Lhasa Apso 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.
Lhasa Apso
Non-Sporting Group
Norwegian Elkhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Lhasa Apso Overview
Lhasa Apsos feature a long, dense double coat flowing to the ground, with a distinctive beard and fall of hair over the eyes. Their compact, sturdy build belies their agile nature. Distinguished by an alert, lion-like expression and well-feathered tail carried over the back, these dogs combine regal bearing with a mischievous charm. Their confident yet reserved demeanor reflects their ancient heritage as Tibetan sentinels.
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: Lhasa Apsos are less energetic than Norwegian Elkhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Lhasa Apsos require more grooming attention compared to Norwegian Elkhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Lhasa Apsos 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: Lhasa Apsos 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 Lhasa Apso and Norwegian Elkhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Lhasa Apso | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Lhasa Apso | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-11 inches 25-28 cm | 20-21 inches 50-52 cm |
| Weight | 12-18 lbs 5-8 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 | Lhasa Apso | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Confident, Smart, Comical | Friendly, Confident, Dependable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Lhasa Apso | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Lhasa Apso Temperament
The Lhasa Apso is known for being confident, smart, comical, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. 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 Lhasa Apso 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
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 2/5
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 4/5
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Lhasa Apso Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lhasa Apsos 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, Lhasa Apsos 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
Lhasa Apso Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Cherry Eye
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Sebaceous Adenitis
Norwegian Elkhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Hypothyroidism
- Sebaceous Cysts
- Fanconi Syndrome
Pros & Cons
Lhasa Apso
Pros
- Loyal and devoted
- Good apartment dog
- Long lifespan
- Minimal shedding
- Excellent watchdog
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Can be stubborn
- Reserved with strangers
- Frequent barking
- Independent nature
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 Lhasa Apso and Norwegian Elkhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.