Black Norwegian ElkhoundCharacteristics, history, training and care
Black Norwegian Elkhound. · Rvenes / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped and resized.
The Black Norwegian Elkhound is a medium-sized Nordic spitz with a shiny black coat, erect ears and a tail curled over its back. It was bred in Norway to hunt elk. It is brave, energetic and fearless, but very rare outside the Nordic countries.
Quick facts
| Common name | Black Norwegian Elkhound (Norsk Elghund Sort) |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | Norway |
| Official recognition | FCI, definitively since 7 October 1965 (Group 5, Nordic hunting dogs; standard no. 268) |
| Lifespan | No published data for the breed; medium-sized breeds usually live 10–13 years |
| Size (males) | 46–49 cm at the withers (ideally 47 cm) |
| Size (females) | 43–46 cm at the withers (ideally 44 cm) |
| Weight | The standard gives no figure |
| Coat type | Dense and harsh, with a soft, woolly undercoat |
| Common colours | Shiny black; a little white on the chest and feet is tolerated |
| Energy level | High |
| Suited to an apartment? | Not really; it needs plenty of exercise |
| Temperament | Fearless, energetic, courageous |
| Tendency to aggression | Low |
| Good with children | Good |
| Good with other animals | Average; hunting instinct |
| Genetic predispositions | No breed-specific diseases are known |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
The Black Elkhound descends from the local spitz dogs of the border region between Norway and Sweden and has existed as a separate breed since the mid-19th century. It is the “sister” breed of the grey Norwegian Elkhound, but smaller and more agile.
The name comes from the Norwegian “elghund”, meaning “elk dog”. The breed was at one point threatened with extinction, but has kept its hunting qualities and appearance for more than 100 years.
How the breed developed
- 1828 – The Welshman Llewelyn Lloyd hunts bears on the border between Norway and Sweden with black dogs that have erect ears and curled tails.
- Mid-19th century – The Black Elkhound becomes a separate breed.
- 7 October 1965 – The FCI recognises the breed.
- 9 August 1999 – The current FCI standard is published.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★☆☆ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Independence | ★★★★☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★☆☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★★☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★★☆ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★☆ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★☆☆ |
| Needs and care | ★★★☆☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★☆☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★★★ |
| Energy level | ★★★★★ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★★ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★★☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★★★ |
| Good hunting dog (elk) | ★★★★★ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★☆☆ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile; the rating is based on the FCI standard (“fearless, energetic and courageous”).
Physical characteristics
It is a typical spitz with a square body: the height at the withers equals the length of the body. It is muscular and athletic, with a proudly carried neck.
General appearance
The ears are set high, erect and pointed. The short, thick tail is curled tightly over the back. The muzzle is the same length as the skull, and the eyes are preferably dark brown.
| Feature | Black Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Height at the withers | males: 46–49 cm; females: 43–46 cm |
| Coat | Dense, harsh, lying close to the body; soft black undercoat |
| Ears | Erect, pointed, set high |
| Tail | Short, thick, tightly curled over the back |
| Proportions | Square body: length equal to height |
The colour is shiny black. A little white on the chest and feet may be tolerated. The undercoat is black too.
Training and socialisation
It is a brave, energetic hunting dog, bred to find elk. Unlike its grey relative, it was bred mainly for hunting with the dog on a lead.
Like many spitz breeds, it has a strong personality, so training takes consistency and patience.
Tips for effective training
- Start early. Socialise the puppy with people, dogs and new places.
- Be consistent. Clear rules help it understand what you want.
- Use rewards. Praise and play work better than punishment.
- Train lead walking. It is the basis of the hunting it was bred for.
Activity needs and lifestyle
It is a very energetic dog, made for long days in the northern forests. It needs a lot of exercise.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Long walks or hikes | daily | Burns off energy |
| Tracking games | several times a week | Uses its nose |
| Running in a fenced area | several times a week | Free movement, safely |
Tips for a balanced life
- It copes very well with cold.
- In summer it needs shade and fresh water.
- Keep it on a lead outside the yard.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
Brush the double coat once a week. When it is moulting, the woolly undercoat comes out in large amounts and needs brushing daily.
Common health problems
There are no known hereditary diseases specific to the breed. Annual vet check-ups and parasite control remain important.
Other care
- Trim the nails when they start to touch the floor.
- Check the ears and teeth regularly.
- Look for ticks after every outing in the woods.
Diet and nutrition
An active hunting dog needs more energy during the season. As the standard gives no weight, weigh your dog and adjust the portion.
Tips for a healthy diet
The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 kg | 850 kcal | 960 kcal | 210–270 g |
| 18 kg | 980 kcal | 1,100 kcal | 240–310 g |
| 22 kg | 1,140 kcal | 1,280 kcal | 280–370 g |
- Give it its food in two meals a day.
- Fresh water should always be available.
- A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.
Foods to avoid
Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.
Mating and pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.
Caring for the puppies
In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- A bear hunter in 1828. Llewelyn Lloyd wrote of the black dog Pajas, with which 13 bears had been hunted.
- “Elg” means elk. The Norwegian name “elghund” means “elk dog”.
- It has a grey relative. The grey Norwegian Elkhound is its larger sister breed.
- Working trial only in the North. A hunting trial is required only in Sweden, Norway and Finland.
- It almost disappeared. The breed was threatened with extinction, but has kept its qualities for over 100 years.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Black Norwegian Elkhound?
A Nordic spitz from Norway, bred to hunt elk.
How big does it get?
Males measure 46–49 cm and females 43–46 cm at the withers.
How does it differ from the grey Elkhound?
It is black, smaller and more agile, and was bred mainly for hunting with the dog on a lead.
Is it a rare breed?
Yes. It is rare even in Norway and very rare outside the Nordic countries.
