Norwegian Elkhound vs Old English Sheepdog
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
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
Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is a large, shaggy herding breed known for its distinctive shaggy double coat and gentle, playful disposition. Originally bred in England for driving cattle and sheep, this affectionate and intelligent breed is also a beloved family companion.
Extra Large
High
10-12 years yrs
56+ cm cm
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Norwegian Elkhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Norwegian Elkhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Extra Large |
| Energy Level | High | High |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | challenging | challenging |
| Barking Level | High | High |
| Shedding Level | High | Low |
| Chew strength | Moderate | Moderate |
| Housing | Yard | Yard |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Norwegian Elkhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Experienced | Experienced |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Norwegian Elkhound. | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Old English Sheepdog. |
Norwegian Elkhound Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 60-90 min daily exercise
- Cannot tolerate heavy shedding
Old English Sheepdog Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 90-120 min daily exercise
- Cannot commit to grooming needs
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Norwegian Elkhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Norwegian Elkhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Norwegian Elkhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | High | High |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Low | Low |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Norwegian Elkhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Low |
Norwegian Elkhound Social Traits
Moderate
Generally friendly
Old English Sheepdog Social Traits
Moderate
Generally friendly
Training
Norwegian Elkhound
- ** Positive reinforcement is mandatory. Harsh methods cause them to shut down or become defensive.
Old English Sheepdog
- Keep training sessions short and varied
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.
Old English Sheepdog Considerations
This is a "Velcro" breed in the truest sense. They were bred to work closely with shepherds and drovers, never straying far. In a modern home, this translates to a dog that may panic when left alone. Destructive chewing, howling, and house soiling are common symptoms of distress if isolation training is not started immediately in puppyhood.
The OES has a unique, ringing bark often described as "two pots clanging together." It is loud, deep, and can become a nuisance. They are alert watchdogs and will vocalize at delivery trucks, neighbors, and squirrels. This makes them poor candidates for apartments with noise restrictions.
As a drover's dog, the OES controls movement. In a family setting, this often manifests as nipping at the heels of running children or "body checking" people to move them. While not aggressive, this behavior can be frightening for toddlers and annoying for guests.
While generally social, some OES lines—particularly males—can develop aggression toward other dogs of the same sex around social maturity (18-24 months). This requires vigilant management in multi-dog households.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Norwegian Elkhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Caution - may chase | Generally safe with proper introduction |
| Small Mammals | Supervision required | Supervision required |
| Birds / Reptiles | Caution advised | Caution advised |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Norwegian Elkhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Norwegian Elkhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| House Training | Moderate | Moderate |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
Norwegian Elkhound: Norwegian Elkhound puppies require consistent training and patience.
Old English Sheepdog: Old English Sheepdog puppies require consistent training and patience.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Norwegian Elkhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Norwegian Elkhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | N/A | 56+ cm cm |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Large | Extra Large |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years | 10–12 years |
| Litter Size | 4-8 | 4-8 |
Norwegian Elkhound Coat
Old English Sheepdog Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Norwegian Elkhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | conformity to physical standards; may have slightly lower drive but still retain the barking instinc | massive, profuse coats that are nearly impossible for a pet owner to maintain without cutting |
| Origin | N/A | predators |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Norwegian Elkhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Varies | Varies |
| Whelping Difficulty | Medium | Medium |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Norwegian Elkhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Norwegian Elkhound Health Issues
Old English Sheepdog Health Issues
Norwegian Elkhound Suggested Tests
- OFA Hips
- OFA Eyes (annually)
- Fanconi urine screen
- Thyroid panel
Old English Sheepdog Suggested Tests
- OFA/PennHIP certificates (Hip Dysplasia)
- DNA test for MDR1
- DNA test for PCD
- Annual CAER ophthalmologist exams (Hereditary Cataracts)
- Thyroid panel (Hypothyroidism)
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Norwegian Elkhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Norwegian Elkhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Food Allergies |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Norwegian Elkhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | Low | Low |
| Anal Gland Issues | Occasional | Occasional |
Senior Care & Aging
Norwegian Elkhound Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Old English Sheepdog Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Grooming & Care
Norwegian Elkhound
high maintenanceOld English Sheepdog
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Norwegian Elkhound Daily Life
Old English Sheepdog Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Norwegian Elkhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 50lbs | Under 50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Norwegian Elkhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | Medium |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Norwegian Elkhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Norwegian Elkhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Norwegian Elkhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | N/A | N/A |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,000–$2,500 | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Norwegian Elkhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $100–$160 | $100–$180 |
| Yearly Range | $1,200–$1,920 | $1,200–$2,160 |
| Food / Month | $60-90 | $70-120 |
| Insurance / Month | $40-70 | N/A |
| Grooming / Session | $0-50 | $100-150 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $500-800 | N/A |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Norwegian Elkhound Lifetime Cost
N/A
Old English Sheepdog Lifetime Cost
N/A
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Norwegian Elkhound | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| 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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