Norwegian Elkhound vs Rat Terrier Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Elkhound or Rattie?

Compare the Norwegian Elkhound and Rat Terrier breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Elkhound or a Rattie? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Differences only

Other names

Norsk Elghund, Grå Norsk Elghund, Harmaa Norjanhirvikoira, Gray Norwegian Elkhound, Small Grey Elk Dog, Norwegian Moose Dog, Elkhound

RT, Decker Giant, Rat, Ratting Terrier, American Rat Terrier, Rattie

Weight

What is the average weight of Norwegian Elkhound and Rat Terrier?

45.0 pounds ( 20 kg )

17.5 pounds ( 8 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Norwegian Elkhound and Rat Terrier

16.5 inches ( 41.9 cm )

16.0 inches ( 40.6 cm )

Weight Gain Potential

Which breed eats more: Norwegian Elkhound or Rat Terrier?

Norwegian Elkhound has high obesity risk, needs regular exercise and food control to maintain healthy weight.

Rat Terrier has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

Hypoallergenic

Are Norwegian Elkhounds or Rat Terriers hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Norwegian Elkhound nor Rat Terrier 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 Rat Terrier dogs?

Alert
Playful
Intelligent
Bold
Loyal
Strong
Willed

Affectionate
Inquisitive
Loving
Alert
Lively

Shedding Level

Do Norwegian Elkhounds shed more than Rat Terriers, or which breed sheds more, Norwegian Elkhounds or Rat Terriers?

Norwegian Elkhound or Rat Terrier dogs are heavy shedders, they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Norwegian Elkhound or Rat Terrier. This will remove loose hair and keep their coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Norwegian Elkhound or Rat Terrier?

Choose a Norwegian Elkhound if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Rat Terriers are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Origin

What is the origin of Norwegian Elkhound and Rat Terrier dog breeds?

Norway

United States

Ancestry

What are the origins of Norwegian Elkhound and Rat Terrier breeds?

northern spitz

Terrier, Whippet, Greyhound, Beagle

Date of Birth

When were Norwegian Elkhound and Rat Terrier breeds first developed?

500 BC

1800s

Breed Group

What is the Breed Group of Norwegian Elkhound and Rat Terrier?

Hound (AKC:1913)
Northern Breeds (UKC)

Terrier (AKC:2013 & UKC)

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Norwegian Elkhound and Rat Terrier?

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.

15-18 puppies per pregnancy

A Rat Terrier can have a litter of 15-18 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 Rat Terriers 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 Rat Terrier, which breed is more prone to health problems?

Norwegian Elkhound and Rat Terrier breeds are generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Norwegian Elkhound and Rat Terrier breeds?

Hip Dysplasia

Patellar Luxation
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Norwegian Elkhound and Rat Terrier?

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Sebaceous Adenitis
Pyotraumatic Dermatitis
Hypothyroidism

Demodectic Mange
Epilepsy
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Color Dilution Alopecia
Teeth Issues

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Norwegian Elkhound and Rat Terrier breeds?

Eye
Hip
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Hip
Elbow
X-Rays
Dental Examination
Physical Examination
Skin Evaluation

Energy

How do the energy levels of Norwegian Elkhounds and Rat Terriers compare?

Norwegian Elkhound and Rat Terrier breeds are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Norwegian Elkhound vs Rat Terrier social needs comparison

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

Rat Terrier has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Exercise Needed

Norwegian Elkhound vs Rat Terrier exercise need comparison.

Norwegian Elkhounds require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Rat Terriers need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Norwegian Elkhound or Rat Terrier?

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

Drooling Tendency

Which drools more/less, Norwegian Elkhound or Rat Terrier?

The Norwegian Elkhound and Rat Terrier breeds are known for their low drooling tendencies, making them a suitable choice for people who don't want to deal with drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

Do Norwegian Elkhounds or Rat Terriers bark more/less frequently?

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

Rat Terriers bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Is the Norwegian Elkhound or Rat Terrier a better guard dog?

While Norwegian Elkhound dogs can defend their territory or owners, it's not their primary trait, and they are not ideal guard dogs.

Rat Terrier dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Norwegian Elkhound vs Rat Terrier?

Roaming urge

Norwegian Elkhound vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

Norwegian Elkhound or Rat Terrier - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Norwegian Elkhound and Rat Terrier entertained?

Trailing, Hiking

Chase, Sniff, Bark, Trot, Fetch, Tug-of-war, Run, Playing, Chasing, Jumping, Running, Walking, Play, Walk, Play keep away

Tolerance of being left alone

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Norwegian Elkhounds or Rat Terriers?

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

The Rat Terrier is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Norwegian Elkhounds vs Rat Terriers

The Norwegian Elkhound and Rat Terrier breeds are considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How do Norwegian Elkhound and Rat Terrier compare in sensitivity?

These breeds are more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. Norwegian Elkhound and Rat Terrier need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Norwegian Elkhound vs Rat Terrier?

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Norwegian Elkhound or Rat Terrier?

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

Rat Terriers make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

Child Friendly

Do Norwegian Elkhounds or Rat Terriers have a friendlier temperament towards children?

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

Rat Terriers 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 Rat Terrier?

Cat Friendly

Do Norwegian Elkhound or Rat Terrier breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

Norwegian Elkhounds are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Rat Terriers are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Norwegian Elkhound or Rat Terrier?

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

Rat Terriers are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Pet friendly

How do Norwegian Elkhound or Rat Terrier dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Norwegian Elkhound or Rat Terrier?

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

Rat Terriers 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 Rat Terrier?

Norwegian Elkhound and Rat Terrier have an average level of playfulness. Like other dogs, they enjoy playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Norwegian Elkhounds and Rat Terriers compare?

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

Rat Terriers are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.