Gordon Setter vs Norwegian Elkhound
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
Gordon Setter
The Gordon Setter is a large, athletic dog breed known for its striking black and tan coat and its origins as a skilled bird-hunting companion in Scotland. Renowned for their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature, Gordon Setters make excellent family pets and thrive in active households.
Large
High
10-12 yrs
N/A
Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Moose Dog, also known as the Norwegian Elkhound, is a robust and versatile hunting breed known for its keen tracking abilities, particularly in hunting large game like moose. With its wolf-like appearance, dense coat, and loyal temperament, this breed is not only a skilled hunter but also a devoted companion.
Large
High
12-15 years yrs
N/A
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Gordon Setter | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Independence |
Key Characteristics
| Good with Kids | ||
| Good with Dogs | ||
| Good with Cats | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Apartment Friendly | ||
| First-Time Owner OK |
| Detail | Gordon Setter | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Large |
| Energy Level | High | High |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | challenging | challenging |
| Barking Level | High | High |
| Shedding Level | Medium | High |
| Chew strength | Moderate | Moderate |
| Housing | Yard | Yard |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Gordon Setter | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Experienced | Experienced |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Gordon Setter. | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Norwegian Elkhound. |
Gordon Setter Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 60-90 min daily exercise
- Cannot commit to grooming needs
Norwegian Elkhound Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 60-90 min daily exercise
- Cannot tolerate heavy shedding
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Gordon Setter | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Medium | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | Underestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care | Underestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Gordon Setter | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Gordon Setter | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | High | High |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Low | Low |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Gordon Setter | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Low |
Gordon Setter Social Traits
Moderate
Generally friendly
Norwegian Elkhound Social Traits
Moderate
Generally friendly
Training
Gordon Setter
- ** Positive reinforcement is the only viable path. Gordons are sensitive; harsh corrections will cause them to shut down or become defensive [cite: 4].
Norwegian Elkhound
- ** Positive reinforcement is mandatory. Harsh methods cause them to shut down or become defensive.
Gordon Setter Considerations
This is the primary behavioral failure mode for the breed. Gordon Setters are intensely bonded "velcro" dogs. They do not tolerate isolation well. Left alone for standard workdays (8+ hours) without intervention, they frequently develop severe distress behaviors, including destructive chewing, howling, and self-mutilation.
Unlike the eager-to-please Labrador, the Gordon was bred to work independently of the hunter on the moors. This translates to a dog that will often consider a command, evaluate its merit, and potentially decline. They require a handler who understands how to motivate a thinking dog, not just a compliant one.
Owners often joke that Gordons remain puppies until they are three years old. This "Peter Pan" syndrome means you are signing up for a prolonged adolescence characterized by high energy, testing boundaries, and potential destructiveness long after other breeds have settled down.
While affectionate with their inner circle, Gordons are naturally aloof with strangers. Without extensive early socialization, this reserve can turn into fear-based reactivity or excessive territorial barking. They are watchdogs by nature, not the "everyone is my best friend" type.
Norwegian Elkhound Considerations
This breed was genetically engineered to bark. In their native Norway, their job is to track moose (elk) and hold them at bay by barking rhythmically and continuously until the hunter arrives. This is not a trait that can be "trained out" completely. They will bark at squirrels, cars, delivery drivers, and leaves blowing in the wind. If you live in a noise-restricted community or share walls with neighbors, this breed is a.
Unlike a Golden Retriever that asks, "What can I do for you?", the Elkhound asks, "What's in it for me?" They are independent problem solvers. This manifests as "stubbornness" during training. They will often weigh the value of a treat against the interest of a scent and choose the scent.
These dogs are trackers. If they catch a scent, their ears turn off, and they will follow it for miles. They cannot be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas. Their recall is notoriously unreliable when prey drive is activated.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Gordon Setter | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Caution - may chase | Caution - may chase |
| Small Mammals | Supervision required | Supervision required |
| Birds / Reptiles | Caution advised | Caution advised |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Gordon Setter | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Medium | Medium |
| Biddability | Low | Low |
| Noise Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | 18 months | 18 months |
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Gordon Setter | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| House Training | Challenging | Moderate |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
Gordon Setter: Gordon Setter puppies require consistent training and patience.
Norwegian Elkhound: Norwegian Elkhound puppies require consistent training and patience.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Gordon Setter | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 12 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| Adult Years | 2-8 | 2-8 |
| Senior Onset | ~8 years | ~8 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Gordon Setter | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | N/A | N/A |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Large | Large |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years | 12–15 years |
| Litter Size | 4-8 | 4-8 |
Gordon Setter Coat
Norwegian Elkhound Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Gordon Setter | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Developed in Scotland in the 17th century, specifically at Gordon Castle by the Fourth Duke of Gordo | conformity to physical standards; may have slightly lower drive but still retain the barking instinc |
| Origin | N/A | N/A |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Gordon Setter | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Varies | Varies |
| Whelping Difficulty | Medium | Medium |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Gordon Setter | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Low |
| Min Fence Height | 1.5m | 1.5m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Low | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Gordon Setter Health Issues
Norwegian Elkhound Health Issues
Gordon Setter Suggested Tests
- PRA-rcd4 (Genetic Test)
- Cerebellar Degeneration (CCA) (Genetic Test)
- OFA Hip/Elbow evaluations
- Gastropexy (surgical prevention for Bloat)
Norwegian Elkhound Suggested Tests
- OFA Hips
- OFA Eyes (annually)
- Fanconi urine screen
- Thyroid panel
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Gordon Setter | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Medium | Medium |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Low | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Medium |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Gordon Setter | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Food Allergies |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Gordon Setter | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | Low | Low |
| Anal Gland Issues | Occasional | Occasional |
Senior Care & Aging
Gordon Setter Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Norwegian Elkhound Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Grooming & Care
Gordon Setter
high maintenanceNorwegian Elkhound
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Gordon Setter Daily Life
Norwegian Elkhound Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Gordon Setter | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 50lbs | Under 50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Gordon Setter | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | Medium |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Gordon Setter | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Gordon Setter | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Low | Low |
| Therapy Dog | Low | Low |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Gordon Setter | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | N/A | N/A |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,000–$2,500 | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Gordon Setter | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $140–$220 | $100–$160 |
| Yearly Range | $1,680–$2,640 | $1,200–$1,920 |
| Food / Month | $80-120 | $60-90 |
| Insurance / Month | $60-100 | $40-70 |
| Grooming / Session | $80-120 | $0-50 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $300-500 | $500-800 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Gordon Setter Lifetime Cost
N/A
Norwegian Elkhound Lifetime Cost
N/A
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Gordon Setter | Norwegian Elkhound |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Occasional | Occasional |
| Slobber Level | Low | Low |
| Smell When Wet | Moderate | Moderate |
| Zoomies Frequency | Occasional | Occasional |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Low | Low |
Frequently Asked Questions
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