[2024] Black Norwegian Elkhound Dog Breed (Complete Guide)

Black Norwegian Elkhound Dog Overview

The Black Norwegian Elkhound is a Spitz breed with a short compact body, dark eyes, straight ears, and a curled tail draped over the back.

It has a thick coat that blends in with the body. This is an all-weather hunting dog, which means that the coat is critical.

It must be able to withstand the strong autumn rains in Scandinavia and the freezing temperatures, which it does admirably.

The Black Norwegian Elkhound is an extremely robust and resilient breed of dog: highly vigilant, powerful, and proud. It possesses a stronger will than the Grey Elkhound.

The most suggested technique of training is one that emphasizes motivation, such as clicker training or reward-based systems.

Using punitive or dominance-based tactics may have a detrimental effect on teaching the Black Norwegian Elkhound. It is simple to train, but requires constant activity to be joyful.

To perform successfully, it requires constant exercise and activity in conjunction with its superior intelligence. It is a superb hunter and enjoys being in the woods.

Black Norwegian Elkhound Highlights

The Black Norwegian Elkhound will be okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is fairly active indoors and does best with at least a large yard. Elkhounds prefer cool climates.

The Black Norwegian Elkhound is a very energetic dog that thrives on strenuous activity.

The hard, coarse, weatherproof coat is easy to groom. It should be brushed regularly, with extra care given while the dog is shedding its dense undercoat.

The Black Elkhound is used in all types of hunts but excels best in hunting large game such as elk, moose and bear.

Black Norwegian Elkhound Breed Features & Ratings:

Rated base on a 5 Star Scale
ENERGY LEVEL: 4 Star
EXERCISE REQUIREMENTS: 4 Star
PLAYFULNESS: 5 Star
AFFECTION LEVEL: 5 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO DOGS: 5 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO OTHER PETS: 5 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO STRANGERS: 5 Star
WATCHFULNESS: 5 Star
EASE OF TRAINING: 5 Star
GROOMING REQUIREMENTS: 5 Star
HEAT SENSITIVITY: 5 Star
VOCALITY 5 Star

Black Norwegian Elkhound Characteristics:

Dog Breed Group: Herding Dogs
Height: Male: 19-21 inches (48-53 cm) Female: 18-20 inches (46-51 cm)
Weight: Male: 50-60 pounds (23-27 kg) Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg)
Life Span: 2 to 15 years
Type: Purebred
AREA OF ORIGIN: Norway
DATE OF ORIGIN: 1900s
OTHER NAMES: Norsk Elghund Sort, Norsk Elghund Black, Black Elkhound, Norwegian Moose Dog (black)
Temperament: Alert, Hardy, Intelligent, Proud, Robust, Strong Willed
Activities: Hunting, Obedience, Agility, Herding
Color: Black
Litter Size: 4 to 6 puppies
Puppy Prices: On average, between $700 and $1000 USD

Black Norwegian Elkhound Health:

With 12 to 15 years, these are a long-lived breed with a high standard of health.

However, there are a few health problems that the Black Norwegian Elkhound is more prone to develop, including the following:

Dysplasia of the Hip

This is a degenerative disorder affecting the hip joints that are frequently found in medium to large size dogs. Hip dysplasia results in osteoarthritis and persistent pain, which progressively increases as the dog ages. To combat this devastating condition, selective breeding within the population should be used.

Obesity

Recently, it was established that certain dogs are genetically predisposed to fat, and one has to ask if the Black Norwegian Elkhound is one of these canines. If given a chance, they will overheat and have a natural tendency to gain weight.

While the additional fat stores may aid them when they are outside during the harsh Scandinavian winters, Elkhounds maintained as pets in a home mustn’t grow overweight. Due to their nose’s superior ability to detect food, owners must exercise caution both inside and outside the home.

Hypothyroidism

Thyroid Hypothyroidism is a hormonal disorder in which the body produces insufficient thyroid hormone, resulting in a sluggish metabolism. In general, affected dogs will have poor coat conditions, are prone to infections, and have difficulty losing weight. A lifetime of medicine may be necessary to maintain effective control of the disease.

APR (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)

This eye illness is debilitating for dogs, as it finally results in blindness. It is critical that no sick dog gets bred, as this is a well-known genetic condition.

Glaucoma

This is an aberrant increase in intraocular pressure due to increasing pressure, resulting in excruciating discomfort. Intraocular pressure can be used to diagnose it.

Syndrome Fanconi

This uncommon disorder results in the kidneys losing a range of vital chemicals such as proteins and salts. Affected canines’ lifespans will be reduced.

Black Norwegian Elkhound Grooming:

Brushing their thick coat several times a week, or daily during a heavy shed, is recommended.

Their coat is waterproof, and if this characteristic is to be kept, they should not be over-bathed.

Many owners report that their Elkhound’s fur does not smell ‘doggy,’ and bathing to remove odors is frequently unnecessary.

Black Norwegian Elkhound Exercise:

This is an active and intelligent working breed of canine that is constantly on the lookout for work.

Much more so than their grey-colored siblings, these dogs are also agile, durable, and ready for anything, especially in cold weather.

They are not just great big game hunters; they are also highly capable as small game hunters, herding dogs, and even sled dogs.

In the home arena, dog sports such as tracking trials, herding trials, agility training, competitive obedience training, rally sports, and even freestyle canine dance can help keep your bundle of energy occupied.

They are designed for cold temperatures rather than heat, thus caution should be exercised to avoid heat exhaustion in hotter climes.

Black Norwegian Elkhound Training:

Often regarded as independent, Black Norwegian Elkhounds are known to roam, and they require a strong leader who can overcome their natural reluctance throughout training.

They must not be permitted to get away with inappropriate behavior, and consistency is critical. A forceful, yet kind approach frequently results in a favorable response.

Positive reinforcement training is significantly more effective than punishment-based instruction, which they would despise.

Training that is reward-oriented frequently works exceptionally effectively.

Black Norwegian Elkhound Food and Nutrition:

How much food a mature dog consumes is determined by its size, age, structure, metabolism, and degree of activity.

Dogs, like people, are individuals, and they do not all require the same amount of food.

Dogs of the Black Norwegian Elkhound breed are medium-sized. As a result, their diet should be designed for a medium-sized breed with moderate to vigorous exercise requirements.

Consult a veterinarian in your region for more specific recommendations.

Black Norwegian Elkhound Temperament and Personality:

The Black Norwegian Elkhound is known as an active dog that thrives in the outdoors, especially in colder climates.

While this breed develops strong bonds with their family, and while all interactions between dogs and children should be closely supervised, they are typically extremely tolerant of youngsters as well.

They can be territorial and vocal about it, much more so than the grey variety of the Norwegian Elkhound, which means they are not ideal roommates in tight places and are frequently quite confrontational with other canines.

For certain Black Norwegian Elkhounds, a fence may be more of a suggestion, and their strong hunting instincts may frequently encourage them to leave the yard in chase of fast moving objects, therefore a tall, solid barrier and supervision may be necessary to keep your dog from wandering.

This is a relatively easy breed to train if positive reinforcement is employed, yet harsh training may result in increased aggressive behavior from these dogs.

Black Norwegian Elkhound Care/Upkeep:

Animal care is critical when rearing a Black Norwegian Elkhound puppy.

It is a highly active dog that thrives on physical activities. They require regular exercise in the form of a long, quick walk or jog.

While out on a walk, the dog must be brought to heel alongside or behind the person carrying the lead, as a dog’s thinking believes that the leader leads the way, and that leader must be a human.

Black Norwegian Elkhound dogs should be exercised for at least an hour per day. These dogs will also like jogging beside your bike or on a long run through the woods, but keep in mind that they adore roaming.

If properly exercised, the Black Norwegian Elkhound dogs will adapt well to apartment living.

Indoors, the breed is fairly active and thrives with at least a large yard. Additionally, they favor cooler conditions.

Black Norwegian Elkhound Relationship with Children and Other Pets

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Black Norwegian Elkhound Names

Rank	Boy Names	Girl Names
01	Max	Bella
02	Charlie	Daisy
03	Toby	Lucy
04	Jack	Luna
05	Cody	Ginger
06	Duke	Emma
07	Riley	Chloe
08	Oliver	Stella
09	Bailey	Sasha
10	Sam	Abbie

All About Black Norwegian Elkhound

Black Norwegian Elkhound is a dog breed. It is a modern cross between the Grey Norwegian Elkhound and the Grey Norwegian Elkhound.

It is a little spitz breed that is extremely rare outside of Scandinavia’s Nordic countries.

Additionally, the breed is referred to as Norsk Elghund Svart, Norsk Elghund Black, Black Elkhound, and Norwegian Moose Dog.

As the name implies, the Black Norwegian Elkhound is a Norwegian breed. It is bred in the same way as the Grey Norwegian Elkhound, but is smaller, more nimble, and easier to spot in the snow.

It is a significantly younger breed, having been developed in Norway during the early nineteenth century.

The FCI classifies it as a hunting dog, but it is also employed as a watchdog, security dog, and herder.

The AKC breed name “Elkhound” is derived straight from the Norwegian word “Elghund,” which translates as “elk dog” or “moose dog.“

In Norwegian, the term “elg” refers to the animal known in English as a “elk” or “moose,” while “hund” denotes “dog.”

Their chests are broad and deep. Straight from the front, the legs show. Modest and compact with robust pads, the oval paws are small and compact.

On the front legs, dewclaws are frequently present, but not on the hind legs. The coat is all black, with only a trace of white on the chest.

The breed has a dense coat that blends in with the body. This is an all-weather hunting dog, which means that the coat is critical.

It must be able to withstand the strong autumn rains in Scandinavia and the freezing temperatures, which it does admirably.

Black Norwegian Elkhound History:

The Black Norwegian Elkhound developed in Scandinavia and is one of the most ancient breeds; it dates back to the Stone Age and is thousands of years old.

A skeleton comparable to today’s Black Norwegian Elkhound was discovered between 4000 and 5000 BC. To put it in context, these dogs have existed since humans hunted with slingshots and lived in caves.

The Vikings used them as hunting and security dogs. The dogs were employed to track moose, elk, bear, mountain lion, badger, lynx, wolf, reindeer, and rabbit.

The dogs would trail the quarry and inform the hunter with their barks, effectively deterring the animal until the hunter arrived. Norwegian Elkhounds can detect games from a distance of over a mile.

The dogs performed better at night than during the day. Additionally, the breed is highly regarded as a sled dog.

The Norwegian Defense Minister has the authority to mobilize all privately owned Elkhounds in the event of a conflict.

In more recent times, the Elkhounds pleasant and dependable demeanor has helped it earn a place as a valued family pet in many families.

The term “Elkhound” is a straight translation of the Norwegian word “Elghund,” which translates as “moose dog.” In Norwegian, “elg” and “hund ” refer to moose and dog, respectively.

Hunting, tracking, herding, watchdog, guarding, sledding, and agility are just a few of the Elkhound’s abilities.

There is also a more popular standard gray Norwegian Elkhound classified as a distinct breed but is nearly identical in appearance to the standard gray Norwegian Elkhound except for the color.

Where to Adopt Black Norwegian Elkhound:

Always conduct study before adding a new animal to your household.

It’s a good idea to speak with both existing owners and breed groups about a breed, and this is especially true for breeds like the Black Norwegian Elkhound, which do demand additional activity and attention.

More Dog Breeds and Further Research:

If you’re interested in rescuing and adopting a Black Mouth Cur, you can visit this website, which lists available Black Norwegian Elkhound by state, or you can visit our adoption page, which allows you to search for any breed of dog by zip code and breed.

Black Norwegian Elkhound Fun Facts:

Thus breed is good in cold temperatures.
The Norwegian Elkhound is an ancient breed.
He can also play with his family without ever getting tired.
He is very gentle and rarely aggressive, but he is a predator at heart.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Are black Norwegian Elkhounds an uncommon breed?

The Black Norwegian Elkhound is a miniature Spitz breed recognized as a hunting dog by the FCI. It is quite rare outside of Scandinavia’s Nordic countries.

Are Black Norwegian Elkhounds rare?

It is very rare outside the Nordic countries of Scandinavia. It is bred for the same purpose as the Grey Norwegian Elkhound but is smaller, more agile, and easier to recognize in the snow.