The Norwegian Elkhound is one of the oldest inhabitants of Scandinavia. Long before he became the companion of the Vikings in both sport and conquest, the Elkhound, in much the same form as today, roamed Norway.

This magnificent breed was a fearless hunter and a devoted companion. Four skeletons found in Norway date the breed in the stone age period. These skeletons reach back from 4,000 to 5,000 B.C.

He was proficient in hunting the Moose from which he gets his name. The Elkhound name in Norwegian is Elghund which translates to Moose Dog. Elg= moose. Hund = dog in Norsk. Therefore, they are a Moosedog and in the translation to English, it became Elkhound.The dogs were also used in hunting Elk and bears. In America he has been used as a retriever hunting upland game birds. He has excelled as a farm dog in working live stock.

History assistance from Tim Hjellum