In this mode of hunting, the dog leads the hunter in the direction of the elk or moose while keeping quiet.

The breed falls under the mitochondrial DNA sub-clade referred to as d1 that is only found in northern Scandinavia.

Norwegian Elkhounds are loyal to their "pack" and make excellent family dogs given proper attention.

A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 12.9 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds.

[8] Norwegian Elkhounds are prone to an inherited abnormality that causes primary renal glucosuria via reducing the functional capacity of the tubular epithelial cells to reabsorb glucose; this disorder further predisposes them to lower urinary tract bacterial infections.

Symptoms include curvature of the forelimbs, carpal valgus, retarded ossification, and a shortening of the vertebral body.