Toy Australian Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison

Toy Australian Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed ComparisonToy Australian Shepherd is originated from United States but Norwegian Elkhound is originated from Norway. Toy Australian Shepherd may grow 19 cm / 7 inches shorter than Norwegian Elkhound. Toy Australian Shepherd may weigh 16 kg / 35 pounds lesser than Norwegian Elkhound. Both Toy Australian Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound has almost same life span. Toy Australian Shepherd may have less litter size than Norwegian Elkhound. Both Toy Australian Shepherd and Norwegian Elkhound requires Moderate maintenance.

History

toy australian shepherd - historyThese beautiful little dogs interestingly don’t originate in Australia. They were originally bred in the western U.S. as herding dogs.

Today they are mainly companion dogs. Their lineage goes back to a pair of sibling dogs - the Wildhagen Dutchman and Fieldmaster of Flintridge and these two dogs began the lineage to which the Miniature Australian Shepherd belongs.

Known also as ‘Aussie’, there are different stories to its exact origins. It is thought that some Basque farmers brought dogs with them when they came to Australia, taking them to the United States during the 1849 California gold rush.

The dog has been crossed with a number of breeds to bring about a dog that could cope with harsh temperatures.

norwegian elkhound - historyThe Norwegian Elkhound is an ancient spitz-type dog breed hailing from Norway and with a history that goes back thousands of years.

These dogs have been used as hunting dogs and have been able to bring down game such as Elk, bears, wolves, badgers and reindeer. They have also been used to guard livestock.

The Norwegian Elkhound was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Hound dog
Origin:
United States
Norway
Height Male:
26 - 36 cm
10 - 15 inches
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
Height Female:
26 - 36 cm
10 - 15 inches
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 13 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
5 - 10
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Aussie, Mini Australian Shepherd
Norsk Elghund, Gray Norwegian Elkhound, Elk Dog, Norwegian Moose Dog
Colors Available:
White with tan, red or blue merle, black
silver, white, Grey, cream
Coat:
Medium length, weather resistant coat
Short to medium length, dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

toy australian shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Toy Australian Shepherd, also referred to as the Mini- or Miniature Australian Shepherd is a small dog standing at between 26 - 36 cm in height and weighing between 3 to 9kg.

He looks very similar to the standard Australian Shepherd.

He has a medium-length, weather-resistant coat which is white with tan, black, red or blue merle. The coat is long, and slightly wavy with feathering around the legs and neck.

They eyes can be blue or brown or he can have two differently colored eyes.The tail of these dogs can be a natural bobtail or it is docked. They do shed but they don’t require that much grooming.

Temperament:

These playful little dogs may be small, but they are brave and full of courage. They’re also easy going, and love nothing more than to be around their human family.

They love the games that children play and are always ready to join in, making excellent playmates for children. Lively and alert, they also make good watchdogs and because they are so intelligent, they are easy to train and socialize.

Their intelligence means they need to be physically and mentally stimulated otherwise they can become destructive from sheer boredom. They’re full of energy and will require regular exercise every day.

norwegian elkhound puppy - descriptionThe Norwegian Elkhound is a medium to large sized dog standing at roughly 45 to 55cm in height and weighing anything fro 18 to 25 kilogams.

People love this dog because of his beautiful wolf-like face and bright eyes. The head is broad and wedge-shaped, the eyes dark brown, the ears stand erect and the bush tail curls over the dog's back.

The double coat has different shades of gray and silver with cream and white shades on the undercoat.

He is a moderate shedder with some seasonal shedding.

Temperament:

The Norwegian Elkhound is a high energy dog who loves to be busy and he also makes a loving and loyal companion towards his human family. He tends to be a little bit reserved around strangers.

He is an independent dog so so its a good idea to have him trained and socialized so that he is always obedient. He is an intelligent dog so you won’t battle to teach him.

He gets on well with children in the home. He however, can be a little bit aggressive with other dogs, but not if he was brought up with them as a puppy. Adventurous and active, he just loves spending time outdoors. It's why he is best suited to life in the countryside as opposed to the city and also prefers cooler climates.

Characteristics

toy australian shepherd dog - characteristicsThe Toy Australian Shepherd is such a clever little dog and eager to learn too. You won’t have trouble getting him trained and socialized as he is eager to learn.

He bonds closely with his human family, becoming a loyal, devoted pet. They are also great playmates for children. They’re the kind of dogs that will require mental and physical stimulation if they are to to be prevented from becoming bored and frustrated.

They need social interaction with their human family and will be devastated if they were to be stuck in the backyard and all but forgotten.

They have a lifespan of 12 – 14 years and you want to make sure they’re happy, contented years, because he is wiling to play his part and make you a wonderful pet and companion.

norwegian elkhound dog - characteristicsYour Norwegian Elkhound makes an awesome pet. He is full of the joys of living and wants to be an active member of his human family.

He is active and always ready for some fun and games. He is also intelligent and will make an even better pet when he has been trained and socialized.

Those who have owned one of these beautiful dogs will always say how they adore this beautiful, smart, loving canine friend of theirs.

Health Problems

toy australian shepherd puppies - health problemsMake sure your Toy Australian Shepherd sees the vet as a puppy to be dewormed and to get his first puppy injections.

Dental Disease:

Dental disease is far more serious than you think. It can affect other areas of your dog’s body. Plaque and inflamed gums lead to bone- and tooth loss.

Bad breath is a sign of periodontal disease. Find out from your vet what to do to guard against periodontitis. It’s important because ignoring bad teeth can lead to heart disease, with bacteria constantly entering the blood stream.

Parasites:

Fleas and ticks are your pet’s enemy as well as heartworm. Dogs can die from heartworm infestations. Heartworm is linked to mosquito bites, so if you live in warm areas, check with your vet for preventative measures.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is another common dog illness to watch out for. This is a painful condition where the hip joint isn’t formed properly and it can lead to terrible pain and lameness.

Skin Allergies:

Just like people endure endless misery with eczema, dogs too can develop skin allergies. They can create endless frustration and misery for any pet because of the terrible itch and pain. All the licking and scratching can lead to secondary bacterial infections too.

norwegian elkhound puppies - health problemsYour beautiful Norwegian Elkhound can reach 15 years of age if you look after him well and he manages to avoid some of the common dog diseases there are.

There are some dog illnesses that are good to be aware of -

Glaucoma:

This is an eye condition where there is pressure that builds up in the eye. There is a problem with the drainage of fluid in the eye and this is what causes the pressure and there can be damage to the optic nerve.

Pyotraumatic Dermatitis:

This is a skin condition that causes inflammation and is often seen in dogs like the Norwegian Elkhound who have thick coats.

Hip Dysplasia:

A common disease seen in many dog breeds, young and old, and which is a malfunction of the hip joints, causing problems with your dog’s mobility.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

toy australian shepherd dogs - caringYour puppy will need 4 small bowls of food a day. If you’re wondering just how much, either speak to your vet or follow the portion-guide on the packaging of the puppy dog food.

As your puppy grows older, you feed less frequently so that he is getting two meals a day as an adult. For feeding an adult, there are excellent commercial dog foods available - remember to choose a good brand for your dogs age, size and energy levels.

Try and give him some tasty home-made food too from time to time – nothing exotic and spicy – just plain foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice, spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. Dogs thrive on simple, healthy food like this. Make sure he always has a bowl of cool, fresh water to drink.

Exercise:

These energetic little bundles of fur will need regular exercise – every day in fact. He’s a smart little dog too, so you need to provide him with stimulating games that will keep his mind and his body physically fit.

Grooming:

Reduce shedding and loose hair by brushing the long hair a least twice a week. This will also help to get rid of matting. Trim nails and check for fleas and ticks.

General:

Provide your Toy Australian with a warm, dry, peaceful place to sleep. If he is outside often, make sure he has both sun and shade to lie in as well as a sheltered spot for when it rains.

norwegian elkhound dogs - caringAs a spitz type dog, the Norwegian Elkhound is an energetic dog who will need lots of physical activity.

He has a very thick coat so make sure he doesn’t overheat during exercise as he has been used to living in wintry climates.

Brush and Check for Ticks:

Your pet will shed some of that thick hair so he will need to be brushed at least twice a week to keep the coat in tip top condition. At the same time check him over for ticks and fleas. How often you see ticks on your dog will depend on where you live. These parasites attach to your dog and feed on his blood.They are capable of causing many diseases in your pet, one of which is Lyme disease, a disease which can lead to arthritis and swelling with your dog’s joints.

The best way to prevent any disease from weakening your pet is to get him to the vet as soon as possible. A good way to prevent ticks is to speak to your vet about tick control products.

Diet:

Make sure he has the best food to ensure health and happiness. Keep his meals simple – no exotic, spicy foods that can upset his stomach.

A high quality kibble brand for energetic dogs is a wise choice and some tasty home-made food added in occasionally. This can be boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables. Never leave him without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Corgi - Breed Comparison
  2. Toy Australian Shepherd vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  4. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  5. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  6. Welsh Corgi vs Toy Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  7. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Pomeranian - Breed Comparison
  8. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  9. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Pug - Breed Comparison
  10. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  12. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Maltipoo - Breed Comparison
  13. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  14. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  15. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  16. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  18. Toy Australian Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  20. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  21. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  22. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  23. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Papillon - Breed Comparison
  24. Pharaoh Hound vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  25. Redbone Coonhound vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  26. Norwegian Elkhound vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  27. Norwegian Elkhound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  28. Norwegian Elkhound vs Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  29. Norwegian Elkhound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  30. Norwegian Elkhound vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  31. Norwegian Elkhound vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  32. Norwegian Elkhound vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  33. Norwegian Elkhound vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  34. Norwegian Elkhound vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  35. Norwegian Elkhound vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Norwegian Elkhound vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  37. Norwegian Elkhound vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  38. Norwegian Elkhound vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  39. Norwegian Elkhound vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  40. Norwegian Elkhound vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  41. Norwegian Elkhound vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  42. Norwegian Elkhound vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  43. Norwegian Elkhound vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  44. Norwegian Elkhound vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  45. Norwegian Elkhound vs Grand Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  46. Norwegian Elkhound vs Hamiltonstovare - Breed Comparison
  47. Norwegian Elkhound vs Beago - Breed Comparison
  48. Norwegian Elkhound vs Kanni - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds