The Norwegian Elkhound is a member of the Spisshunder group. This group includes Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, Finnish Spitz, Greenlanders and Samoyeds. In fact as well as being used for their primary role as a moose hunter they are also used to pull sleds and skiers for fun.  [The breed is not a hound; it doesn't look like a hound, it doesn't hunt like a hound and it doesn't run like a hound "]. Its true name is ELGHUND with ELG meaning moose and HUND simply meaning dog. Therefore a more accurate translation would be Moose Dog.

The Norwegian Elkhound is characterized by its boldness, agility, intelligence and a gregarious nature. A bit of a clown, Elkhounds are dog extroverts. Affectionate and good natured with adults and children alike. Because they have been bred to act as independent scouts for hunting, close obedience work is not their forte. Although quite trainable for basic obedience they rarely display the slavish desire to please that one might find in other breeds (the Golden Retriever for instance). Elkhounds usually need a tangible payoff for their work. Food will do while faint praise will not. They must be stimulated and motivated to perform superior obedience work. Theirs is a partnership with humans. With this in mind they make wonderful companions