Norwegian Lundehund vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison

Norwegian Lundehund vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed ComparisonBoth Norwegian Elkhound and Norwegian Lundehund are originated from Norway. Norwegian Elkhound may grow 15 cm / 6 inches higher than Norwegian Lundehund. Norwegian Elkhound may weigh 16 kg / 36 pounds more than Norwegian Lundehund. Both Norwegian Elkhound and Norwegian Lundehund has almost same life span. Both Norwegian Elkhound and Norwegian Lundehund has almost same litter size. Both Norwegian Elkhound and Norwegian Lundehund requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Non sporting dog
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Norway
Norway
Height Male:
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
30 - 40 cm
11 - 16 inches
Height Female:
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
30 - 40 cm
11 - 16 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
6 - 9 kg
13 - 20 pounds
Weight Female:
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
6 - 9 kg
13 - 20 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
3 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Norsk Elghund, Gray Norwegian Elkhound, Elk Dog, Norwegian Moose Dog
The Puffin Dog, Norsk Lundehund
Colors Available:
silver, white, Grey, cream
Reddish/tan markings, black tips, white
Coat:
Short to medium length, dense
Medium length, double coat
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

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.

norwegian lundehundThe Norwegian Lundehund hails from the island of Vaeroy, Norway and was created for the purpose of puffin hunting.

Now that these puffins are a protected species, the dog is no longer used for hunting and has become a companion dog.

The breed decreased in numbers during- and after World War II because the islands where he came from had an outbreak of distemper. It was in 1963 that another outbreak occurred and the dogs were almost wiped out. A breeding program saw their numbers being built up.

It was in 2011 that the dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Description

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.

norwegian lundehund puppy - descriptionAs a spitz-type dog, with the Lundehund you’ll recognize the typical spitz-dog characteristics – the erect ears and the tail that curves over the back.

He is a small to medium sized dog standing at 30 – 40cm and weighing 6 – 9kg. He is an active dog and is as agile as a fox.

He has a dense double coat which is white, reddish/tan with some black tips. He is a dog which sheds constantly.

Strangely this dog has 6 toes and his rear pads have elongated foot pads which have helped the dog be able to climb over rocks. He also has a flexible type of neck that is capable of craning back so that the head touches the spine. The dog has some unique features and wriggling in and out of small spaces is another of his characteristics. In fact he can do things that you would not imagine a dog could do.

Temperament:

When you have a Lundehund in your life you’ll agree he has a happy, amicable personality. He is non-aggressive.

He will require training and socialization as he is an independent dog who can be obstinate. He is quite aloof with strangers too and once he starts barking at them he tends to want to continue. Training him will put an end to that irritating behavior. He is a loving, loyal dog, enjoying the company of his human family.

Characteristics

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.

norwegian lundehund dog - characteristicsThe Norwegian Lundehund isn’t your everyday dog and in fact he is known as a primitive breed. Perhaps he wouldn’t be the best dog to have if you’re a first-time dog owners as training is quite difficult too.

People who are willing to take a chance on him say that with training and socialization he can become a loving canine companion.

Health Problems

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.

norwegian lundehund puppies - health problemsThe Lundehund is prone to digestive disorders but even so he has got a good chance of living to be 11, 12, 13 or 14 years of age with good care.

He is however, one of these dogs prone to health problems of which chronic intestinal disease is one. Its the kind of illness that can recur because it is resistant to treatment.

Experts on these dogs say that they should have a fecal test done every 6 months or so, saying that one thing a bit negative with this dog breed is that you may well be forking out quite a bit on chronic veterinary care.

Caring The Pet

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.

Diet:

norwegian lundehund dogs - caringLike any other dog, the Norwegian Lundehund will do well on the best quality food. If you buy him commercially manufactured food, check the ingredients on the packaging. Lots of these lower quality foods are made from ingredients that are toxic for your pet, so buy a good quality one.

Buy food according to your dog’s age and activity levels. To make his meals more interesting, add in some delicious home prepared food for him. Stay away from spicy, exotic foods and go for something like boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables. Some raw meat added to the kibble from time to time can also do wonders for your pet as he requires a high-protein diet. Make sure he always has access to fresh, cool water.

Other ‘caring’ things to do to make sure your pet has a quality lifestyle is -

Brush his hair twice a week as he is a fairly heavy shedder. Not only does it keep the coat nice and shiny, it builds up a bond between you and your pet.

Check his ears and eyes regularly to make sure they are free from infection.

Clip his nails when they get long as your pet can hurt himself if the nails hook onto things.

Whenever he is ill, get him to the vet for a check-up.

Make sure he has a nice safe, dry, warm, snug place to sleep.

Keep him well exercised. A dog that is put into the backyard and more or less forgotten will be most miserable. Why get a pet if you don’t want to make him a 100% part of the family?

Comparison with other breeds

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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
  12. Norwegian Elkhound vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Norwegian Elkhound vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Norwegian Elkhound vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Norwegian Elkhound vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Norwegian Elkhound vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Norwegian Elkhound vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Norwegian Elkhound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Norwegian Elkhound vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Norwegian Elkhound vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
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  22. Norwegian Elkhound vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Norwegian Elkhound vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Norwegian Elkhound vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Norwegian Elkhound vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Norwegian Lundehund vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Norwegian Lundehund vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Norwegian Lundehund vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Norwegian Lundehund vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Norwegian Lundehund vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Norwegian Lundehund vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Norwegian Lundehund vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Norwegian Lundehund vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Norwegian Lundehund vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Norwegian Lundehund vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Norwegian Lundehund vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Norwegian Lundehund vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Norwegian Lundehund vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Norwegian Lundehund vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Norwegian Lundehund vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Norwegian Lundehund vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Norwegian Lundehund vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Norwegian Lundehund vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Norwegian Lundehund vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Norwegian Lundehund vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Norwegian Lundehund vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Norwegian Lundehund vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Norwegian Lundehund vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Norwegian Lundehund vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Norwegian Lundehund vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison