Norwegian Elkhound vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed Comparison

Norwegian Elkhound vs Fox Terrier (Smooth) - Breed ComparisonFox Terrier (Smooth) is originated from United Kingdom but Norwegian Elkhound is originated from Norway. Fox Terrier (Smooth) may grow 14 cm / 5 inches shorter than Norwegian Elkhound. Fox Terrier (Smooth) may weigh 16 kg / 35 pounds lesser than Norwegian Elkhound. Both Fox Terrier (Smooth) and Norwegian Elkhound has same life span. Both Fox Terrier (Smooth) and Norwegian Elkhound has almost same litter size. Both Fox Terrier (Smooth) and Norwegian Elkhound requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Hound dog
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United Kingdom
Norway
Height Male:
36 - 41 cm
14 - 17 inches
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
Height Female:
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
7 - 9 kg
15 - 20 pounds
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 8 kg
13 - 18 pounds
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
5 - 10
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Smooths Fox Terrier Smooth Coat, Foxy, SFT
Norsk Elghund, Gray Norwegian Elkhound, Elk Dog, Norwegian Moose Dog
Colors Available:
white with brown, black, tan or ginger markings
silver, white, Grey, cream
Coat:
dense, flat
Short to medium length, dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Playful, Social, Stubborn
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:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

fox terrier smoothThe Smooth Fox Terrier is one of two Fox Terrier breeds, the other being the Wirehaired Fox Terrier. Fox Terriers are believed to be one of the oldest terrier breeds and the ancestor of many terriers who came after. The Fox Terrier was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 and the smooth Fox Terrier as a separate breed 100 years later in 1985. Some clubs still consider the two types of Fox Terriers as the same breed. The standard for smooth Fox Terrier was written in 1876 but not accepted until 1985.

Both breeds of Fox Terriers are thought to originate in the late 1800’s descended from various British Terriers, the beagle, the dachshund and the Fox Hound. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a base coat that is white. The hunters bred them this way, so they would not mistake them for the fox during the hunt. They have also been very successful in prestigious dog shows including Crufts in England and New York Westminster in the United States.

They are not that popular today unless you are hunting and showing them in Confirmation Competitions. However, the Smooth Fox Terrier is significant because of all the terriers that consider it their direct ancestor. This would include the Jack Russel, the Rat Terrier and the Miniature Fox Terrier.

norwegian elkhoundThe 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.

Description

fox terrier smooth puppy - descriptionThe Smooth Fox Terrier is distinguished from the Wirehaired and other terriers by his V-shaped head and white based coat. The coat can have tan, black and black and tan marks on the white coat. The Smooth Fox Terrier is sturdy, strong, sleek and symmetrical. The breed has a short back, and proportioned legs. The Smooth Fox Terrier has a flat skull and tapered muzzle. The nose is black, and the eyes are dark. He has v-shaped ears and a docked tail. Docking is no longer legal throughout the United Kingdom.

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

Characteristics

fox terrier smooth dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness They shouldn’t be trusted with young children but if raised with older children ok

Special talents

They are good at performing tricks, Search and rescue, narcotics detection, tracking, and disability assistance.

Adaptability

Fox Terrier is adaptable and can live anywhere. He is not a big dog but remember he is very high energy.

Learning ability

They have very good learning ability and are very intelligent but can be stubborn

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

fox terrier smooth puppies - health problemsOne of the major problems for the Smooth Fox Terrier that the Wirehaired does not face is the potential for deafness. This is an issue in dogs that are mostly white in color. Other concerns that he does share with the Wirehaired Terrier are:

  1. Distichiasis
  2. Eye lash in an abnormal place causing pain
  3. Legg-Perthes Disease
  4. Causes a very serious muscle loss in the dog’s legs
  5. Shoulder Dislocation
  6. Causes pain and arthritis
  7. Post-nasal Drip
  8. Just annoying
  9. Mast Cell Tumor
  10. Cancer – could be fatal
  11. Myasthenia Gravis

Causes muscle weakness and problems swallowing.

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

Feeding the puppy

fox terrier smooth dogs - caringFeed 2-3 meals per day and divide 1/8-1/4 cup

Feeding the adult

Feed two meals per day and divide ½ cup

Points for Good Health

hearing and vision

Games and Exercises

The Smooth Fox Terrier is an athlete requiring a lot of exercise. Take him on long walks and play with him in a large fenced yard. Don’t coup him up in the house. Be careful not to exercise him off leash as he will chase anything that moves and will not come when called. They need mental stimulation as well as physical. They are good at hunting, agility, tracking, performing tricks and being a watchdog.

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. Norwegian Elkhound vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  3. Norwegian Elkhound vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Norwegian Elkhound vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Norwegian Elkhound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Norwegian Elkhound vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Norwegian Elkhound vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Norwegian Elkhound vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Norwegian Elkhound vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Norwegian Elkhound vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Norwegian Elkhound vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
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  14. Norwegian Elkhound vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
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  17. Norwegian Elkhound vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
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  26. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison