Irish Water Spaniel vs Norwegian Elkhound

Compare the Irish Water Spaniel to the Norwegian Elkhound. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Irish Water Spaniels and Norwegian Elkhounds.

Irish Water Spaniel vs Norwegian Elkhound
Irish Water Spaniel
Norwegian Elkhound
Irish Water Spaniel
Norwegian Elkhound
Change Breed
Change Breed
General Details
Irish Water Spaniel
Norwegian Elkhound
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
Yes
No
Lifespan
10-12 Years
12-15 Years
Height
20-24 Inches
19-20 Inches
Weight
45-65 Pounds
45-57 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Above Average
History
Irish Water Spaniel
Norwegian Elkhound
Origin Country
Ireland
Norway
Origin Year
1000 AD
-4000 BC
Temperament
Irish Water Spaniel
Norwegian Elkhound
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Personality
Irish Water Spaniel
Norwegian Elkhound
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Stubborn
Living Environment
Irish Water Spaniel
Norwegian Elkhound
Apartment
Yes
No
Indoor
Yes
No
Small Yard
Yes
No
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
No
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
40-75 °F
-20-70 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Irish Water Spaniel
Norwegian Elkhound
Energy Level
High
High
Exercise Required
High to Very High
High
Top Running Speed
24 MPH
25 MPH
Strength
Medium to High
Medium
Grooming Needs
Irish Water Spaniel
Norwegian Elkhound
Coat Maintenance
High
Medium to High
Shedding
None to Low
Medium to High
Dander
None to Low
Medium
Drool
None
Low
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Irish Water Spaniel
Norwegian Elkhound
Dominant / Alpha
No
Yes
Family / Pack
Yes
No
Independent
No
Yes
Breed Focus
Irish Water Spaniel
Norwegian Elkhound
Distracted Easy
No
Yes
Focused & Patient
Yes
No
Breed Instincts
Irish Water Spaniel
Norwegian Elkhound
Aggression
None
Below Average
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Average
Chasing
Average
Above Average
Follow Commands
Above Average
Average
Fighting
Below Average
Average
Guarding
Above Average
Above Average
Herding
Below Average
Average
Hunting
Above Average
Above Average
Protection
Above Average
Above Average
Remove Vermin
Below Average
Above Average
Sled Pulling
None
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
Average
Above Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Irish Water Spaniel
Norwegian Elkhound
Average Lifespan
10-12 Years
12-15 Years
Health Concerns
Irish Water Spaniel
Norwegian Elkhound
Common Health Issues
Hip dysplasia
Ear infections
Hypothyroidism
Eye diseases
Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Hypothyroidism
Lens luxation
Familial renal disease
Fanconi syndrome
Sebaceous cysts
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Irish Water Spaniel
Norwegian Elkhound
Coat Type
Hair
Fur
Coat Layering
Curly
Double
Coat Texture
Silky
Wavy
Straight
Coat Length
Medium to Long
Medium
Coat Coloring
Irish Water Spaniel
Norwegian Elkhound
Breed Colors
Brown
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