Leonberger vs Norwegian Elkhound
Working · Giant vs Hound · Medium
LeonbergerGiant
A friendly, gentle, playful giant — bred to resemble a lion, with a famous black-masked golden mane.
Weight: 110–170 lbsLifespan: 7–10 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
- • Leonberger is the larger breed at 110–170 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 Norwegian Elkhound sheds less.
- • The Leonberger is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Leonberger | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
Group | Working | Hound |
Size | Giant | Medium |
Origin | Germany | Norway |
Height (male) | 28–31.5" | 19.5–20.5" |
Height (female) | 25.5–29.5" | 18–19" |
Weight (male) | 110–170 lbs | 55 lbs |
Weight (female) | 90–140 lbs | 48 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 7–10 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. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | High (4/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with other dogs | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | High (4/5) | 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 | long | medium |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
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About the Leonberger
The Leonberger is a friendly, gentle, playful giant — bred to resemble a lion, with a famous black-masked golden mane. Originally from Germany, this giant working breed typically weighs 110–170 lbs and lives 7–10 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, gentle, playful.
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.
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Leonberger health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Bone cancer
- • Bloat
- • Polyneuropathy
Norwegian Elkhound health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Progressive retinal atrophy
- • Hypothyroidism