Black Norwegian Elkhound: Everything You Need to Know About This Ancient Breed

The Black Norwegian Elkhound is an ancient breed with a rich history that dates back to the Viking era. It originated in Norway over 2,000 years ago.

This breed was originally bred for hunting and tracking large game, including elk and bears. They were highly valued for their intelligence, athleticism, and strong prey drive.

One of the most distinctive features of the Black Norwegian Elkhound is its thick, black coat, which is made up of two layers: a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat. This coat helps to protect them from the harsh Norwegian climate.

Their intelligence and trainability make them a popular choice for hunting and working roles.

The Black Norwegian Elkhound is a lean and muscular canine with a compact build, well-suited for agility and endurance. They typically stand between 40 and 51 centimeters (16"–20") tall at the withers, with males averaging 47 cm and females 44 cm.

Their coat is a rich, solid black double coat that doesn't stand out from the body, but rather lies flat over a dense woolly undercoat. It's a crucial feature for an all-weather hunting dog, keeping out heavy autumn rain and cold weather.

A mature dog weighs between 16 and 20 kilograms (35 lb to 44 lb), with males generally weighing more than females. Adult males typically weigh between 20 to 25 kg, while adult females weigh between 18 to 23 kg.

Their legs are straight and strong, with small, oval-shaped paws that have thick pads, perfect for walking across snow and icy ground. Their oval-shaped eyes are dark brown, and their triangular ears sit high up on their heads, often swiveling and turning to listen for sounds.

Here are the average height and weight ranges for Black Norwegian Elkhounds:

The Black Norwegian Elkhound is an all-purpose family dog with a great temperament and a strong affinity for physical contact with humans. They are highly intelligent and love to be petted, hugged, and near their family members at all times.

Their energetic spirit and love for the outdoors make them a great fit for active lifestyles. They thrive on mental stimulation and are quick learners.

Black Norwegian Elkhounds are fiercely loyal and form strong bonds with their families. They are reliable watchdogs, but can also be protective of their territory, so a tall, sturdy fence may be necessary to keep them from wandering.

These dogs are naturally more ambitious and work-oriented than the grey Norwegian Elkhound, and can become demanding if not adequately stimulated. They excel at tasks and can become highly strung and anxious if their energy is not directed into something positive.

Their intelligence and loyalty make them a great breed for families with children, but close supervision is still necessary to ensure everyone's safety. They are generally tolerant of smaller pets, but may not initially accept them as family members.

Black Norwegian Elkhounds are known to bark, and it's even encouraged when they're working. However, if you're looking for a quiet dog, this may not be the best breed for you.

Caring for your Black Norwegian Elkhound involves understanding their unique needs and providing them with the best possible care.

Their coat is both dense and abundant, but is typically easy to care for. It's resistant to dirt and water, and they have a low odor profile, so bathing is only required on an occasional basis.

A good combing or brushing every two to four days should be sufficient to keep the coat clean and shining during most of the year. Daily brushing may be required when the dog sheds more heavily at the change of seasons.

This dog is particularly prone to obesity, so it's essential to monitor the amount and quality of the food they're being offered.

Brushing Routine:

Bathing Schedule:

Nail Care:

Ear and Dental Care:

Paw Check:

The Black Norwegian Elkhound is a truly ancient breed, dating back to the Stone Age. They've been working alongside humans for thousands of years, serving as both hunters and guard dogs.

These dogs have an incredible sense of smell, able to track animals from up to a mile away. Their remarkable tracking abilities have made them invaluable to hunters in the Nordic terrain.

The original Norwegian Elkhound was developed to track a wide range of prey, from small rabbits to large moose. They have a remarkable ability to prevent the animal from escaping and bark to alert the hunter of its presence.

In the early 1800s, lines of solid black dogs began to emerge, often back-crossed with the traditional grey Norwegian Elkhound. This led to the development of the Black Norwegian Elkhound as a distinct breed.

Their keen sense of smell is thought to be more developed than that of the grey Elkhound, making them particularly well-suited for tracking and hunting. Their thick coats and pointed ears and muzzles are a classic Spitz type, well-suited to harsh climates.

The Black Norwegian Elkhound's name arises from the direct translation of the Norwegian for 'moose dog' or 'elg hund'. They were bred specifically for hunting and tracking game, particularly large prey such as elk and bear.

Their breeders focused on abilities such as scent tracking, and they were used to track animals in the challenging Nordic terrain and harsh climates. The Black Norwegian Elkhound has a small following within their home country of Norway, where roughly 100 new puppies are registered each year.

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The Black Norwegian Elkhound is a robust breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to ensure their overall well-being.

A balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight are essential to prevent obesity, a common health issue in this breed. I've seen firsthand how a healthy weight can make a big difference in a dog's quality of life.

Hip dysplasia and eye conditions are two specific health issues that Black Norwegian Elkhounds can be prone to. These conditions can be managed with proper care and attention.

Here are some common health issues that affect Black Norwegian Elkhounds:

With proper care and attention, Black Norwegian Elkhounds can live a long and healthy life, typically lasting between 12 to 15 years. This is a testament to their robust nature and resilience.

Adopting a Black Norwegian Elkhound requires careful consideration and preparation.

If you're thinking of bringing a Black Norwegian Elkhound into your life, be prepared for a lifelong commitment. This breed is known for its loyal and affectionate nature.

Research and preparation are key to ensuring a smooth transition for both you and your new pet.

Adopting an animal requires careful consideration and preparation. This is especially true for breeds with specific needs, such as the Black Norwegian Elkhound.

Researching the breed's temperament and energy level is crucial to ensure compatibility with your lifestyle. A Black Norwegian Elkhound needs regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Considering factors like space, time, and budget will help you make an informed decision about adopting a new pet. Adopting a Black Norwegian Elkhound requires careful consideration and preparation.

When adopting a pet, it's crucial to find a reputable source that prioritizes the breed's health and well-being.

Choosing a responsible breeder or rescue organization is key to ensuring the breed's welfare. Responsible breeding and ethical practices contribute to the breed's welfare.

A reputable source will have a strong focus on the breed's health and well-being, which is essential for a happy and healthy pet.

The cost of owning a Black Norwegian Elkhound can vary based on several factors, including breeder reputation and geographic location. You can expect to pay between $800 and $1,200 for a puppy from a reputable breeder.

Prices can fluctuate due to demand and availability, so it's essential to research and work with responsible breeders who prioritize their dogs' health and well-being.

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Joining a community of Black Norwegian Elkhound enthusiasts is a great way to enhance your experience as an owner.

Enthusiast groups and clubs dedicated to the breed provide a platform to connect with fellow owners, share experiences, and learn from others who appreciate the breed's unique qualities.

Connecting with like-minded people who share your passion for the Black Norwegian Elkhound can be incredibly rewarding.

These groups often organize events, training sessions, and social gatherings that allow you to bond with your dog and meet new friends who understand the breed's special needs.

Black Norwegian Elkhound Enthusiast Groups are a great resource for learning about the breed's history, temperament, and training requirements.

Their watchful nature and loyalty made them reliable protectors, further endearing them to their human companions.