Irish Wolfhound vs Norwegian Elkhound
Hound · Giant vs Hound · Medium
Irish WolfhoundGiant
A courageous, dignified, calm gentle giant — the tallest of all dogs, ancient Celtic war and hunting hound.
Weight: 120 lbsLifespan: 6–8 years
Norwegian ElkhoundMedium
A friendly, dignified, confident Viking elk-hunting Spitz — Norway's national breed for over 6,000 years.
Weight: 55 lbsLifespan: 12–15 years
Quick take
- • Irish Wolfhound is the larger breed at 120 lbs (males) vs 55 lbs for the Norwegian Elkhound.
- • The Norwegian Elkhound typically lives longer (12–15 years).
- • The Norwegian Elkhound has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Irish Wolfhound sheds less.
- • The Irish Wolfhound is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Irish Wolfhound | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
Group | Hound | Hound |
Size | Giant | Medium |
Origin | Ireland | Norway |
Height (male) | 32–34" | 19.5–20.5" |
Height (female) | 30–32" | 18–19" |
Weight (male) | 120 lbs | 55 lbs |
Weight (female) | 105 lbs | 48 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 6–8 years | 12–15 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Low (2/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Very Low (1/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with other dogs | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | wirehaired | medium |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
Ad slot · compare-mid
About the Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a courageous, dignified, calm gentle giant — the tallest of all dogs, ancient Celtic war and hunting hound. Originally from Ireland, this giant hound breed typically weighs 120 lbs and lives 6–8 years. Breeders describe them as courageous, dignified, calm.
About the Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound is a friendly, dignified, confident Viking elk-hunting Spitz — Norway's national breed for over 6,000 years. Originally from Norway, this medium hound breed typically weighs 55 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, dignified, confident.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Irish Wolfhound health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Bone cancer
- • Heart disease
- • Bloat
- • Hip dysplasia
Norwegian Elkhound health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Progressive retinal atrophy
- • Hypothyroidism