Norwegian Elkhound Black
Summary
The Norwegian Elkhound Black is the lesser-known and rarer version of the Norwegian Elkhound, differing from its grey relative in coat color and in a distinct hunting method. Instead of barking, it follows the prey silently on a leash, allowing the hunter to approach without being detected. It is more agile and smaller than the Grey Elkhound, optimized for mountainous terrain.
Physical Characteristics
- Size
- Small to medium
- Height (male)
- 47 cm
- Height (female)
- 44 cm
- Weight (male)
- 18–20 kg
- Weight (female)
- 16–18 kg
- Life Expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Double; short, coarse, and hard outer coat; completely black
- Common Colors
- Solid black (no other color)
Temperament & Personality
The Norwegian Elkhound Black is a highly intelligent, good-tempered dog that is very close to humans. Unlike its grey relative, it rarely barks, making it more suitable for domestic living. It actively seeks physical contact with its owners and prefers to always be near the family. It is tolerant of other animals and considered a well-balanced family dog.
Activity & Exercise
- Energy Level
- High
- Recommended Daily Exercise
- 60–90 minutes
- Suitable for Apartment
- Yes with exercise
Grooming & Care
- Grooming Needs
- Low to moderate
- Shedding
- Moderate
- Bathing Frequency
- Every 6–8 weeks
Health
- Common Health Issues
- Generally healthy breed
- Hip dysplasia
- Recommended Health Tests
- Hip evaluation
Compatibility
- With Children
- Excellent
- With Other Dogs
- Excellent
- With Cats
- Good
- For First-Time Owners
- Acceptable
Is a Norwegian Elkhound Black right for you?
A Norwegian Elkhound Black may suit you if:
- You can commit to providing 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise, including engaging mental challenges.
- You enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle and appreciate a dog that thrives on shared adventures.
- You appreciate a highly intelligent, affectionate companion who loves being an integral part of your family's daily life.
- You are prepared to invest in consistent, positive training to channel their intelligence and build a strong bond.
- You are prepared for moderate shedding and regular brushing to maintain their distinctive black double coat.
- You can manage a dog that thrives on close physical connection and will want to be near you constantly.
Think twice if:
- You expect immediate, unquestioning obedience, as this intelligent breed has an independent spirit.
- You have a lifestyle that requires your dog to be left alone for long periods, as they thrive on companionship.
- You are unprepared to manage a strong prey drive, especially if you have very timid cats.
- You are unwilling to provide daily vigorous exercise and consistent grooming to manage their moderate shedding.
- You cannot provide a secure, active environment where their agility and energy can be safely channeled.
- You are not prepared for the physical demands of managing a strong, agile dog during their energetic adolescent phase.
The Norwegian Elkhound Black offers a truly devoted and intelligent companion for the right family. While their calm demeanor and affectionate nature make them wonderful housemates, their high energy and independent spirit require a committed owner who can provide consistent training, ample exercise, and plenty of loving attention. Embrace their unique blend of loyalty and athleticism, and you'll find an unparalleled friend.
Training a Norwegian Elkhound Black
The Norwegian Elkhound Black is a highly intelligent and people-oriented companion, eager to please and thrives on positive reinforcement. They learn best through short, engaging sessions filled with praise and tasty rewards, as their strong bond with humans makes them keen to cooperate. Consistency is key; if training becomes inconsistent or harsh, this sensitive breed can become confused, withdrawn, or develop undesirable habits. Keeping sessions fun and upbeat will tap into their natural desire for closeness and make training a joyful experience for both of you.
Begin with:
- Attention and response to name
- Recall on a long line
- Loose-leash walking
- Leave it and drop it
- Calm greetings without jumping
- Settling on a mat or bed
- Cooperative handling for grooming, ears, feet and teeth
- Waiting at doors and gates
Prey drive and recall
The Norwegian Elkhound Black was bred to follow prey silently on a leash, indicating a strong natural instinct to track and pursue. This powerful drive can make recall challenging, especially in stimulating environments. Practice recall in a secure, distraction-free area first, gradually introducing more distractions. Always use high-value treats and enthusiastic praise to make coming back to you the most rewarding option.
For safety, keep your Elkhound on a long line in unfenced areas until their recall is rock-solid. If you need more help, our guide on teaching recall offers excellent tips.
Leash pulling
Despite being a small to medium-sized dog, the Norwegian Elkhound Black has a high energy level and considerable strength for its size (16-20 kg). They need 60-90 minutes of daily exercise, and if this energy isn't channeled, they can become strong pullers on the leash. Start teaching loose-leash walking from an early age, making walks a pleasant experience for both of you.
Use a front-clip harness or head halter for better control, and reward your Elkhound frequently for walking politely by your side. If pulling persists, consider our force-free plan to stop leash pulling. Remember, consistent training and sufficient exercise are crucial to prevent this behavior.
Boredom and destructive behavior
Norwegian Elkhounds Black are highly intelligent and thrive on being close to their families. If under-exercised, under-stimulated, or left alone for extended periods, they can become bored and resort to destructive behaviors like chewing furniture or excessive vocalization (though they rarely bark, unlike their grey relatives, they might find other ways to express distress). Ensure they receive their recommended 60-90 minutes of daily exercise, including mental stimulation through puzzle toys or training games.
Provide plenty of appropriate chew toys and rotate them to keep things interesting. Consider using our Behaviour AI feature to help understand and address any signs of stress or boredom when you're away.
Norwegian Elkhound Black — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Norsk Elghund Sort (Norwegian Elkhound Black)?
The Norsk Elghund Sort, or Norwegian Elkhound Black, is a truly special and somewhat rarer breed hailing from the beautiful country of Norway. Classified under FCI Group 5 as Nordic Hunting Dogs, these charming canines are distinct from their grey relatives not just in their striking black coat, but also in their hunting style and physical build. They are typically a small to medium-sized dog, known for being more agile and slightly smaller than the Grey Elkhound, perfectly adapted for navigating rugged mountainous terrain. If you're looking for a unique and active companion, this breed certainly stands out!
What was the Norsk Elghund Sort (Norwegian Elkhound Black) originally bred for?
The Norsk Elghund Sort was originally bred for a very specific and fascinating purpose: silent hunting! Unlike its grey counterpart, which uses barking to alert hunters, this black elkhound was developed to follow prey silently on a leash. This unique method allowed the hunter to approach their quarry without being detected, making them incredibly effective in the field. Their agility and slightly smaller stature were also optimized for traversing the challenging, mountainous landscapes of Norway, showcasing their incredible heritage as dedicated and intelligent hunting companions.
How much exercise does a Norsk Elghund Sort (Norwegian Elkhound Black) need?
These wonderful dogs have a high energy level, so they definitely need a good amount of exercise to stay happy and healthy! To keep your Norsk Elghund Sort thriving, you should plan for about 60 to 90 minutes of active exercise every single day. This could include brisk walks, exciting hikes, playtime in a securely fenced yard, or even dog sports. Regular physical activity isn't just great for their bodies; it also helps to keep their intelligent minds stimulated and prevents boredom, ensuring they are well-behaved and content members of your family.
Is the Norsk Elghund Sort (Norwegian Elkhound Black) a good family dog?
Absolutely, the Norsk Elghund Sort makes a truly wonderful family dog! They are known for being incredibly good-tempered and highly intelligent, forming very close bonds with their human companions. Unlike some other Nordic breeds, they rarely bark, which can be a real bonus for domestic living. These affectionate dogs actively seek physical contact and prefer to always be near their family, making them excellent companions. They are also quite tolerant of other animals, contributing to their reputation as a well-balanced and loving addition to any household.
Is the Norsk Elghund Sort (Norwegian Elkhound Black) easy to train?
Given their high intelligence and wonderful temperament, the Norsk Elghund Sort is generally considered quite trainable! They are very close to humans and eager to please, which are fantastic traits for training. Their good nature and ability to learn quickly mean they respond well to positive reinforcement methods. Consistency and patience are key, as with any intelligent breed, but their desire to be near their family and their keen minds make them receptive students. You'll find great joy in teaching them new things and strengthening your bond through training!
What health issues are common in the Norsk Elghund Sort (Norwegian Elkhound Black)?
The good news is that the Norsk Elghund Sort is generally considered a healthy and robust breed! However, like many breeds, they can be predisposed to certain conditions. One health concern that has been documented in the breed is hip dysplasia. Responsible breeders will screen their dogs for this condition to help ensure the health of future generations. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and appropriate exercise are all crucial steps you can take to help keep your beloved Norsk Elghund Sort happy and healthy throughout their life.
What is the Norsk Elghund Sort (Norwegian Elkhound Black)'s coat like and how much grooming does it need?
The Norsk Elghund Sort boasts a beautiful, dense black double coat that provides excellent insulation against cold weather, reflecting its Nordic heritage. This type of coat does require regular attention to keep it in top condition. You'll want to brush your dog a few times a week to prevent matting and to remove loose fur, especially during seasonal shedding periods when they will "blow" their coat. While they are not excessively high-maintenance, consistent grooming will help maintain their coat's health and shine, and keep your home a bit tidier!
What is the typical lifespan of a Norsk Elghund Sort (Norwegian Elkhound Black)?
It's wonderful to know that the Norsk Elghund Sort typically enjoys a long and fulfilling life! These hardy and healthy dogs generally have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Providing them with excellent nutrition, regular veterinary care, plenty of exercise, and a loving home environment are all key factors in helping your Norsk Elghund Sort reach the upper end of that range. Cherish every moment with these loyal and affectionate companions, as they truly bring so much joy to their families!
