Also called Norwegian Elkhound Black, Norsk Elghund Sort, Black Elkhound
Bold, spirited and full of energy in the forest, yet affectionate at home.
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Weight | 16 to 20 kg (35 to 44 lb)1 |
| Height | 43 to 49 cm (17 to 19 in)males 46 to 49 cm, females 43 to 46 cm21 |
| Coat | Dense, rough double coat |
| Origin | Norway, from local spitz-type hunting dogs in the forests along the Norway-Sweden border.21 |
| Group | FCI group 5 |
Bold, spirited and full of energy in the forest, yet affectionate at home. It is a clever dog that enjoys close contact with its family and is generally good with children.21
dense, rough double coat
A compact, square-built spitz with pricked ears and a tightly curled tail. The coarse outer coat lies close over a soft, woolly undercoat, staying short on the head and front legs and growing fuller on the neck, chest, hindquarters and underside of the tail.21
A typical home-care rhythm for a Black Norwegian Elkhound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
No breed-specific rule names the Black Norwegian Elkhound in the 44 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Checked 2026-11-05. Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
High. A working elk-hunting dog that needs long daily outings and does best with an active job such as hunting, hiking or tracking.21
The weather-resistant double coat is easy to keep with a regular brush, done more often when the undercoat is shedding.21
Built for Nordic forest and cold weather; suits an outdoorsy home with plenty of space and regular time in nature.2
A people-oriented dog that likes physical closeness with its family.1
Black spitz dogs used for elk hunting in the Norway-Sweden border forests were described by the naturalist Llewelyn Lloyd as early as 1828. The black elkhound has been kept as a distinct breed since the mid-1800s and remains a working hunting dog, uncommon in Norway and very rare elsewhere.1
'Elghund' is Norwegian for elk dog, which in Europe means the animal North Americans call a moose.1
The earliest written description dates from 1828, when a naturalist noted two black hunting dogs with upright ears and curled tails.1
It is smaller than its grey cousin, with males ideally standing about 47 cm at the shoulder.2
Under the FCI standard, a hunting trial is part of the breed's requirements only in the Nordic countries of Norway, Sweden and Finland.2
The breed name 'Norwegian Elkhound Black' (Norsk Elghund Sort) reflects its origin in Norway and its traditional use as a hound for hunting elk (moose), with 'Black' distinguishing it from its grey sibling breed.1
I wake my human with a happy bark, time for our morning run in the woods! I love the smell of pine and the crunch of snow under my paws. We track elk trails for hours, and I feel so alive. Back home, I curl up on the sofa and let the kids pet my thick fur. At dinner, I rest my head on a knee, just to be close. Every day is a perfect blend of wild adventure and cozy family time.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Black Norwegian Elkhounds are food-driven and gain weight easily, so use treats sparingly and factor them into their daily calorie allowance. Because they are prone to inflammatory bowel disease and dental problems, choose low-fat, easily digestible treats and consider dental chews to help keep their teeth clean, but always ask your vet for advice tailored to your dog.
Source: petmd.com
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests feeding adult dogs at least two meals a day, with puppies needing three to four smaller meals. The exact times can be set to fit your routine, but avoid free feeding for puppies. For specific amounts, always check the food label and consult your vet.3 Pet Wiki plan
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, garlic, and raw meat or bones. Always avoid these and ask your vet for a complete list.4
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests bathing about every 10 weeks, but the ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if they get very dirty or have skin issues. Use a dog-specific shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect their double coat.5 Pet Wiki plan
Brush every three days as a starting plan, and daily during heavy shedding seasons. Their weather-resistant double coat is easy to maintain with regular brushing. This helps remove loose fur and keeps the coat healthy.21 Pet Wiki plan
Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside). If you're unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.5 Pet Wiki plan
This breed has high activity needs and thrives with long daily outings, such as hiking or tracking. Pet Wiki's starting plan includes daily walks and play. They are working dogs and do best with an active job or plenty of time in nature.21 Pet Wiki plan
Brush teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste only. Check ears every two weeks and clean gently without pushing anything into the ear canal. For specific techniques, ask your vet.5 Pet Wiki plan
Lifespan varies by individual, but senior years usually start around age 8. Regular vet check-ups and a healthy lifestyle support a long life. For breed-specific averages, consult your vet or a good breeder. Pet Wiki plan
Yes, they are generally good with children and enjoy close contact with their family. Their temperament is affectionate at home. Early socialization helps with other pets, but individual temperaments vary.21
This is a people-oriented dog that likes physical closeness with its family, so they may not do well left alone for long periods. It varies by individual; ask a good breeder or your vet for advice based on your dog's personality.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.
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