Norwegian Elkhound vs. Great Dane: Breed Differences and Similarities

Weight Gain Potential

Which breed eats more: Norwegian Elkhound or Great Dane?

4 / 5

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

2 / 5

Great Dane has average obesity risk, needs balanced diet, daily walks, and weight monitoring.

Hypoallergenic

Are Norwegian Elkhounds or Great Danes hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Norwegian Elkhound nor Great Dane 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 Great Dane dogs?

Alert
Playful
Intelligent
Bold
Loyal
Strong
Willed

Friendly
Devoted
Gentle
Reserved
Confident
Intelligent
Loving

Shedding Level

Do Norwegian Elkhounds shed more than Great Danes, or which breed sheds more, Norwegian Elkhounds or Great Danes?

4 / 5

Norwegian Elkhounds are heavy shedders, but regular brushing can help manage shedding and promote a healthy coat.

3 / 5

Great Danes are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Norwegian Elkhound or Great Dane?

5 / 5

The Norwegian Elkhound and Great Dane dogs are some of the best choices if you want good watchdogs. These breeds will keep watch over you and your family at all times. They take this task seriously and will typically perform their guarding duty with little to no training. These dogs will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen their skills.

Origin

What is the origin of Norwegian Elkhound and Great Dane dog breeds?

Norway

Germany

Ancestry

What are the origins of Norwegian Elkhound and Great Dane breeds?

northern spitz

Wolfhound, Old English Mastiff, Greyhound

Date of Birth

When were Norwegian Elkhound and Great Dane breeds first developed?

500 BC

3000 BC

Breed Group

What is the Breed Group of Norwegian Elkhound and Great Dane?

Hound (AKC:1913)
Northern Breeds (UKC)

Working (AKC:1887)
Guardian Dogs (UKC)

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Norwegian Elkhound and Great Dane dogs?

Brown

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Norwegian Elkhound and Great Dane?

Black

Blue
Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Norwegian Elkhound and Great Dane breeds?

Gray
Silver

Brindle
Sable
Blue
Fawn
Black
Brown
Red

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Norwegian Elkhound and Great Dane breeds?

3 / 5

Norwegian Elkhounds have medium-length coats.

1 / 5

Great Danes have short coats.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Norwegian Elkhound and Great Dane?

4 / 5

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Norwegian Elkhound and Great Dane?

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Norwegian Elkhound and Great Dane?

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.

A Great Dane can have a litter of 7-10 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

5 / 5

Norwegian Elkhounds are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

3 / 5

Great Danes have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

Health Issues

Between Norwegian Elkhound and Great Dane, which breed is more prone to health problems?

3 / 5

While the Norwegian Elkhound breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

4 / 5

Great Danes typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Norwegian Elkhound and Great Dane breeds?

Hip Dysplasia

Entropion
Gastric Torsion
Cardiomyopathy
Hip Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Norwegian Elkhound and Great Dane?

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Sebaceous Adenitis
Pyotraumatic Dermatitis
Hypothyroidism

Myotonia

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Norwegian Elkhound and Great Dane breeds?

Eye
Hip
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Cardiac
Eye
Hip
Blood
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Energy

How do the energy levels of Norwegian Elkhounds and Great Danes compare?

5 / 5

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

Social Needs

Norwegian Elkhound vs Great Dane social needs comparison

3 / 5

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

4 / 5

Great Dane has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

Norwegian Elkhound vs Great Dane exercise need comparison.

4 / 5

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

2 / 5

Great Danes need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Norwegian Elkhound or Great Dane?

1 / 5

Norwegian Elkhound and Great Dane 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 Great Dane?

1 / 5

Norwegian Elkhound minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

4 / 5

Great Dane drools quite a bit, consider a different breed if drool is unappealing.

Tendency to Bark

Do Norwegian Elkhounds or Great Danes bark more/less frequently?

5 / 5

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

2 / 5

Great Dane dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Territorial

Is the Norwegian Elkhound or Great Dane a better guard dog?

3 / 5

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

5 / 5

Great Dane 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 Great Dane?

3 / 5

4 / 5

Roaming urge

Norwegian Elkhound vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

4 / 5

3 / 5

Prey Drive

Norwegian Elkhound or Great Dane - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

4 / 5

3 / 5

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Norwegian Elkhound and Great Dane entertained?

Trailing, Hiking

Walking, Petting, Eating Snacks, Walk, Nap, Sniffing around, Play keep away, Fetch, Chasing Cats, Running, Treats, Play, Smelling, Exploring, Walks, Sniffing, Playing, Kisses, Jumping, Run, Catch treats, Tug-of-war, Wrestling, Dog Parks, Hiking, Waking, Tug of war, Fetching

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Norwegian Elkhounds or Great Danes?

Both Norwegian Elkhound and Great Dane are medium-energy dogs that enjoy socializing and playing with other dogs. They may engage in casual or sustained games of chase, and occasionally have bursts of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

3 / 5

2 / 5

Walks per Week

How many miles should Norwegian Elkhound or Great Dane walk each week?

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Norwegian Elkhound, it's at least 8 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Great Dane, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Norwegian Elkhounds or Great Danes require more exercise?

In general most Norwegian Elkhounds usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Great Danes usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Norwegian Elkhounds or Great Danes?

3 / 5

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

1 / 5

The Great Dane is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Norwegian Elkhound and Great Dane dogs?

Norwegian Elkhound and Great Dane should be brushed at least once a week. Of course, you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Norwegian Elkhounds and Great Danes?

Slicker Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Norwegian Elkhound or Great Dane in cups?

For an average 48-55 pound (22 - 25 kg) Norwegian Elkhound feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 120-175 pound (54 - 79 kg) Great Dane feed 3.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Norwegian Elkhound or Great Dane?

The average cost of a Norwegian Elkhound is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

The average cost of a Great Dane is somewhere $3.90 - $4.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Norwegian Elkhound or Great Dane?

The average per month expenses of a Norwegian Elkhound is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Great Dane is between $116 - $126. This makes an average of $1392 - $1512 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Norwegian Elkhounds vs Great Danes

4 / 5

The Norwegian Elkhound and Great Dane breeds are considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How do Norwegian Elkhound and Great Dane compare in sensitivity?

4 / 5

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

5 / 5

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Norwegian Elkhound vs Great Dane?

5 / 5

3 / 5

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Norwegian Elkhound or Great Dane?

3 / 5

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

5 / 5

Great Danes make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

Child Friendly

Do Norwegian Elkhounds or Great Danes have a friendlier temperament towards children?

4 / 5

Norwegian Elkhound and Great Dane are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Norwegian Elkhound or Great Dane?

4 / 5

Cat Friendly

Do Norwegian Elkhound or Great Dane breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

3 / 5

Norwegian Elkhounds and Great Danes are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Norwegian Elkhound or Great Dane?

3 / 5

{Norwegian Elkhounds and Great Danes are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Norwegian Elkhound or Great Dane dogs interact with other pets?

3 / 5

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Norwegian Elkhound or Great Dane?

3 / 5

Norwegian Elkhound and Great Dane are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish, so early socialization is key to ensure they are comfortable around new people.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Norwegian Elkhound and Great Dane?

3 / 5

Norwegian Elkhounds have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

2 / 5

Great Danes are not known for being a highly playful breed.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Norwegian Elkhounds and Great Danes compare?

4 / 5

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

3 / 5

Great Danes are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.