Breed Standards for the Norwegian Elkhound
General Appearance:
Square-proportioned, close coupled, with substantial bone, broad head, pricked ears, and tightly curled tail. It is constructed for agility and endurance, rather than speed, enabling it to trail for hours and then hold big game at bay by barking and dodging attack.
Head:
Defined stop; oval eyes; Wedge-shaped head, broad at ears; High-set, erect, fairly small ears with pointed tips.
Tail:
Tightly curved and carried over the centerline of the back
Color:
Gray, with lighter undercoat and undersides. Muzzle, ears, and tail tip are black.
Size:
Weight: male 55 lbs; female 48 lbs
Height: male 20.5”; female 19.5”
Temperament:
Bold, playful, independent, alert, boisterous, and unlike most hounds, even protective.