Norwegian Elkhound vs Kishu Ken
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
Kishu Ken
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.
Kishu Ken Overview
Noble and dignified, the Kishu Ken displays a striking white coat and powerful build characteristic of ancient Japanese hunting breeds. Medium-sized with well-balanced proportions, they feature pricked ears, a curled tail, and an alert expression. Their muscular frame and agile movement reflect their heritage as skilled big-game hunters, while maintaining an elegant bearing that commands respect.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norwegian Elkhounds are less energetic than Kishu Kens, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norwegian Elkhounds require more grooming attention compared to Kishu Kens.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norwegian Elkhounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Kishu Kens.
- Trainability: Kishu Kens may be slightly easier to train due to their Kishu Ken's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Kishu Kens 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 Kishu Ken, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Kishu Ken |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 11-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Kishu Ken |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 20-21 inches 50-52 cm | 17-22 inches 43-56 cm |
| Weight | 48-55 lbs 22-25 kg | 30-60 lbs 14-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Kishu Ken |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Confident, Dependable | Faithful, Noble, Docile |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Kishu Ken |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Kishu Ken Temperament
The Kishu Ken is characterized by being faithful, noble, docile, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Norwegian Elkhound and Kishu Ken, 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
Kishu Ken
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Kishu Ken
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Kishu Ken
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 2/5
Kishu Ken
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Kishu Ken
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.
Kishu Ken Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Kishu Kens 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, Kishu Kens 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
Kishu Ken Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Allergies
- Heart Issues
- Dental 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
Kishu Ken
Pros
- Loyal and devoted
- Excellent hunting abilities
- Clean and easy to groom
- Athletic and agile
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
- Can be reserved with strangers
- Requires experienced handler
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norwegian Elkhound and Kishu Ken, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.