Tibetan Spaniel 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.
Tibetan Spaniel
Non-Sporting Group
Norwegian Elkhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Tibetan Spaniel Overview
Tibetan Spaniels feature a compact, well-balanced body with a distinctive silky double coat and expressive almond-shaped eyes. Their small, sturdy frame carries a dignified bearing, complemented by a slightly domed head and medium-length muzzle. These intelligent companions display remarkable alertness and self-confidence, combining playful energy with a calm, devoted nature.
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: Tibetan Spaniels are less energetic than Norwegian Elkhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Tibetan Spaniels require less grooming attention compared to Norwegian Elkhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Tibetan Spaniels 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: Tibetan Spaniels 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 Tibetan Spaniel and Norwegian Elkhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Tibetan Spaniel | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Tibetan Spaniel | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-10 inches 25-25 cm | 20-21 inches 50-52 cm |
| Weight | 9-15 lbs 4-7 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 | Tibetan Spaniel | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Bright, Self-Confident | Friendly, Confident, Dependable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Tibetan Spaniel | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Tibetan Spaniel Temperament
The Tibetan Spaniel is known for being playful, bright, self-confident, making them excellent family dogs. 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.
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 Tibetan Spaniel 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
Tibetan Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Tibetan Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Tibetan Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Tibetan Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Tibetan Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Elkhound
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Tibetan Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Tibetan Spaniels 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, Tibetan Spaniels 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
Tibetan Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Heart Murmurs
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Cherry Eye
Norwegian Elkhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Hypothyroidism
- Sebaceous Cysts
- Fanconi Syndrome
Pros & Cons
Tibetan Spaniel
Pros
- Adaptable to various living situations
- Low exercise requirements
- Affectionate with family
- Good watchdog capabilities
Cons
- Can be stubborn during training
- Moderate grooming needs
- May be reserved with strangers
- Prone to barking
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 Tibetan Spaniel and Norwegian Elkhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.