Black Norwegian Elkhound
Also called Norwegian Elkhound Black, Norsk Elghund Sort, Black Elkhound
From Norway, from local spitz-type hunting dogs in the forests along the Norway-Sweden border.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
The FCI standard gives no weight; Wikipedia states 16-20 kg for the breed.
Coat and looks how to spot one
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.12
Personality what they are like
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.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. A working elk-hunting dog that needs long daily outings and does best with an active job such as hunting, hiking or tracking.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The weather-resistant double coat is easy to keep with a regular brush, done more often when the undercoat is shedding.12
Home where they are happiest
Built for Nordic forest and cold weather; suits an outdoorsy home with plenty of space and regular time in nature.1
Company who they like around
A people-oriented dog that likes physical closeness with its family.2
The story where it all began
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.2
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
'Elghund' is Norwegian for elk dog, which in Europe means the animal North Americans call a moose.2
- 2
The earliest written description dates from 1828, when a naturalist noted two black hunting dogs with upright ears and curled tails.2
- 3
It is smaller than its grey cousin, with males ideally standing about 47 cm at the shoulder.1
- 4
Under the FCI standard, a hunting trial is part of the breed's requirements only in the Nordic countries of Norway, Sweden and Finland.1
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 268 (Norwegian Elkhound Black), Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types), Section 2 Nordic Hunting Dogs; standard dated 09.08.1999, country of origin Norway. Working trial required only in the Nordic countries.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Black Norwegian Elkhound. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
- Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
- Bathevery 10 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Black Norwegian Elkhound, and at what times?
Furry Diary'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 Furry Diary plan
What should a Black Norwegian Elkhound eat, and which foods are dangerous?
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
How often should I bathe a Black Norwegian Elkhound?
Furry Diary'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 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Black Norwegian Elkhound need brushing?
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.12 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Black Norwegian Elkhound's nails, and how often?
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 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Black Norwegian Elkhound need?
This breed has high activity needs and thrives with long daily outings, such as hiking or tracking. Furry Diary'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.12 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Black Norwegian Elkhound's teeth and ears?
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 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Black Norwegian Elkhound live?
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. Furry Diary plan
Is a Black Norwegian Elkhound good with children and other pets?
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.12
Can a Black Norwegian Elkhound be left alone?
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.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 268, Norwegian Elkhound Black fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colour, temperament, use
- Black Norwegian Elkhound, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history, weight, temperament, fun facts
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.