The Norwegian Elkhound is an ancient breed that descends from the grey Norwegian Elkhound, but it is black. However, it is smaller and less powerful than its ancestors. It is a silky black hound with a stand-out personality that looks very appealing when standing in the snow.
It is not that frank, but it is a highly trainable dog that you can make the way you want. With quality training, it can be your best companion dog as well. It is a working dog that loves to work and excels in whatever task you make it learn.
Black Norwegian Elkhound History
The Black Norwegian Elkhound is an ancient dog breed that dates as far back as 4000-5000 BC. It is considered to have been around for since many centuries. In primitive Norway, this dog was used for tracking and hunting large and small animals such as moose, rabbit, and bear.
During the early 1800s, Black Norwegian Elkhound began to emerge. However, this dog breed continued to fall with the popularity of the grey dogs rose. In the mid-1950s, it was about to extinct when this breed lovers started their efforts and preserved it mostly in Norway. This ancient dog breed is recognized by FCI but not yet by the UKC or the AKC.
Black Norwegian Elkhound Characteristics
Black Norwegian Elkhounds are great hunters and guard dogs with a remarkable sense of smell. It is also believed that the Defense Minister of Norway presented his own Elkhounds at times of war. Hence, this dog breed has such exceptional qualities that it can even be used in wars. Read on to know more about this unique dog.
How Big to Black Norwegian Elkhound Get
The Black Norwegian Elkhound is a medium-sized dog that is slightly smaller than its grey Norwegian Elkhound. A male and female Black Norwegian Elkhound stands somewhere between 42cm to 50cm. The average weight for both of these dog genders is about 17-23kg.
How Long Does Black Norwegian Elkhound Live
Black Norwegian Elkhound is a medium-sized hound with an average life expectancy of a hound. It lives for about 12-15 years under normal living conditions.
How Much Does a Black Norwegian Elkhound Cost
It is a very ancient and skilled breed of dog that can be available at high or normal rates. Although not AKC recognized, the prices can be low but keep an estimate of at least $3000 to $5000. However, the price greatly depends on the type of breeder.
Black Norwegian Elkhound Temperament/Personality
Black Norwegian Elkhound is medium in size with a sturdy and compact body. It is best to keep in huge places with fence yards and not in apartments. Another reason for not keeping this dog in small areas like the apartment is its energetic nature. It is a highly energetic dog that enjoys the outdoors.
The hunting and tracking instincts of Black Norwegian Elkhound give it high activity levels, and it needs daily 40 to 50 minutes of exercise. If not exercised properly, your dog can be prone to several unhealthy conditions, mainly destructive behavior.
It is a loyal and affectionate dog that tends to be very attached to its family. However, it should be supervised during the interactions between children and other pets. For the most part, this is a good dog to have. Moreover, its training is easy through positive and smart methods. Heavy-handed or negative training is strictly prohibited!
Caring for Black Norwegian Elkhound
Like many dog breeds, Black Norwegian Elkhound is a sturdy breed from outside while soft from inside. It needs your attention, care, and quality time. Along with that, it also has some food and activity requirements that are mentioned in this article.
Black Norwegian Elkhound Nutrition
The nutrition requirements of your Black Norwegian Elkhound can be great as its activity levels are high. But this is not the same in all cases. Every canine has its requirement of food intake, although sufficient nutrition availability must be ensured. It is best to take a vet’s recommendation in this regard.
How to Groom a Black Norwegian Elkhound
The Black Norwegian Elkhound has a shiny, solid black coat that separates it from the rest. It has a medium hair length, and its grooming needs are moderate. Its deep black coat’s color is resistant to both dirt and water. Go for occasional bathing when required. Must include other things like nail trimming, teeth brushing and ear cleaning into your dog grooming regimen.
Black Norwegian Elkhound Activity Levels
The Black Norwegian Elkhound has a hunting profile and tracking dogs, so its activity levels are automatically high. It needs at least 40-50 minutes of vigorous exercise daily to take off its energy levels. It is best to take your dog for morning and evening walks and take it to a doggy park once a week.
Caring for Black Norwegian Elkhound
Caring for Black Norwegian Elkhound is an easy and time-saving task as its grooming and food requirements are very less. Its coat is resistant to dirt and stains as well as weather conditions. The coat also has a thick and harsh outer layer that keeps the canine protected from external elements.
Although Black Norwegian Elkhound can do well in all weather conditions, it lives best in the colder temperatures. Try to give your pup an adequate amount of food and exercise, a large area, and a colder environment to live in.
Black Norwegian Elkhound Health
This black hound is known to be a healthy breed with a good life expectancy. The few health conditions they can have in their lives are Elbow and Hip dysplasia, obesity, hypothyroidism, PRA, and other common health concerns associated with the dogs.
It would be best if you take your dog for a checkup to veterinarians once in a month or two. It would help avoid any health issues and will keep your puppy safe and healthy.
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