Norwegian Elkhound vs Kerry Blue Terrier
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
Kerry Blue Terrier
Terrier 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.
Kerry Blue Terrier Overview
Kerry Blue Terriers boast a distinctive blue-gray coat that starts black and gradually changes color. With a muscular, well-proportioned body and alert expression, these medium-sized terriers carry themselves with dignity. Their soft, dense coat requires regular maintenance, while their keen intelligence and strong-willed nature make them engaging companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norwegian Elkhounds are less energetic than Kerry Blue Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norwegian Elkhounds require less grooming attention compared to Kerry Blue Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norwegian Elkhounds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Kerry Blue Terriers.
- Trainability: Norwegian Elkhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Norwegian Elkhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Kerry Blue Terriers 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 Kerry Blue Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Kerry Blue Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Kerry Blue Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 20-21 inches 50-52 cm | 18-20 inches 44-50 cm |
| Weight | 48-55 lbs 22-25 kg | 33-40 lbs 15-18 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Unknown |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Kerry Blue Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Confident, Dependable | Smart, Alert, People-Oriented |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Kerry Blue Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Kerry Blue Terrier Temperament
The Kerry Blue Terrier is characterized by being smart, alert, people-oriented, which makes them great companions for families. 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 Kerry Blue Terrier, 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
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 2/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 2/5
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Kerry Blue Terrier
Rating: 4/5
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.
Kerry Blue Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Kerry Blue Terriers 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, Kerry Blue Terriers require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Norwegian Elkhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Hypothyroidism
- Sebaceous Cysts
- Fanconi Syndrome
Kerry Blue Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Cerebellar Abiotrophy
- Hypothyroidism
- von Willebrand's Disease
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
Kerry Blue Terrier
Pros
- Intelligent and trainable
- Minimal shedding
- Versatile working ability
- Good watchdog
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Can be stubborn
- May be dog-aggressive
- Requires firm training
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norwegian Elkhound and Kerry Blue Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.