The chest is deep and is somewhat wide. From the front view, their legs appear straight, with small and tight, oval paws with thick pads. The tail is curled tightly and is set high over the back of the dog.

The Norwegian Elkhound breed has a weather resistant double coat, that is bulky and solid. The colour of this dog is grey with black tips and a lighter tummy and undercoat, with their black muzzle, ears and tip of the tail. The height of this breed is 19 to 21 inches for the dog and 18 to 20 inches for the bitch. Their weight for dogs is 50 to 60 pounds and the bitch is 40 to 55 pounds. This breed has a life expectancy of about 12 to 15 years.

History: The Norwegian Elkhound came from Scandinavia and is a very ancient breed, being thousands of years old. This dog would have worked as a hunting and guard dog for the Vikings, where they would have been utilized for tracking big and small game, working as a team with hunters. This dog works better at night, and is also adept as a sledge dog. If Norway were to go into war, then the Minister of defence can mobilise and use all privately owned Elkhounds. This breed was first shown at the Norwegian hunters Association in 1877. The AKC first recognized this breed in 1913. Due to this breed's friendly and reliability, it is now a more enchanting family pet living in our homes.