Norwegian Elkhound Origins and History

The origin of the Elkhound derives from the swamp dog or Torvmosehund which was domesticated by the flat woods people of ancient Denmark (the Veidefolket). This dog was the progenitor of the northern breeds. It migrated with these early peoples up into Norway and Southern Sweden. Skeletons of dogs bearing a close resemblance to the modern Elkhound have been found by archaeologists who have dated these remains to between 4000 BC and 5000 BC.

It is with the Scandinavian people known as the Vikings that the first tangible records of the Elkhound have been found. Bas-relief pictures have been discovered that depict Elkhounds hunting moose. Fallen Viking commanders, buried on land in their ships with their possessions, were often accompanied by the body of their beloved dog. A fitting companion for their journey to Viking heaven, Valhalla. The forces of Christianity and closer relations with the developing economies of Europe brought the Viking way of life to an end. This decline adversely affected the quality and quantity of the Elkhound breed. A small number of less than optimum specimens scattered about in isolated villages were all that kept the breed from extinction.

It wasn't until 1865 that the breed enjoyed a rebirth in the whelping of Bamse Gram, owned by Consul Jens Gram of Ask, Ringerike, a renowned hunter and sportsman. No pedigree for Elkhounds goes back further than Bamse. Using good breeding stock found in Ringerike the Elkhound line was revived and its modern appearance formed. The first Elkhounds to be registered in America were imported from Norway in 1913. From this humble beginning the Elkhound has enjoyed great popularity among dog fanciers with refined and discriminating tastes. The Norwegian Elkhound is " ... 46th in popularity of the 129 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. This is a good place to be - not too high up on the scale, and not too far down".