Like other Scandinavian dogs, Norwegian dog breeds love the outdoors and exploring, and prefer owners with active lifestyles so that they are able to explore wide open, rural spaces. They often have thick coats, so aren’t suited to living in warm climates.
Dog breeding standards are upheld in Norway by the Norsk Kennel Klub, established in 1898.
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Black Norwegian Elkhound
Size: Medium
Height: 43-49 cm (17-19 inches)
Weight: 16-20 kg (35-44 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short, dense double coat; in solid black
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Group: Hunting dog
Personality
Energetic, fearless and endlessly loyal, the Black Norwegian Elkhound makes a very affectionate and dedicated family pet. While they can sometimes be a little reserved around strangers, they are generally friendly and accepting dogs who are also very good with children. However, they are less keen on other animals and can be aggressive towards them if not properly socialised. Black Norwegian Elkhounds are also highly intelligent and dedicated working dogs, requiring plenty of regular mental and physical exercise. This intelligence and independence can make them a challenge to train for inexperienced or inconsistent owners. It is also important to guard against obesity with this breed, as they are particularly food-motivated.
Dunker
Size: Medium
Height: 47-55 cm (18½-21½ inches)
Weight: 11-18 kg (25-39 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Straight, hard and dense; in black or blue marbled with fawn and white markings
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Group: Scenthound
Personality
Otherwise known as a Norwegian Hound, the Dunker is a gentle, calm and affectionate dog, noted for its laid-back nature and friendliness towards strangers, children and other dogs alike. Dunkers love to be the centre of attention and do not particularly enjoy spending prolonged periods on their own. These sweet-natured dogs make excellent family pets, provided that their high demands for daily exercise can be met to burn off their prodigious stores of energy. Care must also be taken with this breed around smaller animals, on account of their high prey drive.
Eurohound
Size: Medium
Height: 65-72 cm (26-28 inches)
Weight: 18-24 kg (40-53 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and shiny; in black with white markings
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Group: Sled dog
Personality
Otherwise known as a Scandinavian Hound, the Eurohound is a very energetic, outgoing and intelligent breed who love to work and to please their owners. However, while they will form very strong bonds with and dependence on their owners, the Eurohound is not a dog who enjoys spending lazy days at home. Originally bred for sled racing, this breed is far happier exploring outdoors and running in open spaces. They are spirited hole diggers and animal chasers who are noted for their high prey drive. Eurohounds are therefore recommended for experienced and very active owners only, preferably those without children or other pets.
Greyster
Size: Medium
Height: 51-60 cm (20-23½ inches)
Weight: 16-27 kg (35-60 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short; in black or brown with white markings
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Group: Sled dog
Personality
First developed in Norway during the 1980s as a cross between the German Shorthaired Pointer and American Greyhound, these energetic, loyal and sporty dogs are balanced, reliable and quiet. While they are often kept as sled dogs or sporting dogs, they are adaptable enough to become companion dogs – provided their very high requirements for exercise are met. If they are, owners will find the Greyster to be a devoted, well-behaved and obedient pet.
Halden Hound (Haldenstovare)
Size: Medium
Height: 43-55 cm (17-21½ inches)
Weight: 18-25 kg (40-55 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short, smooth and dense; in white with black patches
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Group: Scenthound
Personality
The Halden Hound is an outstanding hunting dog who are equally adept family pets. Possessed of the typical split personality of the hunting dog, in the home they are devoted, loving and affectionate animals who love human company and attention, while outdoors they are strong, energetic and hardworking dogs noted for their high stamina. Halden Hounds are cheerful, gentle and loyal pets who love to spend time with children. The only challenge with this breed is in meeting its high requirement for exercise, while also maintaining a watching brief when your dog is around smaller animals.
Hygen Hound
Size: Medium
Height: 48-61 cm (19-24 inches)
Weight: 20-25 kg (44-55 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short, shiny and thick; in tan with white flashing
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Group: Scenthound
Personality
Lively, athletic and energetic, the Hygenhund is a tireless and tenacious hunter but a quiet, gentle and affectionate family pet once its energy has been spent. Hygenhunds are typical hounds, who love to be at the centre of attention and dislike having to spend time alone. They are happiest when they have something to do, be it around the house or in the great outdoors. This can become a problem if boredom takes hold, as they will often find something to do for themselves! Regular exercise is a must with a Hygenhund, and care needs to be taken around strangers and children: Hygenhunds are both naturally suspicious and have a tendency towards being very possessive around their toys.
Norwegian Buhund
Size: Small/Medium
Height: 43-45 cm (17-18 inches)
Weight: 12-18 kg (26-40 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Thick double coat; in wheaten, grey or black, with or without white markings
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Group: Herding dog
Personality
Confident, energetic and affectionate, the Norwegian Buhund is a great dog for a novice owner. This breed is cheerful, gentle and easygoing, with an eagerness to please and a lack of stubbornness that makes training very easy. They are playful and fun-loving dogs who will be polite towards strangers and love to spend time with children. These devoted dogs will, nevertheless, require plenty of daily exercise, mentally stimulating play and human company.
Norwegian Elkhound
Size: Medium
Height: 50-52 cm (19½-20½ inches)
Weight: 20-23 kg (44-51 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Coarse, straight and thick double coat; in shades of grey, black and white
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Group: Hunting dog
Personality
Loyal, affectionate and reliable, Norwegian Elkhounds make for outstanding companions. They are good-natured, friendly dogs who love to play with children, are quick to befriend strangers and form unbreakable bonds with their family pack, often singling out a particular owner as a favourite. The Norwegian Elkhound is, however, rather less well disposed to other dogs and animals, so will need careful socialisation and habituation to any they are likely to encounter regularly. They are a breed whose energy and intelligence can prove overwhelming for inexperienced owners, as can their tendency to bark and strong food-motivation. However, provided they receive sufficient exercise, the Norwegian Elkhound is adaptable enough to live in smaller homes.
Norwegian Lundehund
Size: Small
Height: 30-40 cm (12-16 inches)
Weight: 6-7 kg (13-15 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and dense; in any colour, pattern or combination
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Group: Hunting dog
Personality
Also known as the Norwegian Puffin Dog, these small dogs are energetic, inquisitive and mischievous animals who can prove a challenge for inexperienced owners. Norwegian Lundehunds are stubborn and independent dogs who need an owner to keep them in their place. Without close supervision, this breed is notorious for getting itself into trouble! This being said, with confident ownership and good socialisation, the Norwegian Lundehund will prove to be a cheerful, playful and loyal family pet.