The norwegian elkhound's english name is actually a mistranslation. The correct name would be "moosedog" - the breed has never been used to hunt elk. It has however been kept as a bird- and squirrel hunter in Scandinavia. Today it is the most common elkhound breed, as well as the national breed of Norway.

In the US and Britain the norwegian elkhound is often kept as a show- or companion dog, but in Norway it is almost always kept by hunters.

The norwegian elkhound should give the impression of being a short, compact, square-shaped dog with a thick coat. It is brave and energetic. The head is wedge-shaped with little stop and powerful muzzle. The ears are set high, pointy, rather small and erect. The body is short, powerful and compactt, with slight tuckup and straight back. Good boning with a good amount of angulation in the hind legs. The tail is powerful, set high and rather short. It is carried in a tight curl over the back. The coat is thick and straight, with a good amount of undercoat.