Norwegian Elkhound vs West Highland White Terrier

Compare the Norwegian Elkhound to the West Highland White Terrier. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Norwegian Elkhounds and West Highland White Terriers.

Norwegian Elkhound vs West Highland White Terrier
Norwegian Elkhound
West Highland White Terrier
Norwegian Elkhound
West Highland White Terrier
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General Details
Norwegian Elkhound
West Highland White Terrier
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
Yes
Lifespan
12-15 Years
11-16 Years
Height
19-20 Inches
14-16 Inches
Weight
45-57 Pounds
15-20 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Average
History
Norwegian Elkhound
West Highland White Terrier
Origin Country
Norway
United Kingdom
Origin Year
-4000 BC
1500 AD
Temperament
Norwegian Elkhound
West Highland White Terrier
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
Average
Personality
Norwegian Elkhound
West Highland White Terrier
Traits
Affectionate
Stubborn
Affectionate
Separation Anxiety
Stubborn
Living Environment
Norwegian Elkhound
West Highland White Terrier
Apartment
No
Yes
Indoor
No
Yes
Small Yard
No
Yes
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
No
Temperature Tolerance
-20-70 °F
30-85 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Below Average
Exercise Needs
Norwegian Elkhound
West Highland White Terrier
Energy Level
High
High
Exercise Required
High
Medium to High
Top Running Speed
25 MPH
18 MPH
Strength
Medium
Medium
Grooming Needs
Norwegian Elkhound
West Highland White Terrier
Coat Maintenance
Medium to High
Low
Shedding
Medium to High
Low
Dander
Medium
Low
Drool
Low
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Norwegian Elkhound
West Highland White Terrier
Dominant / Alpha
Yes
No
Family / Pack
No
No
Independent
Yes
Yes
Breed Focus
Norwegian Elkhound
West Highland White Terrier
Distracted Easy
Yes
Yes
Focused & Patient
No
No
Breed Instincts
Norwegian Elkhound
West Highland White Terrier
Aggression
Below Average
Average
Burrow / Digging
Average
Average
Chasing
Above Average
Above Average
Follow Commands
Average
Below Average
Fighting
Average
None
Guarding
Above Average
None
Herding
Average
None
Hunting
Above Average
Average
Protection
Above Average
None
Remove Vermin
Above Average
Above Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
None
Watch / Guardian
Above Average
Below Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Norwegian Elkhound
West Highland White Terrier
Average Lifespan
12-15 Years
11-16 Years
Health Concerns
Norwegian Elkhound
West Highland White Terrier
Common Health Issues
Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Hypothyroidism
Lens luxation
Familial renal disease
Fanconi syndrome
Sebaceous cysts
Cataracts
Patellar luxation
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Shaker syndrome
Westie jaw
Inflammatory bowel disease
Atopic dermatitis
Hyperplastic dermatosis
Krabbe disease
Pulmonary fibrosis
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Norwegian Elkhound
West Highland White Terrier
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Coat Texture
Straight
Shaggy
Wavy
Coat Length
Medium
Medium
Coat Coloring
Norwegian Elkhound
West Highland White Terrier
Breed Colors
White
White
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