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Keeshond vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Malamute Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chien Loup or Gra Norsk Elghund or Mally? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Keeshond vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Malamute" Compare Keeshond and Norwegian Elkhound. Which is better: Keeshond or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Malamute?
 
 
 
Name Keeshond Norwegian Elkhound Alaskan Malamute
OriginsGermany flagGermany Netherlands flagNetherlands Norway flagNorway United States flagUnited States
Group Sled Dogs Hunting Dogs Sled Dogs
Popularity Rank879159
Reviews523
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute breeds.
Chien Loup
Deutscher Wolfsspitz
Kees
Smiling Dutchman
Wolfsspitz
Dutch Barge Dog
Barge Dog
Gra Norsk Elghund
Gray Norwegian Elkhound
Harmaa Norjanhirvikoira
Norsk Elghund
Norwegian Moose Dog
Small Grey Elk Dog
Elkhound
Mally
Mal
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Keeshond vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Malamute Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute? Compare adult weight ranges.
35-45 pounds (15-20 kg) Male: 50-60 pounds (23-27 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
40 pounds (17.5 kg) Male: 55 pounds (25 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) Male: 80 - 95 pounds (36 - 43 kg), Female: 70 - 85 pounds (32 - 38 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Keeshond or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Malamute? Keeshond vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Malamute height comparison:
Male: 17-19 inches (44-48 cm), Female: 16-18 inches (40-46 cm) Male: 19-21 inches (48-53 cm), Female: 18-20 inches (46-51 cm) Male: 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm), Female: 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 18 inches (46 cm), Female: 17 inches (43 cm) Male: 20 inches (50.5 cm), Female: 19 inches (48.5 cm) Male: 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm), Female: 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm)

Keeshond vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Malamute Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1000 $500-$700 $1200-$1500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Keeshond or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Malamute?
Very frequent: The Keeshond is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Norwegian Elkhound is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Alaskan Malamute is quite easy to get.

Keeshond vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Malamute Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. Which breed ranks highest?
Very smart: Keeshond is an excellent dog breed.
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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 Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. Which is easiest to train?
Keeshond dogs are quite easy to train.
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Norwegian Elkhound dogs are easy to train.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. Which breed is most alert?
Keeshond dogs are good watchdogs.
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Norwegian Elkhound dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. Which breed is most protective?
Keeshond dogs are average defenders.
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Norwegian Elkhound dogs are average defenders.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Keeshond vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Malamute Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Agile
Intelligent
Obedient
Quick
Bright
Sturdy
Playful
Alert
Intelligent
Loyal
Strong
Willed
Bold
Playful
Dignified
Friendly
Affectionate
Loyal
Devoted
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Keeshond 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: Keeshond vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Malamute?
High: Keeshond 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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Average: Alaskan Malamute dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Social Needs
Keeshond vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Malamute social needs comparison:
Keeshond dogs are a social breed.
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Norwegian Elkhound dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Keeshond dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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The wanderlust potential of the Norwegian Elkhound is strong enough to escape from home.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Keeshond 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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Norwegian Elkhound dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Keeshond vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Malamute Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Keeshond is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Norwegian Elkhound is a particularly loud breed.
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Low to Average: The Alaskan Malamute rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Keeshonds, 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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The Alaskan Malamute is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. Which adapts best to small spaces?
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 Keeshond 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 Malamute breed.

Keeshond vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Malamute Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. Which breed is most flexible?
Keeshond 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: Alaskan Malamute dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Keeshond or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Malamute?
Keeshond 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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Alaskan Malamute 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.

Keeshond vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Malamute Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Keeshond has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Norwegian Elkhound has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Keeshond bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Norwegian Elkhound bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Alaskan Malamute bite force: Ordinary.

Keeshond vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Malamute Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. Which breed lives longest?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Keeshond: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Norwegian Elkhound: 11 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Alaskan Malamute: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers cold weather
The Keeshond 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 Alaskan Malamute can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. Which has fewer health issues?
The Keeshond 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 Alaskan Malamute 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 Keeshond 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 Alaskan Malamute should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Keeshond vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Malamute? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Keeshond vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Malamute health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Heart Problems
Skin Diseases
Kneecap dislocations
No data available Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Chondrodysplasia
Hemeralopia
Inherited Polyneuropathy

Keeshond vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Malamute Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. Which breed is most active?
Keeshond dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are high-energy dogs.
Alaskan Malamute dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Keeshond vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Malamute exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Keeshond or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Malamute? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Keeshond dogs exercise need is minimal.
Norwegian Elkhound dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Alaskan Malamute dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Keeshond or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Malamute?
Keeshond dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Norwegian Elkhound dogs don't need too much sleep.
Alaskan Malamute dogs don't need too much sleep.

Keeshond vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Malamute Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Keeshond'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 Alaskan Malamute has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. Which needs most food?
2 to 2.5 cup 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. Recommended daily amount: 4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Keeshond vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Malamute Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. What colors are available?
Black
Gray
Cream
Silver
Black
Gray
White
Silver
Black
Gray
Red
White
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. Which requires most maintenance?
Advanced: The Keeshond requires a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Norwegian Elkhound requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Alaskan Malamute requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. Which drools least?
The Keeshond is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Norwegian Elkhound is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Alaskan Malamute is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Keeshond has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Norwegian Elkhound has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Alaskan Malamute has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fluffy
Dense
Dense Dense
Rough
Thick
Weather-resistant
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. 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 Keeshond or Norwegian Elkhound or Alaskan Malamute? Keeshond or Norwegian Elkhound or {name3 shedding:
Keeshond dogs are heavy shedders.
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Norwegian Elkhound dogs shed above average.
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Alaskan Malamute dogs are heavy shedders.
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Keeshond vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Malamute Good With Comparison

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

Keeshond vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Malamute As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. 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.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. 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.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. 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 Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. Which is best for SAR work?

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Keeshond 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.
See more.

Not really

Alaskan Malamute breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. 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.
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 service history of Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. Which has most military use?

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.

Yes

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

Keeshond vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Malamute Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. Which has most puppies?
3-8 puppies 5-10 puppies 4-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Keeshond vs Norwegian Elkhound vs Alaskan Malamute Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930 as a Non-Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913 as a Hound breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the European Spitz section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Hunting Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Sledge Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and Alaskan Malamute. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
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
American Pet Registry, Inc.
No data available 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.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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