Belgian Malinois vs Norwegian Elkhound

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

Belgian Malinois vs Norwegian Elkhound
Belgian Malinois
Norwegian Elkhound
Belgian Malinois
Norwegian Elkhound
Change Breed
Change Breed
General Details
Belgian Malinois
Norwegian Elkhound
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
10-12 Years
12-15 Years
Height
22-28 Inches
19-20 Inches
Weight
55-75 Pounds
45-57 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Above Average
History
Belgian Malinois
Norwegian Elkhound
Origin Country
Belgium
Norway
Origin Year
1891 AD
-4000 BC
Temperament
Belgian Malinois
Norwegian Elkhound
Overall Friendliness
Below Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Below Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Below Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Below Average
Above Average
Personality
Belgian Malinois
Norwegian Elkhound
Traits
Affectionate
Aggressive
Stubborn
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Stubborn
Living Environment
Belgian Malinois
Norwegian Elkhound
Apartment
No
No
Indoor
Yes
No
Small Yard
Yes
No
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
30-80 °F
-20-70 °F
Barks/Howls
Below Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Belgian Malinois
Norwegian Elkhound
Energy Level
High to Very High
High
Exercise Required
High to Very High
High
Top Running Speed
35 MPH
25 MPH
Strength
High
Medium
Grooming Needs
Belgian Malinois
Norwegian Elkhound
Coat Maintenance
Low to Medium
Medium to High
Shedding
Medium
Medium to High
Dander
Medium
Medium
Drool
Low
Low
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Belgian Malinois
Norwegian Elkhound
Dominant / Alpha
Yes
Yes
Family / Pack
No
No
Independent
No
Yes
Breed Focus
Belgian Malinois
Norwegian Elkhound
Distracted Easy
No
Yes
Focused & Patient
Yes
No
Breed Instincts
Belgian Malinois
Norwegian Elkhound
Aggression
Below Average
Below Average
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Average
Chasing
Average
Above Average
Follow Commands
Above Average
Average
Fighting
Average
Average
Guarding
Above Average
Above Average
Herding
Above Average
Average
Hunting
Below Average
Above Average
Protection
Above Average
Above Average
Remove Vermin
Average
Above Average
Sled Pulling
Average
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
Above Average
Above Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Belgian Malinois
Norwegian Elkhound
Average Lifespan
10-12 Years
12-15 Years
Health Concerns
Belgian Malinois
Norwegian Elkhound
Common Health Issues
Hip dysplasia
Epilepsy
Elbow dysplasia
Eye problems
Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Hypothyroidism
Lens luxation
Familial renal disease
Fanconi syndrome
Sebaceous cysts
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Belgian Malinois
Norwegian Elkhound
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Wire
Double
Coat Texture
Straight
Straight
Coat Length
Short
Medium
Coat Coloring
Belgian Malinois
Norwegian Elkhound
Breed Colors
Black
Black
Cream
Cream
Fawn
Fawn
Gray
Gray
Liver
Liver
Red
Red
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