Comparison: Finnish Spitz and Norwegian Elkhound Black

Finnish Spitz and Norwegian Elkhound Black are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Finnish Spitz
Photo: Karelgerda. Karelgerda, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Norwegian Elkhound Black
Photo: Rvenes, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Finnish SpitzNorwegian Elkhound Black
FCI group5. Spitz and primitive types5. Spitz and primitive types
Country of originFinlandNorway
CategoryMediumMedium
Recognition features
  • Smaller than medium-sized, almost square spitz with bright red or golden-red coat
  • Stand-off coat with long trousers and a bushy tail
  • Tail curled tightly back and down along the hip; erect, pointed ears
  • Smaller than the grey elkhound, shining black coat lying rather close
  • Erect pointed ears and a tail curled over the back
  • At most a little white on chest and feet
CoatModerately long, stand-off coat; back bright red or golden red, with lighter shades on cheeks, throat, chest and belly.Dense and rough but lying close to the body, with a soft, woolly black undercoat; shining black, a little white on chest and feet tolerated.
PurposeFinnish hunting dog that barks at game birds up in trees; the national dog of Finland.The black Norwegian elkhound, a hound for elk hunting; also a guard and companion.

Breed page: Finnish Spitz · Breed page: Norwegian Elkhound Black

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.