Irish Wolfhound vs Norwegian Elkhound

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

Irish Wolfhound vs Norwegian Elkhound
Irish Wolfhound
Norwegian Elkhound
Irish Wolfhound
Norwegian Elkhound
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General Details
Irish Wolfhound
Norwegian Elkhound
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
6-8 Years
12-15 Years
Height
32-35 Inches
19-20 Inches
Weight
90-180 Pounds
45-57 Pounds
Intelligence
Average
Above Average
History
Irish Wolfhound
Norwegian Elkhound
Origin Country
Unspecified
Norway
Origin Year
-700 BC
-4000 BC
Temperament
Irish Wolfhound
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 Wolfhound
Norwegian Elkhound
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Snuggle
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Stubborn
Living Environment
Irish Wolfhound
Norwegian Elkhound
Apartment
No
No
Indoor
Yes
No
Small Yard
Yes
No
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
20-75 °F
-20-70 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Irish Wolfhound
Norwegian Elkhound
Energy Level
Medium
High
Exercise Required
Medium
High
Top Running Speed
35 MPH
25 MPH
Strength
Very High
Medium
Grooming Needs
Irish Wolfhound
Norwegian Elkhound
Coat Maintenance
Medium
Medium to High
Shedding
Medium
Medium to High
Dander
Medium
Medium
Drool
Medium to High
Low
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Irish Wolfhound
Norwegian Elkhound
Dominant / Alpha
No
Yes
Family / Pack
Yes
No
Independent
No
Yes
Breed Focus
Irish Wolfhound
Norwegian Elkhound
Distracted Easy
No
Yes
Focused & Patient
No
No
Breed Instincts
Irish Wolfhound
Norwegian Elkhound
Aggression
None
Below Average
Burrow / Digging
None
Average
Chasing
Above Average
Above Average
Follow Commands
Average
Average
Fighting
Below Average
Average
Guarding
Below Average
Above Average
Herding
Below Average
Average
Hunting
Average
Above Average
Protection
Below Average
Above Average
Remove Vermin
Below Average
Above Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
Average
Above Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Irish Wolfhound
Norwegian Elkhound
Average Lifespan
6-8 Years
12-15 Years
Health Concerns
Irish Wolfhound
Norwegian Elkhound
Common Health Issues
Bloat
Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Elbow dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Osteosarcoma
Drug sensitivity
Dilated cardiomyopathy
Liver shunt
Fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy
Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Hypothyroidism
Lens luxation
Familial renal disease
Fanconi syndrome
Sebaceous cysts
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Irish Wolfhound
Norwegian Elkhound
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Coat Texture
Shaggy
Straight
Coat Length
Medium
Medium
Coat Coloring
Irish Wolfhound
Norwegian Elkhound
Breed Colors
Black
Blue
Brindle
Cream
Gray
Gray and Brindle
Red
Red and Brindle
Silver
Wheaten
White
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