Alaskan Malamute vs Norwegian Elkhound

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

Alaskan Malamute vs Norwegian Elkhound
Alaskan Malamute
Norwegian Elkhound
Alaskan Malamute
Norwegian Elkhound
Change Breed
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General Details
Alaskan Malamute
Norwegian Elkhound
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
12-15 Years
12-15 Years
Height
23-25 Inches
19-20 Inches
Weight
70-100 Pounds
45-57 Pounds
Intelligence
Average
Above Average
History
Alaskan Malamute
Norwegian Elkhound
Origin Country
United States
Norway
Origin Year
1900 AD
-4000 BC
Temperament
Alaskan Malamute
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
Norwegian Elkhound
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Stubborn
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Stubborn
Living Environment
Alaskan Malamute
Norwegian Elkhound
Apartment
Yes
No
Indoor
Yes
No
Small Yard
Yes
No
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
-45-70 °F
-20-70 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Alaskan Malamute
Norwegian Elkhound
Energy Level
High
High
Exercise Required
High
High
Top Running Speed
22 MPH
25 MPH
Strength
Very High
Medium
Grooming Needs
Alaskan Malamute
Norwegian Elkhound
Coat Maintenance
Medium
Medium to High
Shedding
Medium
Medium to High
Dander
Medium
Medium
Drool
None
Low
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Alaskan Malamute
Norwegian Elkhound
Dominant / Alpha
Yes
Yes
Family / Pack
Yes
No
Independent
Yes
Yes
Breed Focus
Alaskan Malamute
Norwegian Elkhound
Distracted Easy
No
Yes
Focused & Patient
No
No
Breed Instincts
Alaskan Malamute
Norwegian Elkhound
Aggression
Below Average
Below Average
Burrow / Digging
Average
Average
Chasing
Below Average
Above Average
Follow Commands
Average
Average
Fighting
None
Average
Guarding
Below Average
Above Average
Herding
Average
Average
Hunting
Below Average
Above Average
Protection
Below Average
Above Average
Remove Vermin
Average
Above Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
None
Above Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Alaskan Malamute
Norwegian Elkhound
Average Lifespan
12-15 Years
12-15 Years
Health Concerns
Alaskan Malamute
Norwegian Elkhound
Common Health Issues
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Chondrodysplasia
Hereditary neuropathy
Hemeralopia
Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Hypothyroidism
Lens luxation
Familial renal disease
Fanconi syndrome
Sebaceous cysts
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Alaskan Malamute
Norwegian Elkhound
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Coat Texture
Straight
Wooly
Straight
Coat Length
Long
Medium
Coat Coloring
Alaskan Malamute
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
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