Norwegian Elkhound vs Taiwan Dog
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
Taiwan Dog
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.
Taiwan Dog Overview
Taiwan Dogs possess a lean, muscular build with distinctive triangular ears and a sickle-shaped tail. Their short, dense coat comes in black, brindle, or fawn colors. Alert and agile, these medium-sized dogs showcase remarkable athleticism and natural hunting abilities. Their facial expressions convey intelligence and vigilance, while their balanced proportions reflect their versatile working heritage.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norwegian Elkhounds are less energetic than Taiwan Dogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norwegian Elkhounds require less grooming attention compared to Taiwan Dogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norwegian Elkhounds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Taiwan Dogs.
- Trainability: Norwegian Elkhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Norwegian Elkhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Taiwan Dogs 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 Taiwan Dog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Taiwan Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 9-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Taiwan Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 20-21 inches 50-52 cm | 17-20 inches 43-51 cm |
| Weight | 48-55 lbs 22-25 kg | 26-40 lbs 12-18 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Taiwan Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Confident, Dependable | Loyal, Versatile, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Taiwan Dog |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Taiwan Dog Temperament
The Taiwan Dog is characterized by being loyal, versatile, intelligent, 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 Taiwan Dog, 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
Taiwan Dog
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Taiwan Dog
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Taiwan Dog
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 2/5
Taiwan Dog
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Taiwan Dog
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.
Taiwan Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Taiwan Dogs 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, Taiwan Dogs 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
Taiwan Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Allergies
- Dental issues
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
Taiwan Dog
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent watchdog
- Low maintenance grooming
- Athletic and agile
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Can be reserved with strangers
- Requires extensive exercise
- May be territorial
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norwegian Elkhound and Taiwan Dog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.