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German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound Comparison – Which dog is better Alsatian wolf dog or Gra Norsk Elghund?

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound" Compare German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound. Which is better: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Norwegian Elkhound
OriginsGermany flagGermany Norway flagNorway
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank291
Reviews212
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound. What other names are these breeds known by?
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Gra Norsk Elghund
Gray Norwegian Elkhound
Harmaa Norjanhirvikoira
Norsk Elghund
Norwegian Moose Dog
Small Grey Elk Dog
Elkhound
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a German Shepherd and a Norwegian Elkhound. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a German Shepherd and a Norwegian Elkhound. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 50-60 pounds (23-27 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 55 pounds (25 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound? Is a German Shepherd taller than a Norwegian Elkhound?
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 19-21 inches (48-53 cm), Female: 18-20 inches (46-51 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 20 inches (50.5 cm), Female: 19 inches (48.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a German Shepherd and a Norwegian Elkhound. Which breed costs more?
$800-$2000 $500-$700
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Norwegian Elkhound is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Smart: The Norwegian Elkhound dogs have great intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare training requirements.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Norwegian Elkhound dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare alertness levels.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare territorial behaviors.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are average defenders.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a German Shepherd and a Norwegian Elkhound. How do their temperaments differ?
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Playful
Alert
Intelligent
Loyal
Strong
Willed
Bold
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound?
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound?
High: German Shepherd 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.
See more.
Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Norwegian Elkhound dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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The wanderlust potential of the Norwegian Elkhound is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound? Which can be better for hunting?
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.
Norwegian Elkhound dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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A lot: Norwegian Elkhound is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Norwegian Elkhounds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare living space needs.
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 German Shepherd indoors.
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.

German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare adaptability levels.
German Shepherd 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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?
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.

German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare biting tendencies.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Norwegian Elkhound has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare mouthing behaviors.
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Norwegian Elkhound dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Norwegian Elkhound bite force: Ordinary.

German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare average lifespans.
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Norwegian Elkhound: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare climate tolerances.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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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.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a German Shepherd and a Norwegian Elkhound. Which breed is healthier?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The Norwegian Elkhound 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: German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Norwegian Elkhound should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo
No data available

German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare activity levels.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Norwegian Elkhound dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Norwegian Elkhound dogs don't need too much sleep.

German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare obesity risks.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Norwegian Elkhound's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare daily food needs.
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2.5 to 3.5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.

German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Gray
White
Silver
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Norwegian Elkhound requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare drooling amounts.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Norwegian Elkhound is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Norwegian Elkhound has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a German Shepherd and a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare fur types.
Fuzzy Dense
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare bathing frequencies.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound? Do German Shepherd dogs shed more than Norwegian Elkhound dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Norwegian Elkhound dogs shed above average.
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German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare kid-friendliness.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound? Can a German Shepherd and a Norwegian Elkhound be friends? Do German Shepherd dogs get along with Norwegian Elkhound dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound?
Yes
German Shepherd 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.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Norwegian Elkhound is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Norwegian Elkhounds are usually recommended for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare service capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes good 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
Which is better for therapy work: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare scenting abilities.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare SAR abilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Norwegian Elkhound breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound. Which has stronger military background?

Yes

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

Not really

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

German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound. Which has larger litters?
6-10 puppies 5-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913 as a Hound breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Hunting Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound. Which is more widely recognized?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
No data available

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