Norwegian Elkhound vs Shiba Inu
Hound · Medium vs Non-Sporting · Small
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
Shiba InuSmall
An alert, active, attentive small Spitz — Japan's most popular national dog and the original 'doge' meme.
Weight: 23 lbsLifespan: 13–16 years
Quick take
- • Norwegian Elkhound is the larger breed at 55 lbs (males) vs 23 lbs for the Shiba Inu.
- • The Shiba Inu typically lives longer (13–16 years).
- • The Norwegian Elkhound is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Norwegian Elkhound | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
Group | Hound | Non-Sporting |
Size | Medium | Small |
Origin | Norway | Japan |
Height (male) | 19.5–20.5" | 14.5–16.5" |
Height (female) | 18–19" | 13.5–15.5" |
Weight (male) | 55 lbs | 23 lbs |
Weight (female) | 48 lbs | 17 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–15 years | 13–16 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with other dogs | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) |
Good with strangers | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Coat length | medium | medium |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
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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.
About the Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is an alert, active, attentive small Spitz — Japan's most popular national dog and the original 'doge' meme. Originally from Japan, this small non-sporting breed typically weighs 23 lbs and lives 13–16 years. Breeders describe them as alert, active, attentive.
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Norwegian Elkhound health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Progressive retinal atrophy
- • Hypothyroidism
Shiba Inu health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Eye disorders
- • Allergies