Norwegian Elkhound vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog
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
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Herding 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.
Entlebucher Mountain Dog Overview
Entlebucher Mountain Dogs possess a sturdy, compact build with distinctive tricolor markings. Their muscular frame and agile movement reflect their heritage as Swiss mountain herding dogs. Alert brown eyes and medium-sized triangular ears complement their intelligent expression. These dogs exhibit remarkable stamina and agility, with a weather-resistant double coat that's short but dense.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norwegian Elkhounds are less energetic than Entlebucher Mountain Dogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norwegian Elkhounds require more grooming attention compared to Entlebucher Mountain Dogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norwegian Elkhounds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Entlebucher Mountain Dogs.
- Trainability: Entlebucher Mountain Dogs may be slightly easier to train due to their Entlebucher Mountain Dog's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Entlebucher Mountain Dogs 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Entlebucher Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 11-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Entlebucher Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 20-21 inches 50-52 cm | 16-21 inches 41-53 cm |
| Weight | 48-55 lbs 22-25 kg | 40-65 lbs 18-29 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Entlebucher Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Confident, Dependable | Loyal, Smart, Enthusiastic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Entlebucher Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Entlebucher Mountain Dog Temperament
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is characterized by being loyal, smart, enthusiastic, 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 Entlebucher Mountain Dog, 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
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 2/5
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
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.
Entlebucher Mountain Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Entlebucher Mountain Dogs 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, Entlebucher Mountain Dogs 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
Entlebucher Mountain Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Cataracts
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
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
Pros
- Excellent herding instincts
- Loyal family companion
- Athletic and agile
- Good watchdog
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong herding drive
- Can be stubborn
- Reserved with strangers
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norwegian Elkhound and Entlebucher Mountain Dog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.