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

Otterhound has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

Alert
Playful
Intelligent
Bold
Loyal
Strong
Willed

Amiable
Outright
Tempered
Boisterous

Choose a Norwegian Elkhound if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Otterhounds aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

Norway

England

northern spitz

griffon nivernais

500 BC

1300s

Hound (AKC:1913)
Northern Breeds (UKC)

Hound (AKC:1909)
Scenthound (UKC)

Brown

Hazel
Brown

Black

Black
Brown

Gray
Silver

Cream
Brown
Black
White
Fawn
Blue
Gray

Straight

Wiry

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

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

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

Otterhounds are susceptible to health issues like all breeds, so it's important to monitor their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia
Congenital Heart Defect

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Sebaceous Adenitis
Pyotraumatic Dermatitis
Hypothyroidism

Elbow Dysplasia
Thrombopathia

Eye
Hip
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Hip
Elbow
Blood
Blood Test
X-Rays
Physical Examination

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

Otterhounds need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

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

Otterhounds bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

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

Otterhound dogs are not typically good guard dogs due to their lack of protective nature and weak territorial drive.

Trailing, Hiking

Fishing, Go to Beach, Swim

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 Otterhound, it's at least 7 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

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

Otterhounds require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

Slicker Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Comb
Clipper
Nail Clipper

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 90-110 pound (41 - 50 kg) Otterhound feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

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

The average cost of an Otterhound is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

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 an Otterhound is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 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.

Norwegian Elkhound is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Otterhounds are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

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

Otterhounds are adaptable and resilient, making them ideal for those seeking a less sensitive pet.

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

The Otterhound is not suitable for apartments and requires a large yard to thrive. Pent-up energy in small spaces can lead to destructive behavior.

Norwegian Elkhounds are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Otterhounds are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

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

Otterhounds are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.