Norwegian Elkhound vs Small Munsterlander Pointer
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
Small Munsterlander Pointer
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.
Small Munsterlander Pointer Overview
Small Munsterlander Pointers exhibit a graceful, medium-sized frame with distinctive liver and white coloring. Their athletic build features strong limbs, a noble head carriage, and an intelligent expression. Distinguished by their silky coat and feathered ears, these versatile hunting dogs combine elegance with functionality. Their balanced proportions and fluid movement reflect their dual capability as both pointing and retrieving specialists.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norwegian Elkhounds are less energetic than Small Munsterlander Pointers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norwegian Elkhounds require more grooming attention compared to Small Munsterlander Pointers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norwegian Elkhounds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Small Munsterlander Pointers.
- Trainability: Small Munsterlander Pointers may be slightly easier to train due to their Small Munsterlander Pointer's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Small Munsterlander Pointers 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 Small Munsterlander Pointer, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Small Munsterlander Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Small Munsterlander Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 20-21 inches 50-52 cm | 21-21 inches 52-53 cm |
| Weight | 48-55 lbs 22-25 kg | 40-60 lbs 18-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Small Munsterlander Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Confident, Dependable | Intelligent, Devoted, Self-Confident |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Small Munsterlander Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Small Munsterlander Pointer Temperament
The Small Munsterlander Pointer is characterized by being intelligent, devoted, self-confident, 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 Small Munsterlander Pointer, 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
Small Munsterlander Pointer
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Small Munsterlander Pointer
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Small Munsterlander Pointer
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 2/5
Small Munsterlander Pointer
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Small Munsterlander Pointer
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.
Small Munsterlander Pointer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Small Munsterlander Pointers 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 medium coat coat, Small Munsterlander Pointers 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
Small Munsterlander Pointer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Epilepsy
- vWD
- Elbow Dysplasia
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
Small Munsterlander Pointer
Pros
- Excellent hunting abilities
- Highly trainable
- Devoted family companion
- Versatile working dog
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong hunting instincts
- Needs consistent training
- Not suited for apartment living
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norwegian Elkhound and Small Munsterlander Pointer, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.