Norwegian Elkhounds are a very old breed of dog and were bred to do exactly what their name implies. These dogs were meant to be hunters, though they have certainly been used to hunt much more than elk, moose and deer. They've been known to hunt an array of game, ranging in size and danger from rabbit to bear.

One of the greatest assets of this hunter is his sense of smell. Norwegian Elkhounds are said to be able to catch a scent from a distance of a couple of miles. Imagine - these dogs can smell their prey from two or three miles away. Then Norwegian Elkhounds follow their noses until they're near. Once they have the quarry in sight, they bark, snap and growl, keeping the animal at bay and constantly making noise so that the hunter can catch up to make the kill.

Norwegian Elkhounds resemble a Spitz in many ways, though without the white coloring. There are two distinct breeds divided chiefly by coloring. One type is almost pure black. The undercoat of the more commonly recognized Norwegian Elkhound is light with a darker gray outer coat that ranges toward black on certain areas of the dog's body. The underbelly is usually the same lighter color of the undercoat. They have plumed tails that curl tightly over their backs like that of a Spitz and have a similar build. Norwegian Elkhounds typically reach an adult weight of 50 or 60 pounds, though females may be a bit lighter.

The double coat of the Norwegian Elkhounds makes these dogs ideal for cooler climates but unable to withstand extreme heat. In ideal conditions - not too warm - these sturdy dogs have enough energy to keep going for many hours. That means they'll hunt for days, usually with the desire to continue the hunt long after the human hunters are ready to call it quits. But it also means that Norwegian Elkhounds are ready to play at the same pace. They need plenty of exercise and make excellent companions for outdoor activities, especially in cooler climates.

As a rule, Norwegian Elkhounds are very stable dogs. They're not prone to be snappish or unpredictable, making them a good family pet. Since they have so much energy and a body built for endurance, a dog that has been taught to play with children will gladly play for hours. If you're choosing a Norwegian Elkhound as a family pet, you should start firm, consistent training at a very early age.

One interesting point about Norwegian Elkhounds is that some owners say these dogs can "catch" a mood. If the person (or people) they're closest to is sad or anxious, the dogs may exhibit similar feelings. They may also be so sensitive to punishment that they become withdrawn, especially if the punishment was harsh or sudden. It's important for these dogs to receive constant, steady training to achieve maximum benefits.

Today, Norwegian Elkhounds make good companions but are still used as working dogs, either for hunting or pulling sleds.