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Which dog breeds come from Norway?

Norway's national breeds and what they were used for.

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Short answer

Store norske leksikon lists Norway's national dog breeds as the Norwegian Buhund, grey and black Norwegian Elkhound, Norwegian Lundehund, Dunker, Halden Hound and Hygen Hound. The grey Elkhound, whose Norwegian name means moose dog, is kept almost only for moose hunting. The Lundehund got its name from catching puffins.

a dog with a leash sitting next to a small moose silhouette and a vet cross

Why

  1. Store norske leksikon groups these breeds under the heading Norway's national dog breeds.
  2. Norsk Kennel Klub registers just over 750 grey Elkhound puppies a year, according to Store norske leksikon.
  3. The Halden Hound is a Norwegian hare-hunting breed named after the Halden district, where the type has stayed fairly constant since the 1850s.

Details

The grey Elkhound tracks moose and barks steadily when the moose stands still, so the hunter can get within range. The Lundehund has two extra toes on every leg and unusually flexible joints. The Buhund descends from farm dogs kept in Norway since prehistoric times, and it later worked as a sheepdog when sheep farming grew in Rogaland.

Tip

If you are looking for a puppy of a Norwegian breed, start with Norsk Kennel Klub, which registers pedigree puppies in Norway.

People also ask

  • What are the Norwegian dog breeds?
  • What is the Norwegian moose dog?

Sources

Information checked on 20 October 2026.

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