Pyrenean Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison

Pyrenean Shepherd vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed ComparisonNorwegian Elkhound is originated from Norway but Pyrenean Shepherd is originated from Spain. Both Norwegian Elkhound and Pyrenean Shepherd are having almost same height. Both Norwegian Elkhound and Pyrenean Shepherd are having almost same weight. Both Norwegian Elkhound and Pyrenean Shepherd has same life span. Norwegian Elkhound may have more litter size than Pyrenean Shepherd. Both Norwegian Elkhound and Pyrenean Shepherd requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Herding dogs
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Norway
Spain
Height Male:
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
38 - 50 cm
14 - 20 inches
Height Female:
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
38 - 50 cm
14 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
2 - 4
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Norsk Elghund, Gray Norwegian Elkhound, Elk Dog, Norwegian Moose Dog
Pyr Shep
Colors Available:
silver, white, Grey, cream
grey, black overlay occasionally, Fawn, some white - solid colors or tri-colored
Coat:
Short to medium length, dense
Long or short haired - soft or wiry
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
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, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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.

pyrenean shepherdThe Pyrenean Shepherd hails from Spain where he has always been used to herd sheep. Some people believe he is a descendant of the French Catalan Sheepdog while others say from the Briard. Nobody is too sure.

He is actually the smallest of the French herding breeds. It is interesting to note that he still does this herding job today. It was in the 19th century that a few of these dogs left for America with shepherds who found work herding flocks in the American West.

These dogs were also used in World War 1 as messenger dogs.

It was during the 1970's and 1980's that breeding programs were started for the dog and The Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America was formed in 1987. The dog was also recognized in 2009 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.

pyrenean shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Pyrenean Shepherd is a medium-sized dog standing at between 38 and 50cm in height and weighing between 14 and 20kg.

His head is fairly small with large, bright, expressive eyes. The ears are semi-erect. The tail has always traditionally been docked but often left long these days.

He comes with two different coat types – rough and smooth with sometimes both types being in the same litter. The dog is a regular shedder. The coat can be medium length or long and slightly wavy with a harsh texture. The coat can be of the shorter type with finer, softer hair. The coat is available in different colors and patterns, and can be a fawn color or grey and you will find a black overlay occasionally with some white. The coat can be tri-colored or he can be in solid colors such as cream or white.

Temperament:

Your feisty Pyrenean Shepherd is a dog with plenty of personality. He is also full of energy and will love to live with a outdoorsy-type family who are always on the go, because he’s in on everything.

He is distrustful of strangers and this together with the fact that he is so alert, makes him a splendid watchdog too.

He will need to be trained and socialized as he can be overly robust. He becomes obedient and well mannered, being totally dedicated to his owner. It isn’t easy for him to be separated from his beloved human owner.

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.

pyrenean shepherd dog - characteristicsThe Pyrenean Shepherd is essentially a one-person dog, becoming totally attached to one particular person in the family.

He is known as a dog who becomes totally loyal to his human family, getting on well with children as well as with other pets in the home.

He is aloof and wary of strangers. Training and socialization is important so as to avoid aggression and fear. This is one dog that requires being diligently exercised every day.

He is a great watchdog, and when you add up all his fantastic qualities, you get to realize what a splendid companion and pet this wonderful dog makes.

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.

pyrenean shepherd puppies - health problemsThe Pyrenean Shepherd is such a jovial little dog that you just can’t imagine him ever being sick. When he is lethargic, you'll know there is something seriously wrong with him because he is always as bright as a button.

He can however get sick, and there are a few dog illnesses such as epilepsy, eye problems and hip dysplasia that can be very painful ad debilitating for such an energetic dog. You don’t have to be too concerned though, as he is a dog known to have minimal health issues.

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.

Grooming:

pyrenean shepherd dogs - caringThis will depend on the coat type. Both coat types will essentially require you brushing him twice a week.

Exercise:

The Pyr Shep’s activity levels are very high and this dog will require living with people who love outdoor activities. He’s the perfect companion for those camping trips or hikes. He is always ready to join you on your walks and will be ready and waiting to jump right in when he sees you with a ball or frisbee.

Diet:

For all that energy, your Pyrenean Shepherd will be needing the best dog food there is. Food full of preservatives and colorants can be bad for your pet, detrimental to his health.

Good food full of vitamins and minerals will ensure your pet stands a good chance of living a long, healthy life. If you feed him commercially manufactured dog food, ensure its the best there is, with labeling on the packaging that tells you its for his age, his size and energy levels.

Consistency and simplicity is what your Pyrenean Shepherd wants, and home-made food can enhance his dry kibble. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots all chopped up and mixed into the dry kibble once or twice a week will ensure your pet’s eyes are continuously bright and alert and his tail constantly wagging.

Some raw meat added in occasionally will also go towards ensuring his good health. Always make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

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