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Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren Comparison - Dog breed selector: Gra Norsk Elghund or Alsatian wolf dog or Tervuren? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren" Compare Norwegian Elkhound and German Shepherd. Which is better: Norwegian Elkhound or German Shepherd or Belgian Tervuren?
 
 
 
Name Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Belgian Tervuren
OriginsNorway flagNorway Germany flagGermany Belgium flagBelgium
Group Hunting Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank912103
Reviews2190
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Gra Norsk Elghund
Gray Norwegian Elkhound
Harmaa Norjanhirvikoira
Norsk Elghund
Norwegian Moose Dog
Small Grey Elk Dog
Elkhound
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Tervuren
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Norwegian Elkhound or German Shepherd or Belgian Tervuren? Which is the smallest dog, Norwegian Elkhound or German Shepherd or Belgian Tervuren?
Large Large Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Norwegian Elkhound or German Shepherd or German Shepherd? Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren weight comparison:
Male: 50-60 pounds (23-27 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 55 pounds (25 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Norwegian Elkhound or German Shepherd or Belgian Tervuren? Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren height comparison:
Male: 19-21 inches (48-53 cm), Female: 18-20 inches (46-51 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 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: 20 inches (50.5 cm), Female: 19 inches (48.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Norwegian Elkhound or German Shepherd or Belgian Tervuren? Which is more expensive?
$500-$700 $800-$2000 $1200-$1400
Availability
Which is easier to get, Norwegian Elkhound or German Shepherd or Belgian Tervuren?
Very frequent: The Norwegian Elkhound is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Belgian Tervuren is easier than average to get.

Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren intelligence:
Smart: The Norwegian Elkhound dogs have great intelligence.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Very smart: Belgian Tervuren is an excellent dog breed.
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Trainability
Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren trainability comparison.
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Belgian Tervuren dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Norwegian Elkhound or German Shepherd or Belgian Tervuren?
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Belgian Tervuren dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Norwegian Elkhound or German Shepherd or Belgian Tervuren? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are average defenders.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Belgian Tervuren dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Norwegian Elkhound or German Shepherd or Belgian Tervuren? Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren behavior/temperament comparison:
Playful
Alert
Intelligent
Loyal
Strong
Willed
Bold
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Loyal
Attentive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: German Shepherd 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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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren?
High: Norwegian Elkhound dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Belgian Tervuren dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren social needs comparison:
Norwegian Elkhound dogs need for social interaction is average.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Belgian Tervuren 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 Norwegian Elkhound is strong enough to escape from home.
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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Belgian Tervuren dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Norwegian Elkhound dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Belgian Tervuren dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren playfulness comparison:
Average: Norwegian Elkhounds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Belgian Tervuren is a highly playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren?
A lot: Norwegian Elkhound is a particularly loud breed.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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A lot: Belgian Tervuren is a particularly loud breed.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Norwegian Elkhound or German Shepherd or Belgian Tervuren?
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.
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 Belgian Tervuren indoors.

Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Norwegian Elkhound dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Belgian Tervuren dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Norwegian Elkhound or German Shepherd or Belgian Tervuren?
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.
Belgian Tervuren 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.

Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Norwegian Elkhound or German Shepherd or Belgian Tervuren?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Norwegian Elkhound bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Belgian Tervuren bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Norwegian Elkhound has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Belgian Tervuren has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren mouthiness comparison:
Norwegian Elkhound dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Belgian Tervuren dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren health comparison. Which is the healthier: Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren?
The Norwegian Elkhound is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
The Belgian Tervuren is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren health problems comparison:
No data available 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
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Norwegian Elkhound should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Belgian Tervuren should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Life Expectancy
Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren lifespan comparison. How long do Norwegian Elkhound, German Shepherd and Belgian Tervuren breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Norwegian Elkhound: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Tervuren: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren?
Prefers cold weather
The Norwegian Elkhound can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
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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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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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Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Norwegian Elkhound or German Shepherd or Belgian Tervuren? Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren energy level comparison:
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Belgian Tervuren dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Norwegian Elkhound or German Shepherd or Belgian Tervuren? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Norwegian Elkhound dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Belgian Tervuren dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Norwegian Elkhound or German Shepherd or Belgian Tervuren?
Norwegian Elkhound dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Belgian Tervuren dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Norwegian Elkhound or German Shepherd or Belgian Tervuren?
2.5 to 3.5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 cups of a high-quality dog food a day.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren weight gain potential comparison:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Norwegian Elkhound's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The Belgian Tervuren has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren coat comparison:
Dense Fuzzy Thick
Double
Colors
What are the original Norwegian Elkhound, German Shepherd and Belgian Tervuren color?
Black
Gray
White
Silver
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Norwegian Elkhound or German Shepherd or Belgian Tervuren? Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren grooming comparison:
Average: The Norwegian Elkhound requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Belgian Tervuren requires average grooming effort.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Norwegian Elkhound or German Shepherd or Belgian Tervuren? Norwegian Elkhound or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Norwegian Elkhound dogs shed above average.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Belgian Tervuren dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Norwegian Elkhound or German Shepherd or Belgian Tervuren?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren?

Medium

The Norwegian Elkhound has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Belgian Tervuren has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Norwegian Elkhound is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Belgian Tervuren is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are generally with other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Belgian Tervuren dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Norwegian Elkhound or German Shepherd or Belgian Tervuren? Which dog is more friendly?
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Belgian Tervuren dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Norwegian Elkhound or German Shepherd or Belgian Tervuren?
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Belgian Tervuren dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Norwegian Elkhound or German Shepherd or Belgian Tervuren?
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Belgian Tervuren dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Norwegian Elkhound or German Shepherd or Belgian Tervuren?
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Belgian Tervuren dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren?
Yes
Norwegian Elkhound dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Belgian Tervuren dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Norwegian Elkhound is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Belgian Tervuren is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Norwegian Elkhounds are usually recommended for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Belgian Tervurens are usually recommended for elderly people.

Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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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 Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Norwegian Elkhound or German Shepherd or Belgian Tervuren? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Not really

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

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as 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.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren?

Not really

Norwegian Elkhound breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

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

Not really

Belgian Tervuren breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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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.
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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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Fighting Dog / Military 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.

Not really

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

Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren 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.
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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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Litter Size
How many puppies can Norwegian Elkhound and German Shepherd and Belgian Tervuren have?
5-10 puppies 6-10 puppies 6-10 puppies

Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913 as a Hound breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Hunting Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Not recognized by FCI.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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.
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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