How much exercise does a Norwegian Elkhound need?

By Tyler Polk, founder of PupnikUpdated September 24, 2026How we calculate

Most adult Norwegian Elkhounds need about 60–90 minutes of exercise a day, split into 2 walks, plus a play or training session.

HighEnergy

2–4.5 miDaily distance

LowHeat tolerance

GoodCold tolerance

Get a plan for your Norwegian Elkhound's exact age with the walk calculator.

Why Norwegian Elkhounds need this much exercise

Elkhounds were bred in Norway to track moose through dense forest and hold them for hunters. They are sturdy, bold, and tireless.

Norwegian Elkhound exercise by age

Life stage	Daily exercise	How to split it
Puppy (2–12 months)	5 min per month of age, per walk	Up to 2 short walks, plus free play
Adult	60–90 min	2 walks, plus a play or training session
Senior (8+ years)	30–70 min	2 to 3 shorter, gentler walks

Norwegian Elkhound puppy walk schedule

Age	Per walk	Per day
2 months	about 10 min	up to 20 min
3 months	about 15 min	up to 30 min
4 months	about 20 min	up to 40 min
5 months	about 25 min	up to 50 min
6 months	about 30 min	up to 60 min
8 months	about 40 min	up to 80 min
10 months	about 45 min	up to 90 min
12 months	about 45 min	up to 90 min

Free play doesn't count toward these numbers. Skip jogging and long hikes until growth plates close, around 12–15 months for a medium breed.

Best exercise for Norwegian Elkhounds

Cold-weather hikes
Brisk leash walks
Scent games
Pulling sports

Walking tips for Norwegian Elkhounds

Elkhounds love long hikes, especially in cold weather.
Their thick coat makes summer walks a heat risk. Go early.
They are independent thinkers, so keep them leashed and practice recall.

Norwegian Elkhounds in hot and cold weather

Heat: Norwegian Elkhounds don’t handle heat well. Their heavy coat traps heat. Walk at dawn or after sunset in summer, keep walks short once it feels like 75°F (24°C), and limit outings to potty breaks above about 82°F (28°C). Check today's heat risk.

Cold: Norwegian Elkhounds are built for cold weather and usually enjoy it. Paws still need protecting from salt and ice, and very young or old dogs feel the cold more. Check today's cold risk.

Norwegian Elkhound exercise FAQ

How long should I walk my Norwegian Elkhound?

A healthy adult Norwegian Elkhound needs about 60–90 minutes of exercise a day, best split into 2 walks, plus a play or training session. Walks, play, and training games all count toward the total.

How far can a Norwegian Elkhound walk?

At a normal walking pace, that works out to roughly 2–4.5 miles (3–7 km) a day for a healthy adult. Fit adult Norwegian Elkhounds can build up to longer hikes. Increase distance gradually and check paws and joints.

When can a Norwegian Elkhound puppy go on long walks or runs?

Wait until growth plates close, around 12–15 months for a medium breed like the Norwegian Elkhound. Until then, follow the 5-minutes-per-month rule: about 20 minutes per walk at 4 months, up to twice a day, plus free play.

Can Norwegian Elkhounds handle hot weather?

Not well. Their heavy coat traps heat. Walk at dawn or after sunset in summer, keep walks short once it feels like 75°F (24°C), and limit outings to potty breaks above about 82°F (28°C).

Do Norwegian Elkhounds need a coat in winter?

Rarely. Paws still need protecting from salt and ice, and very young or old dogs feel the cold more.

Ranges are typical for healthy dogs and rounded on purpose. Individual dogs vary, and your vet's advice comes first. How we calculate.