Norwegian Elkhound vs Borzoi
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Norwegian Elkhound
Hound Group
Borzoi
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Borzoi Overview
Graceful and aristocratic, the Borzoi exhibits a distinctive silhouette with its long, curved neck, deep chest, and flowing silky coat. Standing tall with elegant proportions, these sighthounds possess remarkable speed and agility. Their refined features include a narrow, elongated head, dark almond-shaped eyes, and small ears that lay back against their neck when relaxed.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norwegian Elkhounds are less energetic than Borzois, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norwegian Elkhounds require less grooming attention compared to Borzois.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norwegian Elkhounds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Borzois.
- Trainability: Borzois may be slightly easier to train due to their Borzoi's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Borzois 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 Norwegian Elkhound and Borzoi, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Borzoi |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 9-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Borzoi |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 20-21 inches 50-52 cm | 26-28 inches 66-71 cm |
| Weight | 48-55 lbs 22-25 kg | 60-105 lbs 27-48 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Borzoi |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Confident, Dependable | Affectionate, Loyal, Regally Dignified |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Borzoi |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Norwegian Elkhound Temperament
The Norwegian Elkhound is known for being friendly, confident, dependable, 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.
Borzoi Temperament
The Borzoi is characterized by being affectionate, loyal, regally dignified, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Norwegian Elkhound and Borzoi, 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
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Borzoi
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Borzoi
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Borzoi
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 2/5
Borzoi
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Borzoi
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Norwegian Elkhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Norwegian Elkhounds 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, Norwegian Elkhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Borzoi Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Borzois need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Borzois require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Norwegian Elkhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Hypothyroidism
- Sebaceous Cysts
- Fanconi Syndrome
Borzoi Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Bloat
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Osteochondrosis
Pros & Cons
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
Borzoi
Pros
- Elegant and graceful appearance
- Gentle and calm indoors
- Low barking tendency
- Good with other dogs
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
- Requires secure fencing
- Regular grooming needed
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norwegian Elkhound and Borzoi, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.