Norwegian Elkhound vs Drever
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
Drever
Foundation Stock Service
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.
Drever Overview
Drevers are compact, muscular hunting dogs with distinctive long bodies and short legs. Their well-proportioned frame supports a broad chest and strong neck, topped by a noble head with long, drooping ears. The breed's weather-resistant double coat comes in various colors, featuring alert, intelligent eyes that reflect their keen hunting instincts and determined nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norwegian Elkhounds are less energetic than Drevers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norwegian Elkhounds require more grooming attention compared to Drevers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norwegian Elkhounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Drevers.
- Trainability: Drevers may be slightly easier to train due to their Drever's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Drevers 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 Drever, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Drever |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 15-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Drever |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 20-21 inches 50-52 cm | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm |
| Weight | 48-55 lbs 22-25 kg | 35-40 lbs 16-18 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Drever |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Confident, Dependable | Loyal, Even-Tempered, Determined |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Drever |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Drever Temperament
The Drever is characterized by being loyal, even-tempered, determined, which makes them great companions for families. 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 Norwegian Elkhound and Drever, 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
Drever
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Drever
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Drever
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 2/5
Drever
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Drever
Rating: 2/5
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.
Drever Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Drevers 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, Drevers 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
Drever Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Back Problems
- Eye Issues
- Ear Infections
- Obesity
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
Drever
Pros
- Excellent tracking abilities
- Good family companion
- Adaptable to different environments
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- Requires secure fencing
- Moderate exercise needs
- May be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norwegian Elkhound and Drever, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.