German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound

Compare the German Shepherd to the Norwegian Elkhound. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between German Shepherds and Norwegian Elkhounds.

German Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound
German Shepherd
Norwegian Elkhound
German Shepherd
Norwegian Elkhound
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General Details
German Shepherd
Norwegian Elkhound
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
10-14 Years
12-15 Years
Height
22-26 Inches
19-20 Inches
Weight
75-95 Pounds
45-57 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Above Average
History
German Shepherd
Norwegian Elkhound
Origin Country
Germany
Norway
Origin Year
1899 AD
-4000 BC
Temperament
German Shepherd
Norwegian Elkhound
Overall Friendliness
Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Below Average
Above Average
Personality
German Shepherd
Norwegian Elkhound
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Stubborn
Living Environment
German Shepherd
Norwegian Elkhound
Apartment
Yes
No
Indoor
Yes
No
Small Yard
Yes
No
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
40-85 °F
-20-70 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Average
Exercise Needs
German Shepherd
Norwegian Elkhound
Energy Level
High
High
Exercise Required
High
High
Top Running Speed
30 MPH
25 MPH
Strength
High
Medium
Grooming Needs
German Shepherd
Norwegian Elkhound
Coat Maintenance
Medium to High
Medium to High
Shedding
High
Medium to High
Dander
High
Medium
Drool
Medium
Low
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
German Shepherd
Norwegian Elkhound
Dominant / Alpha
No
Yes
Family / Pack
Yes
No
Independent
No
Yes
Breed Focus
German Shepherd
Norwegian Elkhound
Distracted Easy
No
Yes
Focused & Patient
Yes
No
Breed Instincts
German Shepherd
Norwegian Elkhound
Aggression
Average
Below Average
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Average
Chasing
Below Average
Above Average
Follow Commands
Above Average
Average
Fighting
Below Average
Average
Guarding
Above Average
Above Average
Herding
Above Average
Average
Hunting
Above Average
Above Average
Protection
Above Average
Above Average
Remove Vermin
Below Average
Above Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
Above Average
Above Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
German Shepherd
Norwegian Elkhound
Average Lifespan
10-14 Years
12-15 Years
Health Concerns
German Shepherd
Norwegian Elkhound
Common Health Issues
Cushing's syndrome
Bloat
Cancer
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Elbow dysplasia
Demodectic mange
Cherry eye
Lens luxation
Panosteitis
Megaesophagus
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
Degenerative myelopathy
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Retinal dysplasia
Seborrheic dermatitis
Heart problems
Blindness
Diabetes
Wobbler Syndrome
Osteochondrosis
Cruciate ligament rupture
Pannus
Digestive problems
Lupus
Vitiligo
Paralysis
Perianal fistula
Chronic diarrhea
Nail bed disease
Myasthenia gravis
Hemophilia A
Hemophilia B
Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Hypothyroidism
Lens luxation
Familial renal disease
Fanconi syndrome
Sebaceous cysts
Appearance Comparison
Coat
German Shepherd
Norwegian Elkhound
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Coat Texture
Straight
Straight
Coat Length
Short to Medium
Medium
Coat Coloring
German Shepherd
Norwegian Elkhound
Breed Colors
Black
Black
Black and Cream
Black and Cream
Black and Red
Black and Red
Black and Silver
Black and Silver
Black and Tan
Black and Tan
Blue
Blue
Gray
Gray
Liver
Liver
White
White
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