Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Norwegian Elkhound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Terrier Group
Norwegian Elkhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Overview
Dandie Dinmont Terriers possess a distinctive appearance with their long body, short legs, and notable topknot of silky hair. Their large, expressive eyes and scimitar-shaped tail create an unmistakable profile. The breed's coat combines a soft, silky topcoat with a crisp undercoat, appearing in either mustard or pepper colors. Their proud carriage and dignified demeanor reflect their independent nature.
Norwegian Elkhound Overview
Norwegian Elkhounds possess a robust, square-built frame with distinctive gray and black double coat. Their alert expression, wedge-shaped head, and tightly curled tail reflect their ancient Nordic heritage. Standing proudly with balanced proportions, these medium-sized dogs combine strength with agility. Their temperament blends confidence and friendliness with a dependable nature, making them excellent companions and watchdogs.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Dandie Dinmont Terriers are less energetic than Norwegian Elkhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Dandie Dinmont Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Norwegian Elkhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Dandie Dinmont Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Norwegian Elkhounds.
- Trainability: Norwegian Elkhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Norwegian Elkhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Dandie Dinmont Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Norwegian Elkhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Norwegian Elkhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Dandie Dinmont Terrier | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Dandie Dinmont Terrier | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 8-11 inches 20-28 cm | 20-21 inches 50-52 cm |
| Weight | 18-24 lbs 8-11 kg | 48-55 lbs 22-25 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Dandie Dinmont Terrier | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Independent, Smart, Proud | Friendly, Confident, Dependable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Dandie Dinmont Terrier | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Temperament
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is known for being independent, smart, proud, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Norwegian Elkhound Temperament
The Norwegian Elkhound is characterized by being friendly, confident, dependable, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Norwegian Elkhound, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Dandie Dinmont Terriers require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Dandie Dinmont Terriers require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Norwegian Elkhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Norwegian Elkhounds need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Norwegian Elkhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Glaucoma
- Disc Disease
- Hip Issues
- Eye Problems
- Cushings
Norwegian Elkhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Hypothyroidism
- Sebaceous Cysts
- Fanconi Syndrome
Pros & Cons
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Pros
- Loyal companion
- Good with families
- Adaptable
- Low shedding
Cons
- Independent nature
- Grooming needs
- Can be stubborn
- Limited exercise tolerance
Norwegian Elkhound
Pros
- Loyal and dependable
- Good with families
- Excellent watchdog
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Strong hunting instincts
- Can be stubborn
- Requires regular exercise
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Norwegian Elkhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.