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Black Norwegian Elkhound
Hound breed from Norway
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Black Norwegian Elkhound
The Black Norwegian Elkhound is a medium-sized spitz-type hunting dog with a solid black double coat and a robust, compact build. It is smaller and less common than the Gray Norwegian Elkhound. The breed is described as bold, energetic, and built for endurance and agility as an all-purpose hunter. Temperament traits include being energetic, courageous, alert, independent, loyal, and confident. However, individual dogs may vary. Estimated adult weight for both males and females is 20–25 kg, and estimated adult height is 46–50 cm. The estimated lifespan is 12–15 years. The breed belongs to the Hound group and its recognition status varies by registry.
Quick facts
Black Norwegian Elkhound at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupHound
OriginNorway
Lifespan12–15 years
Male weight20–25 kilogram
Female weight20–25 kilogram
Male height46–50 centimetre
Female height46–50 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Black Norwegian Elkhound is an ancient Norwegian spitz breed developed over centuries as a versatile hunter of large game such as elk, moose, and bear in rugged Scandinavian terrain. It is smaller and less common than the Gray Norwegian Elkhound and also served as a watchdog. The breed's origins are in Norway. Its recognition status varies by registry: for example, it is recognized by the FCI but not by the AKC as of 2024. The exact timeline of its development is not precisely documented, but it is considered an old breed with a long history in Norway.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
20–25 kilogramAdult weight46–50 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesDoubleCoat colorsBlackRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Energeticcourageousalertindependentloyalconfident
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Higher shedding tendency
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Black Norwegian Elkhound-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 5
- Higher shedding can require frequent coat and home maintenance.Supported by sheddingScore: 4
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Growth chart
Black Norwegian Elkhound puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight20–25 kilogramAdult female weight20–25 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Black Norwegian Elkhound?
Estimated adult weight for both males and females is 20–25 kg, and estimated adult height is 46–50 cm. The estimated lifespan is 12–15 years. These are modelled estimates and may vary.
What is the temperament of a Black Norwegian Elkhound?
The breed is described as energetic, courageous, alert, independent, loyal, and confident. However, individual dogs may behave differently, and temperament is influenced by training and socialization.
How much exercise does a Black Norwegian Elkhound need?
The breed has an energy score of 5 out of 5, indicating high energy needs. It likely requires substantial daily exercise, but specific requirements are not provided in the facts.
What are the grooming needs of a Black Norwegian Elkhound?
The breed has a double coat and a grooming score of 3 out of 5, suggesting moderate grooming needs. Shedding score is 4 out of 5, indicating high shedding. Regular brushing is likely needed.
Is a Black Norwegian Elkhound suitable for apartment living?
The apartment suitability score is 2 out of 5, suggesting it is not well-suited for apartment living, likely due to its high energy and size.
Is a Black Norwegian Elkhound good with children and other dogs?
Child suitability score is 3 out of 5, and dog compatibility score is 3 out of 5, indicating moderate suitability. Individual temperament and early socialization play a significant role.
Where does the Black Norwegian Elkhound originate from?
The breed originates from Norway. It is an ancient spitz breed developed for hunting large game such as elk, moose, and bear in rugged Scandinavian terrain.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.