German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Gra Norsk Elghund or Husky? Find the right dog for you
"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky"
Compare German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound. Which is better: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Husky?
![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Name | German Shepherd | Norwegian Elkhound | Alaskan Husky |
---|---|---|---|
Origins | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Group | Pastoral / Herding Dogs | Hunting Dogs | Sled Dogs |
Popularity Rank | 2 | 91 | 495 |
Reviews | 13 | 1 | 3 |
User Ratings |
Other Names
What other names do they have? |
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 | Husky |
---|---|---|---|
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky breed type comparison: | Purebred | Purebred | Cross Breed |
German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky Price and Availability Comparison
Price
Which is cheaper, German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Husky? Which is more expensive? | $800-$2000 | $500-$700 | $1000-$1500 |
---|---|---|---|
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Husky? | Very frequent: The German Shepherd 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. |
German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky Size Comparison
Size
Which is bigger, German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Husky? Which is the smallest dog, German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Husky? | Large | Large | Medium |
---|---|---|---|
Weight
Which is heavier, German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound or Norwegian Elkhound? German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky weight comparison: | 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) | Male: 40-60 pounds (18-27 kg), Female: 35-48 pounds (16-22 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) | Male: 50 pounds (22.5 kg), Female: 41.5 pounds (19 kg) |
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Husky? German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky height comparison: | 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) | 20-24 inches (51-61 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) | 22 inches (56 cm) |
German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky Grooming, Hair and Care Comparison
Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky coat comparison: | Fuzzy | Dense | Dense |
---|---|---|---|
Colors
What are the original German Shepherd, Norwegian Elkhound and Alaskan Husky color? |
Black Tan Red Silver |
Black Gray White Silver |
Black Gray White Blonde Orange |
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Husky? German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky grooming comparison: | Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. | Average: The Norwegian Elkhound requires average grooming effort. | Average: The Alaskan Husky requires average grooming effort. |
Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Husky? German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound or {name3 shedding: | German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. | Norwegian Elkhound dogs shed above average. | Alaskan Husky dogs shed moderately. |
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Husky? | 8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. | 4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. |
German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky Personality / Temperament Comparison
Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Husky? German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky behavior/temperament comparison: |
Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful |
Playful Alert Intelligent Loyal Strong Willed Bold |
Agile Energetic Protective Alert Powerful Sensitive |
---|---|---|---|
Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky intelligence: | Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. | Smart: The Norwegian Elkhound dogs have great intelligence. | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. |
Trainability
German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky trainability comparison. | German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. | Norwegian Elkhound dogs are easy to train. | A slightly harder to train than average. |
Playfulness
German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky playfulness comparison: | Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Average: Norwegian Elkhounds, like any other dog breed, like playing. | The Alaskan Husky is a highly playful breed. |
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference? | Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. | Sensitive: Alaskan Husky dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. |
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky? | High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | High: Norwegian Elkhound dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | Average to High: Alaskan Husky dogs are highly affectionate dogs. |
Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky social needs comparison: | German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. | Norwegian Elkhound dogs need for social interaction is average. | Alaskan Husky dogs need for social interaction is average. |
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky? | Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. | A lot: Norwegian Elkhound is a particularly loud breed. | Average to High: The Alaskan Husky is a vocal breed. |
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Husky? | German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | Norwegian Elkhound dogs are one of the best watchdogs. | Alaskan Husky dogs are average watchdogs. |
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Husky?
Which dog is most likely to protect its owner?
Which is the best dog to use for protection? | German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. | Norwegian Elkhound dogs are average defenders. | Alaskan Husky dogs are average defenders. |
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison: | High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody. | Low 🔽 The Norwegian Elkhound has a low chance of biting somebody. | Moderate ⏺ The Alaskan Husky has an average chance of biting somebody. |
Bite Force
Which bite is stronger: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Husky? | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Norwegian Elkhound bite force: Ordinary. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Alaskan Husky bite force: Ordinary. |
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky mouthiness comparison: | German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Norwegian Elkhound dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. | Alaskan Husky dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? | German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. | The wanderlust potential of the Norwegian Elkhound is strong enough to escape from home. | Alaskan Husky dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. |
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting? | German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Norwegian Elkhound dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Alaskan Husky dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. |
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Husky? | 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. | Not an apartment-friendly dog the Alaskan Husky breed. |
Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog? | 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. | Alaskan Husky dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. |
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Husky? | 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. | Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. |
German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky Good With Comparison
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Husky? Which dog is more friendly? | German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs. | Norwegian Elkhound dogs are average friendly towards strangers. | Alaskan Husky dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs. |
---|---|---|---|
Pet Friendly
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. | Alaskan Husky dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family. |
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Husky? | German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. | Norwegian Elkhound dogs are kid-friendly dogs. | Alaskan Husky dogs are average friendly dogs towards children. |
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Husky? | German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats. | Norwegian Elkhound dogs are average friendly towards cats. | Alaskan Husky dogs are not cat-friendly dogs. |
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Husky? | German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. | Norwegian Elkhound dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. | Alaskan Husky dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. |
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky? |
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. |
No Alaskan Husky dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn 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. |
No Alaskan Husky 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. | Alaskan Huskys are commonly okay with elderly people. |
German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky Health Comparison
Health Issues
German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky? | 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. | Alaskan Huskys tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. |
---|---|---|---|
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky 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 |
Hyperthyroidism Laryngeal Paresis Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) |
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits? |
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. |
Frequent The Alaskan Husky should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. |
Life Expectancy
German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky lifespan comparison. How long do German Shepherd, Norwegian Elkhound and Alaskan Husky breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? |
9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years |
10-12 years The average lifespan of Norwegian Elkhound: 11 years |
9-15 years The average lifespan of Alaskan Husky: 12 years |
Hypoallergenic
German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not? | No See more. | No See more. | No See more. |
Energy Level
Who has more energy a German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Husky?
German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky energy level comparison: | German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. | Norwegian Elkhound dogs are high-energy dogs. | Alaskan Husky dogs are high-energy dogs. |
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Husky? 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. | Alaskan Husky dogs need a lot of exercises. |
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Husky? | German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep. | Norwegian Elkhound dogs don't need too much sleep. | Alaskan Husky dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. |
Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Husky? | 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. | 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals. |
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky weight gain potential comparison: | Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. | Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Norwegian Elkhound's weight, he can easily gain weight. | Low to Average: The Alaskan Husky has a low to the average risk for obesity. |
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky? | Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. | Prefers cold weather The Norwegian Elkhound can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. | Prefers cold weather The Alaskan Husky can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. |
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky? | Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The Norwegian Elkhound has an average chance of bad smell. | Medium ⏺ The Alaskan Husky has an average chance of bad smell. |
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? | The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Norwegian Elkhound is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. | The Alaskan Husky is an average drooler. |
German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky As a Working Dog Comparison
Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog? | Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
---|---|---|---|
Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Husky? Which is better for autism? | Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. |
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog? | 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. | Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. |
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog? | 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. | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. |
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky? | Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Norwegian Elkhound breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. | Not really Alaskan Husky breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog? | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Fighting Dog / Military Dog | 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. |
German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky Reproducibility Comparison
Gestation Length | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. | 60-64 days See more. |
---|---|---|---|
Litter Frequency | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Litter Size
How many puppies can German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound and Alaskan Husky have? | 6-10 puppies | 5-10 puppies | 4-10 puppies |
German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky Recognition Comparison
AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC? | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913 as a Hound breed. | Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. |
---|---|---|---|
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI? | 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. | Not recognized by FCI. |
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds? |
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 | Dog Registry of America Inc. |
Popular Dog Compares
Sharing is caring.
Help our free service by spreading information about dog breeds.
Link to this: German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Gra Norsk Elghund or Husky? Find the right dog for you
<a href="https://dogell.com/en/compare-dog-breeds/german-shepherd-vs-norwegian-elkhound-vs-alaskan-husky">German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Gra Norsk Elghund or Husky? Find the right dog for you</a>
Help our free service by spreading information about dog breeds.
Link to this: German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Gra Norsk Elghund or Husky? Find the right dog for you
<a href="https://dogell.com/en/compare-dog-breeds/german-shepherd-vs-norwegian-elkhound-vs-alaskan-husky">German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Husky Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Gra Norsk Elghund or Husky? Find the right dog for you</a>