Discover Everything About Norwegian Elkhound (Black)
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Norwegian Elkhound (Black) overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Norwegian Elkhound (black) requires an above-average number of mandatory health tests, which focus almost exclusively on eye health. Conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts require consistent monitoring to prevent blindness within the bloodline. In addition, hip dysplasia (HD) must be actively managed through selective breeding, which is why prospective buyers should only choose puppies from breeders who can provide complete, verified health reports.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Height
43–49 cm
Weight
13–18 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Straight, hard upper hair; dense, soft undercoat
- Origin: Norway
Typical coat colors
- Black
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Norwegian Elkhound (Black), choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Norwegian Elkhound (Black) right for you?
The Norwegian Elkhound (black) is a courageous, lightning-fast Nordic hunting Spitz—bred to track big game in icy forests and hold it at bay with great endurance. A highly specialized athlete built for independent work in rugged terrain.
Perfect for you if:
- You enjoy intensive tracking or search work—this dog was selected for persistent scent work and will become frustrated without a real job to do.
- You are outdoors in any weather and ideally live in a rural area with a securely fenced garden.
- You set clear, confident rules and guide his Nordic independence with humor rather than harshness.
- You are looking for a vigilant, loyal companion who forms a close bond with their primary person.
Less ideal if:
- You expect him to remain responsive when he spots game—he was bred to track scents independently, which often makes off-leash exercise impossible.
- You live in an apartment with thin walls, as loud and persistent barking at game is his genetic task and often carries over into daily life.
- You demand blind obedience and constant attention—he likes working with you, but never as your unconditional servant.
- vibesCheck
- A Norwegian Elkhound (black) is not a servant, but an independent forest worker who, when in doubt, trusts his nose more than you. You aren't getting a dog that worships you, but a robust partner on equal footing. If you share his passion for nature and tracking, he won't leave your side—but if you try to suppress him, he will turn stubborn.
- healthProfile
- The Norwegian Elkhound (black) is generally considered a robust and long-lived dog, though it can occasionally face issues with joints, eyes, and the thyroid.
- healthDailyLife
- By ensuring joint-friendly development, maintaining a healthy weight, and scheduling regular veterinary check-ups for eyes and thyroid, you lay the foundation for a long, active life.
- healthBreederRole
- Reputable breeders have the hips, knees, eyes, and thyroid of the parent animals tested to reduce avoidable health risks in the lineage.
The real vibes check
A Norwegian Elkhound (black) is not a servant, but an independent forest worker who, when in doubt, trusts his nose more than you. You aren't getting a dog that worships you, but a robust partner on equal footing. If you share his passion for nature and tracking, he won't leave your side—but if you try to suppress him, he will turn stubborn.
Breed Profile
The Norwegian Elkhound Black is one of two variants of the breed, the other being gray. The black variant is slightly rarer and smaller than the gray one. This dog has a robust but compact exterior with rich black fur and a bushy tail that curls over the back. The ears are medium-sized, pointed and erect, giving the dog an attentive and intelligent appearance. The Norwegian Elkhound Black belongs to FCI Group 5, the Spitz and Urtypes. This breed does not differentiate between performance and show lines.
| Height | 43 - 46 cm (Female), 46 - 49 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 13 - 16 kg (Female), 15 - 18 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 15 years |
| Character | Confident, loyal, intelligent |
| Coat | Straight, hard upper hair; dense, soft undercoat |
| Coat Color | Black |
| Price | 1500 - 2500 € |
History
The Norwegian Elkhound is a very old dog breed whose origins go back several thousand years. Fossil finds show that dogs of this species lived in Norway as early as the Stone Age. They were originally used to hunt elk and other large game species. The Norwegian Elkhound Black has been recognized as a separate breed since 1877. It was and is particularly popular in Scandinavian countries, but is also beginning to gain international recognition.
The Norwegian Elkhound (black) was used to hunt moose and bears in the Norwegian forests.
Norway
1800
Character & Temperament
Norwegian Elkhounds are known for their loyalty and bond with their people. They are very people-oriented and love being part of the family. Their intelligence and strong self-confidence make them attentive and vigilant dogs that reliably protect their home and family. Their origins as hunting dogs have given them a certain independence and initiative. They tend to make decisions on their own in new situations, which can make them excellent working dogs but also challenging to train. Their hunting instinct is still strong, which means they need to be well supervised when walking in the wild. An unsupervised Elkhound might be tempted to follow an interesting smell or movement into the woods. Despite their independence, Norwegian Elkhounds are very playful and love spending time with their people. They are energetic and active, meaning they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to be happy and balanced. A well-socialized Norwegian Elkhound can learn to stay alone, although he prefers to be in company. Since they are very attached to their people, they may develop separation anxiety if they are regularly left alone for long periods of time. It is therefore important to teach them as puppies that being alone is not scary and that you will always come back. The Norwegian Elkhound Black is not a dog for couch potatoes. His high energy and intelligence require regular physical and mental activity. Long walks, hikes or dog sports like agility are perfect for this breed. They love completing tasks and, when challenged, become happy, well-adjusted companions. They are good learners, but their strong personalities require consistent and loving leadership. Despite their size and robustness, Norwegian Elkhounds are not aggressive. They are reserved towards strangers, but not hostile. They are extremely friendly and loving with their people and the people they know and like. They also tend to get along well with children and other dogs, but should always be supervised to ensure play doesn't become too rough. Even though the Norwegian Elkhound has a strong personality and is not always the easiest dog to train, he is still a loyal, loving and energetic companion. With the right leadership and enough activity, this sturdy, handsome dog will become a valuable part of your life and a loyal friend for many years.
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
| Watchfulness A natural watchdog with real protective instinct. | High |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Noticeable drive — needs attention around small animals. | Moderate |
Fun Fact!
Did you already know? The Norwegian Elkhound is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world and its origins can be traced back up to 5000 years!
What Awaits You
In addition to the black Norwegian Elkhound, there is also the gray Norwegian Elkhound. These dogs are independent hunters with a large radius. These active dogs are not very suitable for comfortable people.
Housing & Care
As a robust and active dog, the Norwegian Elkhound is suitable for both city life and the country, as long as there is enough exercise and exercise. The Norwegian Elkhound also gets along well with children, but, as with all dogs, responsible handling should be ensured. As for other pets, the Norwegian Elkhound can certainly learn to live with them, although its hunting instinct can be challenging.
| Family Friendly Loves family life and thrives in a group. | Family-oriented |
| Child Friendly Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride. | Patient with children |
| Dog Friendly Usually gets on fine with other dogs. | Generally tolerant |
| City Friendly Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners. | Difficult in cities |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
Although they are intelligent and willing to learn, Norwegian Elkhounds can be challenging to train due to their strong personalities and minds of their own. It is therefore important to start early with consistent but loving upbringing. They are ideal for various dog sports, such as agility, obedience or tracking. It is important to exercise the dog both physically and mentally without overtaxing him. A good balance is the be-all and end-all here. It is also recommended to teach the Norwegian Elkhound frustration tolerance and impulse control. This can be achieved through various exercises and games that encourage the dog to remain calm and patient even when he wants something.
Nutrition & Care
The Norwegian Elkhound is an active dog and therefore requires a high-quality food that meets its nutritional needs. You can use both dry and wet food, but it is important to have a balanced mix of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. When it comes to grooming, the Norwegian Elkhound has a thick undercoat that protects it from the extreme weather conditions of its homeland. This also makes it well suited to the climate in Germany. However, this also means that he sheds heavily, especially during the shedding periods in spring and autumn. Regular brushing can help control shedding and keep your home clean.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Working-dog energy that needs burning off every single day. | High-drive |
| Shedding Barely any shedding — occasional vacuuming is enough. | Minimal |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
The Norwegian Elkhound (black) requires an above-average number of mandatory health tests, which focus almost exclusively on eye health. Conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts require consistent monitoring to prevent blindness within the bloodline. In addition, hip dysplasia (HD) must be actively managed through selective breeding, which is why prospective buyers should only choose puppies from breeders who can provide complete, verified health reports.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
By ensuring joint-friendly development, maintaining a healthy weight, and scheduling regular veterinary check-ups for eyes and thyroid, you lay the foundation for a long, active life.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the hips, knees, eyes, and thyroid of the parent animals tested to reduce avoidable health risks in the lineage.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
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Frequently asked questions about the Norwegian Elkhound (Black)
Is a Norwegian Elkhound (Black) the right dog for me?
The Norwegian Elkhound (Black) is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Norwegian Elkhound (Black) live?
The average life expectancy of a Norwegian Elkhound (Black) is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Norwegian Elkhound (Black) need?
Norwegian Elkhound (Black) grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Norwegian Elkhound (Black) good for families with children?
The Norwegian Elkhound (Black) can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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