Norwegian Elkhound vs Leonberger
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
Leonberger
Working 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.
Leonberger Overview
Majestic and powerful, Leonbergers combine impressive strength with gentle grace. Their distinctive lion-like mane frames a noble face with dark brown eyes expressing warmth and intelligence. Standing up to 31.5 inches at the shoulder with a muscular build, these gentle giants showcase a water-resistant double coat in shades of golden to reddish brown, often with a black mask enhancing their expressive features.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norwegian Elkhounds are less energetic than Leonbergers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norwegian Elkhounds require less grooming attention compared to Leonbergers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norwegian Elkhounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Leonbergers.
- Trainability: Norwegian Elkhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Norwegian Elkhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Leonbergers 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 Leonberger, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Leonberger |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 9-9 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Leonberger |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 20-21 inches 50-52 cm | 25-32 inches 65-80 cm |
| Weight | 48-55 lbs 22-25 kg | 90-170 lbs 41-77 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Leonberger |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Confident, Dependable | Friendly, Gentle, Playful |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Leonberger |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Leonberger Temperament
The Leonberger is characterized by being friendly, gentle, playful, 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 Leonberger, 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
Leonberger
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Leonberger
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Leonberger
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 2/5
Leonberger
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Leonberger
Rating: 5/5
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.
Leonberger Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Leonbergers 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, Leonbergers 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
Leonberger Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Bone Cancer
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
Leonberger
Pros
- Gentle and patient with children
- Excellent swimming abilities
- Loyal family companion
- Good guard dog instincts
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Requires extensive grooming
- Not suited for small spaces
- High food costs
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norwegian Elkhound and Leonberger, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.