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Akita vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Hokkaido Dog Comparison - Dog breed selector: American Akita or Gra Norsk Elghund or Ainu-ken? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Akita vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Hokkaido Dog" Compare Akita and Norwegian Elkhound. Which is better: Akita or Norwegian Elkhound or Hokkaido Dog?
 
 
 
Name Akita Norwegian Elkhound Hokkaido Dog
OriginsJapan flagJapan Norway flagNorway Japan flagJapan
Group Working Dogs Hunting Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank4791414
Reviews920
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog breeds.
American Akita
Japanese Akita
Great Japanese Dog
Gra Norsk Elghund
Gray Norwegian Elkhound
Harmaa Norjanhirvikoira
Norsk Elghund
Norwegian Moose Dog
Small Grey Elk Dog
Elkhound
Ainu-ken
Do-ken
Seta
Ainu dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Akita vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Hokkaido Dog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 75-120 pounds (34-54 kg), Female: 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg) Male: 50-60 pounds (23-27 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) 45-65 pounds (20-30 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 97.5 pounds (44 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (42 kg) Male: 55 pounds (25 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) 55 pounds (25 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Akita or Norwegian Elkhound or Hokkaido Dog? Akita vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Hokkaido Dog height comparison:
Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) Male: 19-21 inches (48-53 cm), Female: 18-20 inches (46-51 cm) 18-22 inches (46-56 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) Male: 20 inches (50.5 cm), Female: 19 inches (48.5 cm) 20 inches (49 cm)

Akita vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Hokkaido Dog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1200 $500-$700 $300-$500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Akita or Norwegian Elkhound or Hokkaido Dog?
Very frequent: The Akita is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Norwegian Elkhound is quite easy to get.
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

Akita vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Hokkaido Dog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Smart: The Norwegian Elkhound dogs have great intelligence.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which is easiest to train?
Akita dogs are easy to train.
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Norwegian Elkhound dogs are easy to train.
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Hokkaido Dog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which breed is most alert?
Akita dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Norwegian Elkhound dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Hokkaido Dog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which breed is most protective?
Akita dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Norwegian Elkhound dogs are average defenders.
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Hokkaido Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Akita vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Hokkaido Dog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog? Compare temperaments.
Dignified
Independent
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Faithful
Vigilant
Willing
Playful
Alert
Intelligent
Loyal
Strong
Willed
Bold
Alert
Courageous
Docile
Faithful
Brave
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Akita dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Akita vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Hokkaido Dog?
High: Akita dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Norwegian Elkhound dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Hokkaido Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Akita vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Hokkaido Dog social needs comparison:
Akita dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Norwegian Elkhound dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Hokkaido Dog dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Akita is strong enough to escape from home.
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The wanderlust potential of the Norwegian Elkhound is strong enough to escape from home.
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Hokkaido Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Akita dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Norwegian Elkhound dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Hokkaido Dog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Akita vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Hokkaido Dog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which breed is most vocal?
Low: The Akita barks none to minimal.
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A lot: Norwegian Elkhound is a particularly loud breed.
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Average: The Hokkaido Dog barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Akitas, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Norwegian Elkhounds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Hokkaido Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Akita breed.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Norwegian Elkhound indoors.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Hokkaido Dog breed.

Akita vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Hokkaido Dog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which breed is most flexible?
Akita dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Norwegian Elkhound dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Hokkaido Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Akita or Norwegian Elkhound or Hokkaido Dog?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Hokkaido Dog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Akita vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Hokkaido Dog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which has lowest bite risk?

Moderate

The Akita has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Norwegian Elkhound has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Hokkaido Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which uses mouth most during play?
Akita dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Norwegian Elkhound dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Hokkaido Dog dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Akita bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Norwegian Elkhound bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Hokkaido Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Akita vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Hokkaido Dog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which breed lives longest?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Akita: 12 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Norwegian Elkhound: 11 years
11-13 years
The average lifespan of Hokkaido Dog: 12 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers cold weather
The Akita can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers cold weather
The Norwegian Elkhound can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers cold weather
The Hokkaido Dog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which has fewer health issues?
The Akita is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Norwegian Elkhound is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Hokkaido Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Akita should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Norwegian Elkhound should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Hokkaido Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Akita vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Hokkaido Dog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Akita vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Hokkaido Dog health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Sebaceous Adenitis
No data available Heart Murmurs
Allergies
Cryptorchidism
Collie Eye Anomaly
Blocked Tear Ducts
Hypodontia

Akita vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Hokkaido Dog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which breed is most active?
Akita dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are high-energy dogs.
Hokkaido Dog dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Akita vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Hokkaido Dog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Akita or Norwegian Elkhound or Hokkaido Dog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Akita dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Norwegian Elkhound dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Hokkaido Dog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Akita or Norwegian Elkhound or Hokkaido Dog?
Akita dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Norwegian Elkhound dogs don't need too much sleep.
Hokkaido Dog dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Akita vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Hokkaido Dog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Akita's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Norwegian Elkhound's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Hokkaido Dog has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day. 2.5 to 3.5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Akita vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Hokkaido Dog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. What colors are available?
Black
Red
White
Brown
Fawn
Black
Gray
White
Silver
Black
White
Brindle
Black & Tan
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which requires most maintenance?
Easy to groom: The Akita doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Norwegian Elkhound requires average grooming effort.
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Advanced: The Hokkaido Dog requires a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which drools least?
The Akita is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
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The Norwegian Elkhound is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Hokkaido Dog is an average drooler.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Akita has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Norwegian Elkhound has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Hokkaido Dog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fluffy
Dense
Waterproof
Straight
Dense Thick
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which requires most frequent baths?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Akita or Norwegian Elkhound or Hokkaido Dog? Akita or Norwegian Elkhound or {name3 shedding:
Akita dogs are heavy shedders.
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Norwegian Elkhound dogs shed above average.
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Hokkaido Dog dogs shed moderately.
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Akita vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Hokkaido Dog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which is best with kids?
Akita dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Hokkaido Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Akita dogs are generally with other pets.
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are generally with other pets.
Hokkaido Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Akita or Norwegian Elkhound or Hokkaido Dog? Which dog is more friendly?
Akita dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Hokkaido Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Akita or Norwegian Elkhound or Hokkaido Dog?
Akita dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Hokkaido Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Akita or Norwegian Elkhound or Hokkaido Dog?
Akita dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Hokkaido Dog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Akita vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Hokkaido Dog?
Yes
Akita dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Hokkaido Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Akita is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Norwegian Elkhound is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Hokkaido Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Akitas are usually recommended for elderly people.
Norwegian Elkhounds are usually recommended for elderly people.
Hokkaido Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Akita vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Hokkaido Dog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Akita breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Norwegian Elkhound breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Hokkaido Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which has most military use?

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Akita vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Hokkaido Dog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which has most puppies?
3-12 puppies 5-10 puppies 3-7 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Akita vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Hokkaido Dog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913 as a Hound breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Hunting Dogs section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Akita, Norwegian Elkhound, and Hokkaido Dog. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
No data available America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
Foundation Stock Service

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