Newfoundland vs Norwegian Elkhound
Working · Giant vs Hound · Medium
NewfoundlandGiant
A sweet, patient, devoted water-rescue dog — the gentle 'nanny dog' from Canada's Atlantic coast.
Weight: 130–150 lbsLifespan: 9–10 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
- • Newfoundland is the larger breed at 130–150 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 Newfoundland is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Newfoundland | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
Group | Working | Hound |
Size | Giant | Medium |
Origin | Canada | Norway |
Height (male) | 28" | 19.5–20.5" |
Height (female) | 26" | 18–19" |
Weight (male) | 130–150 lbs | 55 lbs |
Weight (female) | 100–120 lbs | 48 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 9–10 years | 12–15 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Low (2/5) | 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. | Very High (5/5) | 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 | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | High (4/5) | 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 Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a sweet, patient, devoted water-rescue dog — the gentle 'nanny dog' from Canada's Atlantic coast. Originally from Canada, this giant working breed typically weighs 130–150 lbs and lives 9–10 years. Breeders describe them as sweet, patient, devoted.
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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Newfoundland health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Heart disease
- • Bloat
- • Cystinuria
Norwegian Elkhound health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Progressive retinal atrophy
- • Hypothyroidism