DogsLifeBreed profile
Norwegian Elkhound: size, sleep, exercise and care
The Norwegian Elkhound (grey), known in Sweden as Norsk älghund grå or gråhund, is a square, compact hunting spitz of about 49–52 cm (SKK) and 22–25 kg (AKC). It is brave, bold and energetic, with a strong hunting drive.
At a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Adult weight
- 22–25 kg
- Height at the shoulder
- 49–52 cm
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Exercise needs
- Moderate · 30–60 min per day
Sleep needs
Typical total sleep per 24 hours, including naps.
| Puppy | Adult | Senior |
|---|---|---|
| 18–20 h | 12–14 h | 12–15 h |
These are general life-stage ranges for dogs from the AKC and Hill's Pet Nutrition; no kennel club publishes sleep figures for the Norwegian Elkhound specifically. A watchful spitz puppy that can see the street from its bed may find it hard to switch off; naps away from windows help.
Exercise needs
The Royal Kennel Club guideline is up to an hour a day, though a working or very active Elkhound will happily do much more. SKK notes the strong interest in hunting places special demands on the owner, so most Elkhounds are walked on a lead or long line outside hunting. The thick double coat suits cold weather; in summer, keep walks to the cool hours.
Potty training
Elkhound puppies are generally clean and learn a routine without much fuss. Go out on waking, after meals, after play and before bed, and reward promptly before the puppy gets distracted by scents.
Keep the potty spot close to the door at first. A long trip through an interesting garden is a lot to ask of a nose-driven puppy that just needs to pee.
Puppy potty schedule calculator →
Feeding
Puppies usually get three or four meals a day and adults two. A dog that hunts through the autumn burns far more than it does in a quiet summer, so adjust food to the season and activity, and check body condition by feel through the thick coat.
Always have fresh water out, particularly on warm days.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Norwegian Elkhound called in Swedish?
Norsk älghund grå, often just gråhund. There is also a separate black variety, norsk älghund svart.
How much exercise does a Norwegian Elkhound need?
Up to about an hour a day according to the Royal Kennel Club, more for working and very active dogs.
Sources
- Norsk älghund grå (gråhund) – rasbeskrivning — Svenska Kennelklubben (SKK)
- Norwegian Elkhound dog breed information — American Kennel Club
- Norwegian Elkhound breed information — The Royal Kennel Club
- Heatstroke in Dogs — American Kennel Club
- How Much Do Puppies Sleep? — American Kennel Club
- How Much Should My Dog Sleep Per Day? — Hill's Pet Nutrition
- Can Senior Dogs Sleep Too Much? How Much Should Older Dogs Sleep? — American Kennel Club
- How to Potty Train a Puppy — American Kennel Club