I have spent years helping owners care for thick-coated breeds, and the Norwegian Elkhound is one of the most rewarding to groom once you understand its coat. This is a true double-coated spitz with a soft, dense undercoat under a coarser, weather-resistant outer coat. That structure is brilliant for an outdoor working dog, but it does mean serious shedding and a few grooming habits every owner should master.
The good news is that this breed is not high maintenance in the way a long, silky coat is. There is no trimming or clipping to learn, and the coat naturally repels dirt. What it does demand is consistent brushing, a sensible bathing schedule, and routine nail and ear care. Get those basics right and you will have a clean, comfortable dog and far less hair around the house, especially during the dramatic seasonal sheds.
What You Will Need
You do not need a salon’s worth of equipment for this breed, but the right tools make a huge difference, particularly when the undercoat starts to blow. The wrong brush will skim the surface and leave the dense undercoat untouched, so invest in tools designed for double coats.
- An undercoat rake to reach and remove the dense, soft undercoat
- A slicker brush for loose surface hair and finishing
- A wide-tooth metal comb for checking behind ears and around the legs
- Dog-safe shampoo and a high-velocity dryer or plenty of towels
- Dog nail clippers or a nail grinder, plus styptic powder for accidents
- Dog ear cleaner, cotton pads, and a calm, non-slip grooming spot
Step by Step: How to groom a Norwegian Elkhound
Build grooming into a steady routine rather than a marathon session. A few minutes several times a week beats one stressful hour, and it keeps your dog relaxed about being handled. Work through the coat, nails, ears, and bath as separate tasks you can spread across the week.
Brush down to the skin
Work in sections with an undercoat rake, moving in the direction of hair growth from skin outward. Follow with a slicker brush to lift loose surface hair. Pay attention to the dense ruff, hindquarters, and tail.
Check the friction spots for mats
Run a comb behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail base. These areas mat most easily. Gently tease apart any tangles before they tighten into a true mat.
Trim the nails a little at a time
Clip just the tip of each nail, stopping before the quick. On dark nails, shave off thin slices and stop at the first sign of a dark center dot. Reward calmly throughout.
Clean the ears gently
Apply dog ear cleaner to a cotton pad and wipe the visible part of the ear. Never push anything into the ear canal. Check for redness, odor, or excess wax, which can signal an infection.
Bathe only when needed, then dry fully
Brush out the undercoat first, then bathe with dog shampoo, rinsing until the water runs clear. Dry the coat thoroughly down to the skin, since a damp undercoat can trap moisture and irritate the skin.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Most grooming problems I see with this breed come from a handful of avoidable habits. Because the coat looks low-effort, owners sometimes underestimate it until the undercoat is packed or the nails are overgrown.
Never shave the double coat to reduce shedding or keep the dog cool, since it removes natural insulation and can permanently alter regrowth. Do not brush only the surface and skip the undercoat, because a packed undercoat traps moisture and can lead to skin problems. Avoid bathing too often, as it strips protective oils and dries the skin. And never bathe over a matted coat, since water tightens mats and makes them far harder to remove.
Tips for Success
A little technique goes a long way with this breed. The owners whose Elkhounds always look clean and comfortable tend to follow the same simple, consistent practices rather than any special trick.
Brush a few times a week year round and step up to daily during the twice-yearly shed to stay ahead of loose undercoat. Always brush before a bath so loose hair does not mat when wet. Dry the coat completely down to the skin after bathing. Keep nail trims short and frequent so the quick stays short and trimming stays comfortable. And make grooming positive with calm praise and breaks, so your dog learns to relax through it.
When to Get Professional Help
Most Elkhound grooming is well within reach at home, but there are times to call in a professional groomer or your veterinarian. There is no shame in handing off a tough job, especially during a heavy shed.
Consider a professional groomer if the undercoat has become severely matted, if your dog will not tolerate brushing or nail trims, or if you want a thorough deshedding during a heavy blow. Contact your veterinarian instead if you notice red, smelly, or itchy ears, bald patches, scabs, persistent scratching, fleas, or any skin that looks irritated or infected. These point to a medical issue rather than a grooming one. If your dog ever ingests a grooming product or anything potentially toxic, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 for guidance.
Safety note: Never shave a Norwegian Elkhound’s double coat, since it protects against both cold and heat, and always dry the undercoat fully after a bath to prevent skin irritation.