{"id":62293,"date":"2014-11-16T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-11-15T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/?p=62293"},"modified":"2025-09-23T14:34:05","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T11:34:05","slug":"black-norwegian-elkhound","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/breed-norwegian-elkhound-black","title":{"rendered":"Black Norwegian Elkhound"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Black Norwegian Elkhound<\/strong> (Norsk Elghund Sort)<\/strong> is the embodiment of Scandinavian resilience and hunting zeal, clad in a striking black coat. This dog, a national treasure of Norway, is significantly more than just a moose hunter. It\u2019s a loyal companion, an energetic athlete, and a reliable guard dog. Possessing an excellent sense of smell, it can detect game from several kilometres away. These dogs are hardy, agile, tireless workers, yet deeply attached to their families. They are cheerful and playful with children, making them wonderful family pets for active individuals. Discover more about this unique breed, its character, history, and specific care requirements further on Tvaryny<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the Elkhound is renowned for its courage and independence, it also craves close human contact. Training and raising it should begin from an early age, as the stubbornness and independence inherent in Spitz-type breeds can emerge later. This dog isn’t the best choice for apartment living, as it requires ample space and intensive, long walks. Elkhounds can be excellent guard dogs: although they lack unwarranted aggression towards people, their loud barking will always alert owners to approaching strangers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Black Norwegian Elkhound: A Brief Breed Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Breed Name<\/strong><\/td>Black Norwegian Elkhound (Norsk Elghund Sort)<\/td><\/tr>
Country of Origin<\/strong><\/td>Norway<\/td><\/tr>
FCI Classification<\/strong><\/td>Group 5 (Spitz and Primitive Types), Section 2 (Nordic Hunting Dogs). Standard No. 268.<\/td><\/tr>
Lifespan<\/strong><\/td>12\u201315 years<\/td><\/tr>
Height at Withers<\/strong><\/td>Males: 46\u201349 cm; Females: 43\u201346 cm<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/strong><\/td>Males: ~20 kg; Females: ~18 kg<\/td><\/tr>
Temperament<\/strong><\/td>Courageous, energetic, intelligent, loyal, independent<\/td><\/tr>
Use<\/strong><\/td>Hunting moose, bear; companion dog, guard dog<\/td><\/tr>
Colour<\/strong><\/td>Glossy black<\/td><\/tr>
Shedding<\/strong><\/td>Intense, especially seasonally (twice a year)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

History of the Black Norwegian Elkhound Breed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The history of the Black Norwegian Elkhound is closely intertwined with the culture and daily life of the Scandinavian peoples. Dogs of the “Elghund” type (meaning “elk dog”) have existed in these lands for millennia, as evidenced by archaeological finds, including dog skeletons dated 4000-5000 BCE. These ancient Spitz-type dogs were indispensable helpers in hunting large game such as moose, bear, and wolverine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Initially, there was no clear distinction between Elkhounds by colour. However, over time, hunters began to notice that smaller, black-coloured dogs were more agile and less conspicuous in dense forests, giving them an advantage during hunts. They could approach prey more quietly and were more manoeuvrable. Despite mentions of black “elk dogs” appearing as early as the 16th-17th centuries, targeted breeding began much later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Official recognition of the breed occurred at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1877, a grey variant of the breed was presented at Norway’s first dog show, quickly gaining popularity. The Black Elkhound remained in the shadow of its grey relative and by the early 20th century was on the verge of extinction. It was considered merely a colour variation, not a separate breed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The breed’s saviour was the enthusiastic breeder Johannes Finnen. He made incredible efforts to preserve and popularise the Black Elkhounds. Thanks to his persistent work and that of other breeders, the population began to recover by the mid-20th century. Despite this, the Black Norwegian Elkhound remains significantly less common today than its grey counterpart, such as the Grey Norwegian Elkhound<\/a> or the J\u00e4mthund (Swedish Elkhound)<\/a>. Outside of Scandinavia, this breed is a true rarity, but in Norway, it is still highly valued as a national symbol and an unsurpassed hunting dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Appearance of the Black Norwegian Elkhound: Breed Standard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Black Norwegian Elkhound is a typical representative of northern Spitz breeds: compact, square-shaped, with a proudly carried head and a tail tightly curled over its back. It is somewhat lighter and more elegant than its grey relative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n