What is the difference between German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound?

When comparing German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound, there are several differences in size, temperament, grooming needs, and other characteristics. See the detailed comparison table above for specifics.

Which is better: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?

The "better" breed depends on your lifestyle and needs. Both breeds have their unique advantages and characteristics. Consider your living situation, activity level, and family circumstances when making your decision.

German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound Comparison

Quick Verdict

Who wins in each category?

Best for Apartments

🤝 Tie

Easiest Grooming

🤝 Tie

Longest Lifespan

Norwegian Elkhound

10-12 years

Easiest to Train

German Shepherd

5/5 · Easy

Most Active

🤝 Tie

Best for First-Time Owners

🤝 Tie

5/6

83%

German Shepherd

5/6

83%

Norwegian Elkhound

* This summary is based on data from our database. Always make your final decision based on your individual needs.

Breed 1 *

Breed 2 *

Breed 3 (optional)

Differences onlySimilarities only

Unit

Breed

Origins

Group

Pastoral / Herding Dogs

Hunting Dogs

Popularity Rank

#91

Reviews

User Ratings

4.1/5

5.0/5

German Shepherd

Norwegian Elkhound

Common Names & Aliases

Compare different names used for German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound. What other names are these breeds known by?

Alsatian wolf dogBerger AllemandDeutscher SchäferhundSchäferhundAlsatian

Gra Norsk ElghundGray Norwegian ElkhoundHarmaa NorjanhirvikoiraNorsk ElghundNorwegian Moose DogSmall Grey Elk DogElkhound

Breed Classification

Compare breed classifications between a German Shepherd and a Norwegian Elkhound. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.

Purebred

German Shepherd

Norwegian Elkhound

Size Classification

Which is bigger: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare size differences between these breeds.

Large

Weight Statistics

Compare weight ranges between a German Shepherd and a Norwegian Elkhound. Which breed is heavier?

Male: 30-40 kgFemale: 22-32 kg

Male: 23-27 kgFemale: 18-25 kg

Average Weight

Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?

Male: 34.9 kgFemale: 27.2 kg

Male: 24.9 kgFemale: 21.5 kg

Height

Which is taller, German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound? Is a German Shepherd taller than a Norwegian Elkhound?

Male: 60-65 cmFemale: 55-60 cm

Male: 48-53 cmFemale: 46-51 cm

Average Height

Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?

Male: 62.5 cmFemale: 57.5 cm

Male: 50.5 cmFemale: 48.5 cm

German Shepherd

Norwegian Elkhound

Intelligence Rating

Which breed scores better for intelligence rating: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?

5/5Top Pick

4/5

Verdict: German Shepherd performs best for intelligence rating, with a perfect score of 5/5, while Norwegian Elkhound, scoring slightly lower at 4/5.

Watchdog Rating

Which breed scores better for watchdog rating: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound are tied with the highest rating for watchdog rating (5/5).

Training Difficulty

Which breed scores better for training difficulty: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?

4/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound are tied with the highest rating for training difficulty (4/5).

Territorial Protection

Which breed scores better for territorial protection: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?

5/5Top Pick

3/5

Verdict: German Shepherd performs best for territorial protection, with a perfect score of 5/5, while Norwegian Elkhound, scoring lower at 3/5.

German Shepherd

Norwegian Elkhound

Price Range

Compare puppy prices between a German Shepherd and a Norwegian Elkhound. Which breed costs more?

💰$800-$2000

💵$500-$700

Availability

Which breed is easier to get: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound are tied with the highest availability rating of 5/5.

German Shepherd

Norwegian Elkhound

Personality Traits

Compare personalities of a German Shepherd and a Norwegian Elkhound. How do their temperaments differ?

AlertCourageousIntelligentObedientConfidentCuriousLoyalWatchful

AlertPlayfulIntelligentBoldLoyalStrongWilled

Sensitivity Level

Which breed scores better for sensitivity level: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?

5/5Top Pick

4/5

Verdict: German Shepherd performs best for sensitivity level, with a perfect score of 5/5, while Norwegian Elkhound, scoring slightly lower at 4/5.

Impulse to Wander or Roam

Which breed scores better for impulse to wander or roam: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?

1/5

4/5Top Pick

Verdict: Norwegian Elkhound performs best for impulse to wander or roam, with a rating of 4/5, while German Shepherd, scoring lower at 1/5.

Prey Drive

Which breed scores better for prey drive: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?

4/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound are tied with the highest rating for prey drive (4/5).

Affection Level

Which breed scores better for affection level: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound are tied with the highest rating for affection level (5/5).

Social Needs

Which breed scores better for social needs: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?

3/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound are tied with the highest rating for social needs (3/5).

German Shepherd

Norwegian Elkhound

Barking Frequency

Which breed scores better for barking frequency: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?

2/5

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: Norwegian Elkhound performs best for barking frequency, with a perfect score of 5/5, while German Shepherd, scoring lower at 2/5.

Playful Nature

Which breed scores better for playful nature: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?

3/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound are tied with the highest rating for playful nature (3/5).

Apartment Adaptability

Which breed scores better for apartment adaptability: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?

3/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound are tied with the highest rating for apartment adaptability (3/5).

German Shepherd

Norwegian Elkhound

Lifestyle Adaptability

Which breed scores better for lifestyle adaptability: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound are tied with the highest rating for lifestyle adaptability (5/5).

Alone Time Tolerance

Which handles being alone better: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare separation anxiety tendencies.

⏰Moderate

German Shepherd

Norwegian Elkhound

Bite Risk Assessment

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

🟠High

🟢Low

Mouthing Tendency

Which breed scores better for mouthing tendency: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?

5/5Top Pick

3/5

Verdict: German Shepherd performs best for mouthing tendency, with a perfect score of 5/5, while Norwegian Elkhound, scoring lower at 3/5.

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

Norwegian Elkhound

Average Lifespan

Which lives longer: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare average lifespans.

💙9-13 years

🕑10-12 years

Climate Tolerance

Which handles weather better: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare climate tolerances.

☀️Tolerates warm and cold weather

❄️Prefers cold weather

Health Concerns

Which breed scores better for health concerns: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?

4/5Top Pick

3/5

Verdict: German Shepherd performs best for health concerns, with a rating of 4/5, while Norwegian Elkhound, scoring slightly lower at 3/5.

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:

AllergiesBlindnessBloatCancerCataractsCherry EyeChronic DiarrheaCruciate Ligament RuptureCushing's SyndromeDegenerative MyelopathyDemodectic MangeDiabetesDigestive ProblemsElbow DysplasiaEpilepsyExocrine Pancreatic InsufficiencyHeart DiseaseHemophilia AHemophilia BHip DysplasiaHypertrophic OsteodystrophyLens LuxationLupusMegaesophagusMyasthenia GravisNail Bed DiseaseOsteochondrosisPannusPanosteitisParalysisPerianal FistulaProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Retinal DysplasiaSeborrheaVitiligoVon Willebrand's DiseaseWobbler's Syndrome

Not available

Vet Care Frequency

Which needs more vet care: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare veterinary requirements.

💚Rare

🏥Average

German Shepherd

Norwegian Elkhound

Energy Rating

Which breed scores better for energy rating: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound are tied with the highest rating for energy rating (5/5).

Sleeping Need

Which breed scores better for sleeping need: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?

1/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound are tied with the highest rating for sleeping need (1/5).

Activity Requirement / Exercise Need

Which breed scores better for activity requirement / exercise need: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?

4/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound are tied with the highest rating for activity requirement / exercise need (4/5).

German Shepherd

Norwegian Elkhound

Obesity Tendency

Which breed scores better for obesity tendency: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?

2/5

4/5Top Pick

Verdict: Norwegian Elkhound performs best for obesity tendency, with a rating of 4/5, while German Shepherd, scoring lower at 2/5.

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

Norwegian Elkhound

Allergy Friendliness

Which is more hypoallergenic: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare allergy friendliness.

❌No

Coat Colors

What color variations exist for German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound? Compare breed colors.

SilverTanRedBlack

GrayWhiteSilverBlack

Grooming Requirements

Which breed scores better for grooming requirements: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?

3/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound are tied with the highest rating for grooming requirements (3/5).

Shedding Level

Which breed scores better for shedding level: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?

5/5Top Pick

4/5

Verdict: German Shepherd performs best for shedding level, with a perfect score of 5/5, while Norwegian Elkhound, scoring slightly lower at 4/5.

Drooling Tendency

Which breed scores better for drooling tendency: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?

1/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound are tied with the highest rating for drooling tendency (1/5).

Stinkiness Rating

Which has less odor: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare natural smell levels.

👃👃👃👃👃Medium

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

🚿4-6 weeks

German Shepherd

Norwegian Elkhound

Cat Friendly

Which breed scores better for cat friendly: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?

3/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound are tied with the highest rating for cat friendly (3/5).

Child Compatibility

Which breed scores better for child compatibility: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?

5/5Top Pick

4/5

Verdict: German Shepherd performs best for child compatibility, with a perfect score of 5/5, while Norwegian Elkhound, scoring slightly lower at 4/5.

Dog Friendly

Which breed scores better for dog friendly: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?

2/5

3/5Top Pick

Verdict: Norwegian Elkhound performs best for dog friendly, with a rating of 3/5, while German Shepherd, scoring slightly lower at 2/5.

Stranger Friendly

Which breed scores better for stranger friendly: German Shepherd or Norwegian Elkhound?

4/5Top Pick

3/5

Verdict: German Shepherd performs best for stranger friendly, with a rating of 4/5, while Norwegian Elkhound, scoring slightly lower at 3/5.

Office Friendly

Are German Shepherd dogs good office canines? Do German Shepherd dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?

❌No

Senior Citizens Friendly

Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Norwegian Elkhound temperament with senior people? Are dogs good for elderly owners?

💚Highly Recommended

👍Recommended

Pet Compatibility

Which is better with other pets: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare compatibility.

🐶Average

Good For First Time Owners

Is German Shepherd breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is German Shepherd breed suitable for first-time owners?

✅Yes

German Shepherd

Norwegian Elkhound

Service Dog Capability

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

⭐●●●●●Yes

⭐●●●●●Not really

Therapy Work Suitability

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

⭐●●●●●Yes

⭐●●●●●Not really

Scent Detection Ability

Which is better at detection work: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare scenting abilities.

⭐●●●●●Yes

⭐●●●●●Not really

Search & Rescue Potential

Which is better for search and rescue: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare SAR abilities.

✅Yes

Not really

Maritime Work Ability

Which is better on boats: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare maritime abilities.

⭐●●●●●Not really

Draft Work Capability

Which is better at pulling: a German Shepherd or a Norwegian Elkhound? Compare draft work capabilities.

⭐●●●●●Not really

Military Service Background

Compare military history between German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound. Which has stronger military background?

Yes

Not really

German Shepherd

Norwegian Elkhound

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

Breeding Frequency

Compare breeding frequencies between German Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound. Which needs longer recovery?

💚Once a year.

German Shepherd

Norwegian Elkhound

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🏅Australian National Kennel Council🏅Canadian Kennel Club🏅Continental Kennel Club🏅Dog Registry of America Inc.🏅Federation Cynologique Internationale🏅Kennel Club of Great Britain🏅National Kennel Club🏅New Zealand Kennel Club🏅North American Purebred Registry, Inc.🏅United Kennel Club🏅American Canine Association, Inc.🏅German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

🏅Not available

German Shepherd

Norwegian Elkhound

Basic Info

Origin

Germany

Norway

Group

Pastoral / Herding Dogs

Hunting Dogs

Popularity

#91

Common Names & Aliases

Alsatian wolf dogBerger AllemandDeutscher SchäferhundSchäferhundAlsatian

Gra Norsk ElghundGray Norwegian ElkhoundHarmaa NorjanhirvikoiraNorsk ElghundNorwegian Moose DogSmall Grey Elk DogElkhound

Breed Classification

Purebred

Size Classification

Large

Weight Statistics

Male: 30-40 kg, Female: 22-32 kg

Male: 23-27 kg, Female: 18-25 kg

Average Weight

Male: 34.9 kg, Female: 27.2 kg

Male: 24.9 kg, Female: 21.5 kg

Height

Male: 60-65 cm, Female: 55-60 cm

Male: 48-53 cm, Female: 46-51 cm

Average Height

Male: 62.5 cm, Female: 57.5 cm

Male: 50.5 cm, Female: 48.5 cm

Intelligence Rating

5/5

4/5

Watchdog Rating

5/5

Training Difficulty

4/5

Territorial Protection

5/5

3/5

Price Range

$800-$2000

$500-$700

Availability

5/5

Personality Traits

AlertCourageousIntelligentObedientConfidentCuriousLoyalWatchful

AlertPlayfulIntelligentBoldLoyalStrongWilled

Sensitivity Level

5/5

4/5

Impulse to Wander or Roam

1/5

4/5

Prey Drive

4/5

Affection Level

5/5

Social Needs

3/5

Barking Frequency

2/5

5/5

Playful Nature

3/5

Apartment Adaptability

3/5

Lifestyle Adaptability

5/5

Alone Time Tolerance

Moderate

Bite Risk Assessment

High

Low

Mouthing Tendency

5/5

3/5

Bite Strength Rating

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Average Lifespan

9-13 years

10-12 years

Climate Tolerance

Tolerates warm and cold weather

Prefers cold weather

Health Concerns

4/5

3/5

Health Problems

Not available

Vet Care Frequency

Rare

Average

Energy Rating

5/5

Sleeping Need

1/5

Activity Requirement / Exercise Need

4/5

Obesity Tendency

2/5

4/5

Food Consumption

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.

Allergy Friendliness

Coat Colors

SilverTanRedBlack

GrayWhiteSilverBlack

Grooming Requirements

3/5

Shedding Level

5/5

4/5

Drooling Tendency

1/5

Stinkiness Rating

Medium

Coat Characteristics

Fuzzy

Dense

Bathing Needs

8-12 weeks

4-6 weeks

Cat Friendly

3/5

Child Compatibility

5/5

4/5

Dog Friendly

2/5

3/5

Stranger Friendly

4/5

3/5

Office Friendly

Senior Citizens Friendly

Highly Recommended

Recommended

Pet Compatibility

Average

Good For First Time Owners

Yes

Service Dog Capability

Yes

Not really

Therapy Work Suitability

Yes

Not really

Scent Detection Ability

Yes

Not really

Search & Rescue Potential

Yes

Not really

Maritime Work Ability

Not really

Draft Work Capability

Not really

Military Service Background

Yes

Not really

Puppy Litter Size

6-10 puppies

5-10 puppies

Pregnancy Duration

60-64 days

Breeding Frequency

Once a year.

AKC Classification

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

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

American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryAustralian National Kennel CouncilCanadian Kennel ClubContinental Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.United Kennel ClubAmerican Canine Association, Inc.German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

Not available

Winner / Best value

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German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound Comparison

Quick Verdict

How old is your dog really?

General

Common Names & Aliases

Breed Classification

Physical Traits & Appearance

Size Classification

Weight Statistics

Average Weight

Height

Average Height

Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating

Watchdog Rating

Training Difficulty

Territorial Protection

Price and Availability

Price Range

Availability

Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits

Sensitivity Level

Impulse to Wander or Roam

Prey Drive

Affection Level

Social Needs

Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency

Playful Nature

Apartment Adaptability

Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability

Alone Time Tolerance

Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment

Mouthing Tendency

Bite Strength Rating

Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan

Climate Tolerance

Health Concerns

Health Problems

Vet Care Frequency

Energy and Activity

Energy Rating

Sleeping Need

Activity Requirement / Exercise Need

Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency

Food Consumption

Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness

Coat Colors

Grooming Requirements

Shedding Level

Drooling Tendency

Stinkiness Rating

Coat Characteristics

Bathing Needs

Good With

Cat Friendly

Child Compatibility

Dog Friendly

Stranger Friendly

Office Friendly

Senior Citizens Friendly

Pet Compatibility

Good For First Time Owners

As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability

Therapy Work Suitability

Scent Detection Ability

Search & Rescue Potential

Maritime Work Ability

Draft Work Capability

Military Service Background

Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size

Pregnancy Duration