Alaskan Malamute vs Black Norwegian Elkhound

Compare the Alaskan Malamute to the Black Norwegian Elkhound. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Alaskan Malamutes and Black Norwegian Elkhounds.

Alaskan Malamute vs Black Norwegian Elkhound
Alaskan Malamute
Black Norwegian Elkhound
Alaskan Malamute
Black Norwegian Elkhound
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General Details
Alaskan Malamute
Black Norwegian Elkhound
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
12-15 Years
12-15 Years
Height
23-25 Inches
19-21 Inches
Weight
70-100 Pounds
40-60 Pounds
Intelligence
Average
Above Average
History
Alaskan Malamute
Black Norwegian Elkhound
Origin Country
United States
Norway
Origin Year
1900 AD
-5000 BC
Temperament
Alaskan Malamute
Black Norwegian Elkhound
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Below Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Personality
Alaskan Malamute
Black Norwegian Elkhound
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Stubborn
Willing to Please
Aggressive
Needy
Stubborn
Living Environment
Alaskan Malamute
Black Norwegian Elkhound
Apartment
Yes
No
Indoor
Yes
No
Small Yard
Yes
No
Medium Yard
Yes
No
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
-45-70 °F
20-70 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Below Average
Exercise Needs
Alaskan Malamute
Black Norwegian Elkhound
Energy Level
High
High
Exercise Required
High
Medium to High
Top Running Speed
22 MPH
28 MPH
Strength
Very High
High
Grooming Needs
Alaskan Malamute
Black Norwegian Elkhound
Coat Maintenance
Medium
High
Shedding
Medium
Medium
Dander
Medium
Low to Medium
Drool
None
Low
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Alaskan Malamute
Black Norwegian Elkhound
Dominant / Alpha
Yes
Yes
Family / Pack
Yes
No
Independent
Yes
No
Breed Focus
Alaskan Malamute
Black Norwegian Elkhound
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
Yes
Breed Instincts
Alaskan Malamute
Black Norwegian Elkhound
Aggression
Below Average
Below Average
Burrow / Digging
Average
Below Average
Chasing
Below Average
Average
Follow Commands
Average
Below Average
Fighting
None
Below Average
Guarding
Below Average
Above Average
Herding
Average
Above Average
Hunting
Below Average
Above Average
Protection
Below Average
Above Average
Remove Vermin
Average
Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
Average
Watch / Guardian
None
Above Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Alaskan Malamute
Black Norwegian Elkhound
Average Lifespan
12-15 Years
12-15 Years
Health Concerns
Alaskan Malamute
Black Norwegian Elkhound
Common Health Issues
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Chondrodysplasia
Hereditary neuropathy
Hemeralopia
Entropion
Hip dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Elbow dysplasia
Obesity
Cystinuria
Kidney failure
Fanconi syndrome
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Alaskan Malamute
Black Norwegian Elkhound
Coat Type
Fur
Fur or Hair
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Coat Texture
Straight
Wooly
Rough
Straight
Wooly
Coat Length
Long
Medium
Coat Coloring
Alaskan Malamute
Black Norwegian Elkhound
Breed Colors
Agouti and White
Agouti and White
Black and White
Black and White
Blue and White
Blue and White
Gray and White
Gray and White
Red and White
Red and White
Sable and White
Sable and White
Seal and White
Seal and White
Silver and White
Silver and White
White
White
Black
Black
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