Norwegian Elkhound vs Portuguese Water Dog

Compare the Norwegian Elkhound to the Portuguese Water Dog. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Norwegian Elkhounds and Portuguese Water Dogs.

Norwegian Elkhound

Portuguese Water Dog

Change Breed

General Details

Norwegian Elkhound

Portuguese Water Dog

Breed Type

Purebred

Allergy Friendly

Yes

Lifespan

12-15 Years

10-14 Years

Height

19-20 Inches

17-22 Inches

Weight

45-57 Pounds

35-60 Pounds

Intelligence

Above Average

History

Norwegian Elkhound

Portuguese Water Dog

Origin Country

Norway

Portugal

Origin Year

-4000 BC

1297 AD

Temperament

Norwegian Elkhound

Portuguese Water Dog

Overall Friendliness

Above Average

Family Friendly

Above Average

Child Friendly

Above Average

Pet Friendly

Above Average

Stranger Friendly

Above Average

Average

Personality

Norwegian Elkhound

Portuguese Water Dog

Traits

Affectionate

Stubborn

Needy

Separation Anxiety

Willing to Please

Living Environment

Norwegian Elkhound

Portuguese Water Dog

Apartment

Indoor

Yes

Small Yard

Medium Yard

Yes

Large Yard

Yes

Temperature Tolerance

-20-70 °F

40-80 °F

Barks/Howls

Average

Exercise Needs

Norwegian Elkhound

Portuguese Water Dog

Energy Level

High

High to Very High

Exercise Required

High

High to Very High

Top Running Speed

25 MPH

22 MPH

Strength

Medium

High

Grooming Needs

Norwegian Elkhound

Portuguese Water Dog

Coat Maintenance

Medium to High

Shedding

Medium to High

None

Dander

Medium

None to Low

Drool

Low

None

Instincts and Behavior

Breed Mentality

Norwegian Elkhound

Portuguese Water Dog

Dominant / Alpha

Yes

Family / Pack

Yes

Independent

Yes

Breed Focus

Norwegian Elkhound

Portuguese Water Dog

Distracted Easy

Yes

Focused & Patient

Yes

Breed Instincts

Norwegian Elkhound

Portuguese Water Dog

Aggression

Below Average

None

Burrow / Digging

Average

Below Average

Chasing

Above Average

Below Average

Follow Commands

Average

Below Average

Fighting

Average

Below Average

Guarding

Above Average

Below Average

Herding

Average

None

Hunting

Above Average

Below Average

Protection

Above Average

Average

Remove Vermin

Above Average

None

Sled Pulling

Below Average

None

Watch / Guardian

Above Average

Health Comparison

Lifespan

Norwegian Elkhound

Portuguese Water Dog

Average Lifespan

12-15 Years

10-14 Years

Health Concerns

Norwegian Elkhound

Portuguese Water Dog

Common Health Issues

Hip dysplasia

Progressive retinal atrophy

Hypothyroidism

Lens luxation

Familial renal disease

Fanconi syndrome

Sebaceous cysts

Addison's disease

Entropion

Cataracts

Hip dysplasia

Progressive retinal atrophy

Ectropion

Dilated cardiomyopathy

Irritable bowel syndrome

Gangliosidosis

Hair Loss

Appearance Comparison

Coat

Norwegian Elkhound

Portuguese Water Dog

Coat Type

Fur

Hair

Coat Layering

Double

Curly

Single

Coat Texture

Straight

Wavy

Coat Length

Medium

Coat Coloring

Norwegian Elkhound

Portuguese Water Dog

Breed Colors