Pharaoh Hound vs Norwegian Elkhound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Pharaoh Hound
Hound Group
Norwegian Elkhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Pharaoh Hound Overview
Noble and graceful, Pharaoh Hounds possess a distinctive copper-colored coat and expressive amber eyes. Their athletic build features long, clean lines and a streamlined silhouette characteristic of ancient sighthounds. Standing proudly with erect ears and an alert expression, these dogs combine elegance with surprising strength. Their muscular frame supports effortless movement, while their intelligent gaze reflects their keen hunting heritage.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Pharaoh Hounds are more energetic than Norwegian Elkhounds, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Pharaoh Hounds require less grooming attention compared to Norwegian Elkhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Pharaoh Hounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Norwegian Elkhounds.
- Trainability: Norwegian Elkhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Norwegian Elkhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Norwegian Elkhounds adapt better to apartment living, while Pharaoh Hounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Pharaoh Hound and Norwegian Elkhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Pharaoh Hound | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Pharaoh Hound | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 21-25 inches 53-64 cm | 20-21 inches 50-52 cm |
| Weight | 45-55 lbs 20-25 kg | 48-55 lbs 22-25 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Pharaoh Hound | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Smart, Noble | Friendly, Confident, Dependable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Pharaoh Hound | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Pharaoh Hound Temperament
The Pharaoh Hound is known for being friendly, smart, noble, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Norwegian Elkhound Temperament
The Norwegian Elkhound is characterized by being friendly, confident, dependable, 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 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 Pharaoh Hound and Norwegian Elkhound, 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
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 5/5
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 4/5
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 2/5
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Pharaoh Hound
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Pharaoh Hound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pharaoh Hounds require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Pharaoh Hounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Norwegian Elkhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Norwegian Elkhounds 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, Norwegian Elkhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Pharaoh Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Allergies
- Eye Problems
- Cardiac Issues
- Thyroid Problems
Norwegian Elkhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Hypothyroidism
- Sebaceous Cysts
- Fanconi Syndrome
Pros & Cons
Pharaoh Hound
Pros
- Elegant and graceful
- Low grooming needs
- Athletic and agile
- Gentle with family
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
- Needs secure fencing
- Can be aloof
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Pharaoh Hound and Norwegian Elkhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.