Norwegian Elkhound vs Irish Wolfhound
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
Irish Wolfhound
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.
Irish Wolfhound Overview
Majestic Irish Wolfhounds stand as gentle giants of the canine world, with their distinctive rough coat and commanding presence. Their muscular build, deep chest, and long legs create an imposing yet graceful silhouette. Despite their formidable size, these hounds possess remarkably gentle temperaments, combining dignified bearing with patient, calm demeanors that make them exceptional companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norwegian Elkhounds are less energetic than Irish Wolfhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norwegian Elkhounds require less grooming attention compared to Irish Wolfhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norwegian Elkhounds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Irish Wolfhounds.
- Trainability: Irish Wolfhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Irish Wolfhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Irish Wolfhounds 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 Irish Wolfhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 6-8 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 20-21 inches 50-52 cm | 30-32 inches 76-81 cm |
| Weight | 48-55 lbs 22-25 kg | 105-120 lbs 48-54 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Confident, Dependable | Courageous, Dignified, Calm |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Irish Wolfhound Temperament
The Irish Wolfhound is characterized by being courageous, dignified, calm, 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 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 Irish Wolfhound, 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
Irish Wolfhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Irish Wolfhound
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Irish Wolfhound
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 2/5
Irish Wolfhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Irish Wolfhound
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.
Irish Wolfhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Irish Wolfhounds 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, Irish Wolfhounds 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
Irish Wolfhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Osteosarcoma
- Von Willebrand's Disease
- Bloat
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
Irish Wolfhound
Pros
- Gentle and patient temperament
- Good with children
- Minimal barking
- Noble and dignified presence
Cons
- Very short lifespan
- Requires large living space
- High food costs
- Health issues common
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norwegian Elkhound and Irish Wolfhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.