All Norwegian Dog Breeds List

8) Norwegian Buhund
Closely related to Icelandic Sheepdog and Swedish Elkhound, the Norwegian Buhund is an intelligent, affectionate and energetic spitz type of a dog. They are workers and in the past they often times lived on farms where they were used as herders.

7) Hygen Hound
This breed was specifically bred to withstand a long hunt in harsh artic terrain of Northern Norway. They are completely tireless. They have amazing sense of smell and they are extraordinary trackers, so even when you are not using this dog as a hunter, you might want to try some dog sport like nose work or tracking trials, to keep their exercise and hunting needs fullfilled.

6) Norwegian Lundehund
The most unique dog of this list. Well not only that, this is one of the most unique dog worldwide. Why? Because of their anatomy. The Norwegian Lundehund, also known as a Puffin dog was bred to Puffins. And they are just made for it, they has 6 fully functional toes on each foot, both jointed nad muscled. Thanks to that, they could easier crawl into caves to Puffins nests. They are also incredibly flexible. Their flexible shoulder joints allow them to stretch out flat and their forelegs can be moved sideways at a 90-degree angle to the side of the body.

5) Eurohound/Greyster
Okay, these are two different dogs, but they are both crossbreeds of German Shorthaired Pointer and both are used for similar purpose. The Eurohound is a cross between Alaskan husky and GSP and the Greyster is a mix of GSP and Greyhound. Both crosses were developed to be fast, active dogs with high stamina and endurance. These crosses are believed to be the best type of a dogs for sports like sled dog racing and skijoring.

4) Norwegian Elkhound
This is a typical northern spitz like breed and it is one of the most popular of all Norwegian dogs. It is an ancient and extremely versatile dog breed, they were used as livestock protectors, sled dogs, watchdogs and big game hunters. They are especially good at tracking elks, which why they are named Elkhounds. They were also used to hunt wolves or even bears. This is a strong, hardy, tough, but also extremely loyal dog.

3) Black Norwegian Elkhound
Yes, this is not just a color variety of the original Norwegian Elkhound, which is according to their breed standard always grey. The Black Norwegian Elkhound is a separate modern variant, which is extremely rare outside Scandinavia. They are bred for the same purpose as the Grey Norwegian Elkhound, but they are smaller and more agile. Their main purpose is also hunt, but just like the original breed, they are very versatile and they are also used as guards and herders.

2) Dunker
This is a descendants of Norwegian scenting hounds and Russian Harlequin hound. They were originally developed to be hare hunters. It is a friendly, but just like most of the dogs on this list, very energetic breed. They have the typical scenthound appearance with their floppy ears and sleek built.

1) Halden Hound
And the last dog breed on this list is another hare hunter called Halden Hound. They are named after a Norweigan town Halden where they were developed by crossing indigenous Norway dogs with foxhounds, beagles and some other scenthounds.