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Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shorthaired Lab Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Elkhound or German Shorthaired Labrador Retriever?

Compare the Norwegian Elkhound and German Shorthaired Lab breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Elkhound or a German Shorthaired Labrador Retriever? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Other names

Norsk Elghund, GrĂ¥ Norsk Elghund, Harmaa Norjanhirvikoira, Gray Norwegian Elkhound, Small Grey Elk Dog, Norwegian Moose Dog, Elkhound
German Shorthaired Labrador Retriever

Weight

What is the average weight of Norwegian Elkhound and German Shorthaired Lab?
45.0 pounds ( 20 kg )
14.5 pounds ( 7 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Norwegian Elkhound and German Shorthaired Lab
16.5 inches ( 41.9 cm )
16.0 inches ( 40.6 cm )

Hypoallergenic

Are Norwegian Elkhounds or German Shorthaired Labs hypoallergenic, or neither?

No

Unfortunately, neither Norwegian Elkhound nor German Shorthaired Lab are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Norwegian Elkhound and German Shorthaired Lab dogs?
Alert
Playful
Intelligent
Bold
Loyal
Strong
Willed

Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Trainable
Bold
Cheerful
Cooperative
Boisterous

Shedding Level

Do Norwegian Elkhounds shed more than German Shorthaired Labs, or which breed sheds more, Norwegian Elkhounds or German Shorthaired Labs?

Norwegian Elkhounds are heavy shedders, but regular brushing can help manage shedding and promote a healthy coat.

German Shorthaired Labs are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Norwegian Elkhound or German Shorthaired Lab?

The Norwegian Elkhound and German Shorthaired Lab dogs are some of the best choices if you want good watchdogs. These breeds will keep watch over you and your family at all times. They take this task seriously and will typically perform their guarding duty with little to no training. These dogs will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen their skills.

Origin

What is the origin of Norwegian Elkhound and German Shorthaired Lab dog breeds?
Norway

United States

Ancestry

What are the origins of Norwegian Elkhound and German Shorthaired Lab breeds?
northern spitz

Labrador Retriever and German Shorthaired Pointer

Date of Birth

When were Norwegian Elkhound and German Shorthaired Lab breeds first developed?
500 BC

Unknown

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Norwegian Elkhound and German Shorthaired Lab dogs?
Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Norwegian Elkhound and German Shorthaired Lab?
Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Norwegian Elkhound and German Shorthaired Lab breeds?
Gray
Silver

Red
Brown
White
Black

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Norwegian Elkhound and German Shorthaired Lab breeds?

The coat of Norwegian Elkhound and German Shorthaired Lab dogs falls in the medium-length category.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Norwegian Elkhound and German Shorthaired Lab?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Norwegian Elkhound and German Shorthaired Lab?
Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Norwegian Elkhound and German Shorthaired Lab?

10-12 puppies per pregnancy

A Norwegian Elkhound can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

7-12 puppies per pregnancy

A German Shorthaired Lab can have a litter of 7-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Norwegian Elkhound and German Shorthaired Labs are known for their adaptability and versatility. They are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments, making them great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Health Issues

Between Norwegian Elkhound and German Shorthaired Lab, which breed is more prone to health problems?

While the Norwegian Elkhound breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

German Shorthaired Labs typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Norwegian Elkhound and German Shorthaired Lab breeds?
Hip Dysplasia

Entropion
Hip Dysplasia
Bloat

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Norwegian Elkhound and German Shorthaired Lab?
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Sebaceous Adenitis
Pyotraumatic Dermatitis
Hypothyroidism

Ear Infections

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Norwegian Elkhound and German Shorthaired Lab breeds?
Eye
Hip
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

X-Rays
CT Scan
Eye Examination
Physical Examination
Ear Examination
Blood Work
Lab Tests

Energy

How do the energy levels of Norwegian Elkhounds and German Shorthaired Labs compare?

Norwegian Elkhounds thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

German Shorthaired Labs' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

Social Needs

Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shorthaired Lab social needs comparison

Norwegian Elkhound has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

German Shorthaired Lab has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shorthaired Lab exercise need comparison.

The Norwegian Elkhound and German Shorthaired Lab breeds need significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Norwegian Elkhound or German Shorthaired Lab?

Norwegian Elkhound and German Shorthaired Lab are active dogs that may not require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Tendency to Bark

Do Norwegian Elkhounds or German Shorthaired Labs bark more/less frequently?

Norwegian Elkhound dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.

The German Shorthaired Lab is a vocal breed that frequently barks and howls, and may not be suitable for those seeking a quiet companion.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shorthaired Lab?

Roaming urge

Norwegian Elkhound vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

Norwegian Elkhound or German Shorthaired Lab - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Norwegian Elkhound and German Shorthaired Lab entertained?
Trailing, Hiking

Dog Parks, Walk, Run, Snuggling

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Norwegian Elkhounds or German Shorthaired Labs?

Medium

Norwegian Elkhounds are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

High

German Shorthaired Labs are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How many miles should Norwegian Elkhound or German Shorthaired Lab walk each week?

8 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Norwegian Elkhound, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

12 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For German Shorthaired Lab, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Norwegian Elkhounds or German Shorthaired Labs require more exercise?

45 minutes

In general most Norwegian Elkhounds usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

90 minutes

In general most German Shorthaired Labs usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Norwegian Elkhounds or German Shorthaired Labs?

The Norwegian Elkhound requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

The German Shorthaired Lab is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Norwegian Elkhound and German Shorthaired Lab dogs?

Weekly

Norwegian Elkhound and German Shorthaired Lab should be brushed at least once a week. Of course, you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Norwegian Elkhounds and German Shorthaired Labs?
Slicker Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Norwegian Elkhound or German Shorthaired Lab in cups?

2.5 cups

For an average 48-55 pound (22 - 25 kg) Norwegian Elkhound feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

3 cups

For an average 55-80 pound (25 - 36 kg) German Shorthaired Lab feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Norwegian Elkhound or German Shorthaired Lab?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Norwegian Elkhound is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

$2.10 - $2.70 / day

The average cost of a German Shorthaired Lab is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Norwegian Elkhound or German Shorthaired Lab?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Norwegian Elkhound is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

$55 - $73 / month

The average per month expenses of a German Shorthaired Lab is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Norwegian Elkhounds vs German Shorthaired Labs

Norwegian Elkhound is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

German Shorthaired Lab is highly intelligent and very trainable.

Sensitivity Level

How do Norwegian Elkhound and German Shorthaired Lab compare in sensitivity?

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shorthaired Lab?

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Norwegian Elkhound or German Shorthaired Lab?

Norwegian Elkhounds are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

German Shorthaired Labs can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

Child Friendly

Do Norwegian Elkhounds or German Shorthaired Labs have a friendlier temperament towards children?

Norwegian Elkhounds are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

German Shorthaired Labs make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Norwegian Elkhound or German Shorthaired Lab?

Cat Friendly

Do Norwegian Elkhound or German Shorthaired Lab breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

Norwegian Elkhounds and German Shorthaired Labs are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Norwegian Elkhound or German Shorthaired Lab?

Norwegian Elkhounds are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

German Shorthaired Labs are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Pet friendly

How do Norwegian Elkhound or German Shorthaired Lab dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Norwegian Elkhound or German Shorthaired Lab?

Norwegian Elkhounds are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

German Shorthaired Labs are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Norwegian Elkhound and German Shorthaired Lab?

Norwegian Elkhounds have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

German Shorthaired Labs are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Norwegian Elkhounds and German Shorthaired Labs compare?

Norwegian Elkhounds are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

The German Shorthaired Lab is highly intelligent and eager to please, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced dog owners due to its easy trainability.

Common match-ups