Norwegian Elkhound vs Welsh 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
Welsh 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.
Welsh Terrier Overview
Welsh Terriers showcase a sturdy, compact frame with distinctive rectangular heads and dense, wiry black and tan coats. Standing 15 inches at the shoulder, these spirited terriers possess alert, dark eyes and V-shaped ears that fold forward. Their balanced proportions and confident carriage reflect their heritage as capable hunting dogs, while their intelligent expressions hint at their quick-witted nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norwegian Elkhounds are less energetic than Welsh Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norwegian Elkhounds require less grooming attention compared to Welsh Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norwegian Elkhounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Welsh Terriers.
- Trainability: Welsh Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Welsh Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Welsh 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 Welsh Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Welsh Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Welsh Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 20-21 inches 50-52 cm | 15-15 inches 38-38 cm |
| Weight | 48-55 lbs 22-25 kg | 20-20 lbs 9-9 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Welsh Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Confident, Dependable | Friendly, Spirited, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norwegian Elkhound | Welsh 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.
Welsh Terrier Temperament
The Welsh Terrier is characterized by being friendly, spirited, intelligent, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Norwegian Elkhound and Welsh 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
Welsh Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Welsh Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Welsh Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 2/5
Welsh Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Welsh 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.
Welsh Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Welsh Terriers 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, Welsh 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
Welsh Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Lens luxation
- Allergies
- Glaucoma
- Epilepsy
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
Welsh Terrier
Pros
- Intelligent
- Loyal
- Low-shedding
- Good with children
- Adaptable
- Alert watchdog
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Can be stubborn
- Needs regular grooming
- High exercise needs
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norwegian Elkhound and Welsh Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.