Bernese Mountain Dog vs Norwegian Elkhound

Compare the Bernese Mountain Dog to the Norwegian Elkhound. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Bernese Mountain Dogs and Norwegian Elkhounds.

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Norwegian Elkhound
Bernese Mountain Dog
Norwegian Elkhound
Bernese Mountain Dog
Norwegian Elkhound
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General Details
Bernese Mountain Dog
Norwegian Elkhound
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
6-8 Years
12-15 Years
Height
23-27 Inches
19-20 Inches
Weight
70-120 Pounds
45-57 Pounds
Intelligence
Average
Above Average
History
Bernese Mountain Dog
Norwegian Elkhound
Origin Country
Switzerland
Norway
Origin Year
1892 AD
-4000 BC
Temperament
Bernese Mountain Dog
Norwegian Elkhound
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Personality
Bernese Mountain Dog
Norwegian Elkhound
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Stubborn
Living Environment
Bernese Mountain Dog
Norwegian Elkhound
Apartment
No
No
Indoor
Yes
No
Small Yard
No
No
Medium Yard
No
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
15-75 °F
-20-70 °F
Barks/Howls
Below Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Bernese Mountain Dog
Norwegian Elkhound
Energy Level
Medium
High
Exercise Required
Low
High
Top Running Speed
22 MPH
25 MPH
Strength
Very High
Medium
Grooming Needs
Bernese Mountain Dog
Norwegian Elkhound
Coat Maintenance
High
Medium to High
Shedding
High
Medium to High
Dander
High
Medium
Drool
Low
Low
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Bernese Mountain Dog
Norwegian Elkhound
Dominant / Alpha
No
Yes
Family / Pack
Yes
No
Independent
No
Yes
Breed Focus
Bernese Mountain Dog
Norwegian Elkhound
Distracted Easy
No
Yes
Focused & Patient
No
No
Breed Instincts
Bernese Mountain Dog
Norwegian Elkhound
Aggression
None
Below Average
Burrow / Digging
None
Average
Chasing
Below Average
Above Average
Follow Commands
Average
Average
Fighting
Below Average
Average
Guarding
Below Average
Above Average
Herding
Below Average
Average
Hunting
None
Above Average
Protection
None
Above Average
Remove Vermin
Below Average
Above Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
Below Average
Above Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Bernese Mountain Dog
Norwegian Elkhound
Average Lifespan
6-8 Years
12-15 Years
Health Concerns
Bernese Mountain Dog
Norwegian Elkhound
Common Health Issues
Bloat
Cancer
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Elbow dysplasia
Portosystemic shunt
Panosteitis
Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Hypothyroidism
Lens luxation
Familial renal disease
Fanconi syndrome
Sebaceous cysts
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Bernese Mountain Dog
Norwegian Elkhound
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Coat Texture
Shaggy
Straight
Straight
Coat Length
Medium
Medium
Coat Coloring
Bernese Mountain Dog
Norwegian Elkhound
Breed Colors
Black and White
Black and White
Black, Rust, and White
Black, Rust, and White
Black, Tan, and White
Black, Tan, and White
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