Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Norwegian Elkhound is an ancient Scandinavian breed closely linked to the culture of northern hunters. Archaeological findings confirm the presence of elkhound-type dogs in Stone Age settlements, where they were used for hunting elk, bear, and other large game. The breed developed under harsh climatic conditions, which reinforced its endurance, strength, and stable temperament. During the Middle Ages, the Elkhound became a versatile assistant to Norwegian hunters, valued for its ability to track game, hold it with a steady bark, and work autonomously. In the 19th century the breed received official recognition, and systematic development of its exterior and working qualities began.
General Appearance
The Norwegian Elkhound is a strong, compact, well-balanced northern dog with clear sexual type and a robust skeletal structure. The body is slightly elongated, the musculature dense and well defined without coarseness. The back is straight and firm, the loin short and strong, the croup slightly sloping. The chest is deep and well developed, the ribs moderately sprung. The tail is set high and tightly curled over the back. Feet are oval, tight, and stable. The overall appearance emphasizes endurance, functionality, and the ability to work in difficult conditions while maintaining balance and confidence.
Important Proportions
The body of the Norwegian Elkhound is slightly elongated, with the length-to-height ratio close to square; males may appear slightly more compact. Chest depth is approximately half the height at the withers, ensuring stability and respiratory efficiency. The muzzle and skull lengths are proportionate, forming a unified profile without exaggeration. The neck is of medium length, strong, and smoothly integrated into the topline. Limb length is balanced with the body, contributing to ease of movement. The tightly curled tail should stay within the outline of the silhouette.
Behavior and Temperament
The Norwegian Elkhound possesses a balanced, confident, and independent temperament shaped by centuries of hunting in harsh northern environments. It is an active, resilient dog with a strong pursuit instinct and high decision-making ability. The Elkhound is courageous, alert, and attentive, reacting quickly but without unnecessary excitability. In the family, it is affectionate, loyal, and friendly while retaining independence. The breed requires regular physical activity and mental stimulation. It behaves reservedly with strangers without unreasonable aggression. In work, it shows persistence, patience, and pronounced searching ability.
Head
The head is wedge-shaped, dry, and proportional to the body, with clear sexual type and smooth lines. The skull is of moderate width and slightly arched, with a noticeable but not sharp stop. The forehead is of medium length and not coarse. The muzzle is strong, somewhat shorter than the skull, tapering evenly toward the nose while maintaining jaw strength. The nasal bridge is straight; slight convexity is acceptable. Lips are tight and dry. Cheeks are moderate and unobtrusive. Teeth are large and strong with a scissor bite. The head conveys attentiveness and the breed’s working nature without coarseness.
Foreface
The foreface forms the characteristic expression of a hunting dog. The muzzle is full, dry, wedge-shaped, and tapers smoothly toward the nose. The nasal bridge is straight, the nose large and usually dark. Lips are close-fitting, dry, and without looseness. Jaws are strong and well developed for a firm grip. Zygomatic arches are moderately defined without breaking harmony. The stop is clear but not sharp. The expression is confident and alert. Skin is tight, without folds.
Eyes
Eyes are oval, moderately large, and slightly slanted, creating a typical alert and observant expression. Color is dark, harmonizing with the coat and accentuating the expression. Eyelids are dry, close-fitting, with even dark pigmentation. The gaze is lively, confident, and attentive, reflecting the breed’s working nature. In hunting, the eyes actively scan the surroundings and detect the slightest movement. Their shape and placement provide wide field of vision and accurate distance assessment, reinforcing concentration and confidence.
Ears
Ears are set high, well-defined, triangular, and always erect due to strong cartilage. Tips are slightly rounded and directed forward, enhancing alertness and expression. Size is medium and proportional, without heaviness or excessive length. The base is dry and firm. Ears are highly mobile, quickly responding to sounds, allowing the dog to track game movement and environmental changes. Correct set contributes to breed type and expression.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, strong, dry, and well muscled, flowing smoothly into the withers and matching the overall proportions. The topline of the neck is gently arched, reflecting a confident head carriage. Skin is tight and elastic without dewlap. The neck must not be short, coarse, or loose, as this affects balance and working ability. Proper neck structure ensures agility, control of movement, and long-lasting endurance.
Body
The body is strong, compact, slightly elongated, with clear sexual type and a solid bone structure. The topline is straight and stable; the withers moderately pronounced. The back is firm and muscular, the loin short and strong. The chest is deep and well developed with moderately sprung ribs. The belly is slightly tucked but not overly dry. The croup is broad, slightly sloping, and strong. The construction provides stability, maneuverability, and endurance required for working large game on difficult terrain.
Tail
The tail is set high, tightly curled in a ring over the back—an essential breed characteristic. Its length must allow a firm curl without excessive height or looseness. The base is strong, tapering toward the tip. Coat on the tail is dense and forms a well-defined plume. In movement the tail retains its shape without swinging or drooping. Poor curl, incorrect set, or weak cartilage are faults. The correct tail enhances balance and breed type.
Forequarters
Forequarters are straight, strong, and well positioned, with developed bone and firm musculature. Shoulder blades are moderately long, sloping, and close-fitting, forming a correct shoulder angle. Upper arms are strong and of correct length. Elbows point straight backward without turning in or out. Forearms are straight and parallel; wrists are strong. Pasterns are slightly sloping, elastic yet firm. Feet are compact, oval, with thick pads and tight toes. This structure ensures stability, agility, and endurance on rough terrain.
Hindquarters
Hindquarters are powerful and well developed with strong musculature for drive and stability. Thighs are broad, strong, and muscular. Lower thighs are dry and sufficiently long, forming correct angulation. Stifles are well defined, facing forward without inward or outward deviation. Hocks are low, strong, and correctly angled, avoiding straightness or over-angulation. Metatarsi are vertical and firm. Feet are compact, oval, with tight toes and strong pads, providing reliable traction.
Gait and Movement
Movement must be free, energetic, and stable, reflecting endurance and capability in harsh conditions. At the trot, the dog moves straight, maintaining a steady topline without sway. Forelegs reach confidently forward, while hind legs deliver strong propulsion. Limbs remain parallel without crossing or deviation. Angulation must allow smooth stride without excessive extension. Movements are economical, firm, and functional, demonstrating the breed’s ability to work long hours and maintain stability on uneven ground.
Coat
The coat is double, very dense, and close-fitting, providing protection from cold, moisture, and wind. The outer coat is straight, harsh, and of medium length, forming a clean outline without waviness or curls. The undercoat is extremely dense, soft, and thick, offering strong insulation. Coat may be slightly longer and fuller around the neck, shoulders, and chest. Tail coat is particularly abundant, forming a full plume. Texture must remain dry and firm. Deviations weaken protective qualities.
Acceptable Colors
The acceptable color for the Norwegian Elkhound is wolf-gray in various shades from light to dark. Each guard hair has multiple pigmentation zones, creating the characteristic agouti pattern. Back, neck, and upper tail are typically darker, while chest, belly, and legs are lighter. Moderate variations in intensity are allowed if the agouti type is preserved. Eye rims, lips, and nose should be dark. Only minimal, inconspicuous white markings are allowed. Solid colors, red, brown, or black patches are disqualifying.
Size
The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium-sized hunting breed with strong working proportions and clear sexual type. Ideal height at the withers is about 52 cm for males and 49 cm for females. Weight is not strictly fixed but must match the strong format without heaviness or lightness. The dog must appear balanced with harmonious body length, chest depth, and limb height. Excess bulkiness or thinness is unacceptable. Size must support endurance and functionality.
Faults
Faults include any deviation from breed type affecting function or harmony. Minor proportion deviations, weak musculature, insufficient chest depth, or slight elongation are faults. Weak bone, soft wrists, unstable pasterns, mild toeing-in or toeing-out are undesirable. Loose or small feet, poor toe tightness, excessive softness, or moisture in the body reduce working ability. Minor coat texture deviations, lighter undercoat, weak topline, insufficient sexual type, or weak muzzle expression are also considered faults.
Disqualifying Faults
Disqualifying faults include any traits that destroy breed type or functional ability. Aggressive, panicked, or uncontrollable behavior is grounds for disqualification. Severe bite faults, missing canines or multiple essential teeth are disqualifying. Serious limb deformities, pronounced curvature, extreme toeing-in or toeing-out, weak joints, or structural defects are not permitted. Non-agouti coat colors, large white markings, spotting, or lack of zoned pigmentation result in disqualification. Severe coat defects, albinism, major proportion violations, or genetic disorders affecting health or viability are grounds for removal.
Important Notes
Evaluation must consider the breed’s historical purpose as a hunting dog working large game in harsh climates. The exterior must remain functional, free from decorative exaggerations. Excess heaviness or lightness is unacceptable. Young dogs may show temporary age-related inconsistencies. Seasonal shedding may affect coat appearance but not structure. Agouti coat type must be preserved. Serious behavioral deviations are critical faults. The dog must demonstrate stability, contact, and a working temperament.
Conclusion
The Norwegian Elkhound is an ancient northern breed preserving functionality, endurance, and a stable working character. The dog must demonstrate a harmonious exterior, balanced temperament, and typical movement reflecting its purpose. For participation in exhibitions and breeding within the ICCF system, only dogs possessing official ICCF documents confirming origin, identification, and conformity to breed type are admitted. Expert evaluation focuses on maintaining the breed’s working qualities and overall stability. The Elkhound must present the image of a strong, confident, and functional dog capable of performing its traditional tasks.
