Hovawart 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.
Hovawart
Foundation Stock Service
Norwegian Elkhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Hovawart Overview
Hovawarts are powerful, medium-sized dogs with a noble bearing and distinctive tricolor coat. Their well-proportioned build combines strength with agility, featuring a broad chest and strong limbs. Alert eyes and a confident stance reflect their watchful nature, while their medium-length coat provides protection in various weather conditions.
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: Hovawarts are less energetic than Norwegian Elkhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Hovawarts require less grooming attention compared to Norwegian Elkhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Hovawarts 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: Hovawarts 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 Hovawart and Norwegian Elkhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Hovawart | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Hovawart | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-28 inches 58-71 cm | 20-21 inches 50-52 cm |
| Weight | 65-90 lbs 29-41 kg | 48-55 lbs 22-25 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Hovawart | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Alert, Faithful, Intelligent | Friendly, Confident, Dependable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Hovawart | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Hovawart Temperament
The Hovawart is known for being alert, faithful, intelligent, making them excellent family dogs. 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 Hovawart 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
Hovawart
Rating: 4/5
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Hovawart
Rating: 4/5
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Hovawart
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Hovawart
Rating: 2/5
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Hovawart
Rating: 2/5
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Hovawart Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Hovawarts 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, Hovawarts require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
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
Hovawart Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Thyroid Issues
- Eye Problems
- Heart Disease
- Bloat
Norwegian Elkhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Hypothyroidism
- Sebaceous Cysts
- Fanconi Syndrome
Pros & Cons
Hovawart
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Intelligent
- Good with family
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- Strong-willed
- Needs extensive training
- High exercise needs
- Reserved with strangers
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 Hovawart and Norwegian Elkhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.