Leonberger vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison

Leonberger vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed ComparisonLeonberger is originated from Germany but Black Norwegian Elkhound is originated from Norway. Leonberger may grow 31 cm / 13 inches higher than Black Norwegian Elkhound. Leonberger may weigh 57 kg / 126 pounds more than Black Norwegian Elkhound. Leonberger may live 5 years less than Black Norwegian Elkhound. Leonberger may have more litter size than Black Norwegian Elkhound. Leonberger requires Moderate maintenance. But Black Norwegian Elkhound requires Low maintenance

History

leonberger - historyHailing from Germany, and more specifically the city of Leonberg, the Leonberger is a giant dog breed.

A resident of Leonberg, Germany, was looking to develop a dog that resembled a lion and in 1846 it was announced that such a dog had been developed by crossing a Newfoundland, Saint Bernard and Pyrenean Mountain dog.

It was after 2010, when the Leonberger Club of America joined the American Kennel Club, that the strict breeding rules were no longer mandatory for all Leonbergers.

black norwegian elkhound - historyThe Black Norwegian Elkhound was first bred in Norway in the early part of the 19th century as a smaller version of the Grey Norwegian Elkhound. The Black version is a Spitz and is very seldom seen anywhere in world but Norway. He is designed for the same job that the Grey Norwegian Elkhound performed. The difference is that the Black Norwegian is smaller, easier to see in the snow and ice of Norway and smaller than the Grey. It is a hunter, a herder, a guard dog and a watch dog. Because of the temperatures in Norway it was very important to have a hunting dog that was able to deal with the cold, the snow and the heavy fall rains in Norway and Scandinavia. The Black Norwegian Elkhound is a powerful and prideful dog. Much more so than the grey, he is independent and strongminded. It is highly intelligent and is one of the most ancient of breeds. He is more durable and more quarrelsome than his cousin the Grey Norwegian Elkhound or the more familiar Swedish Elkhound.

Ancestors of the Black date back to the first days human kind went hunting around 4000-5000BC. There have been skeletons of dogs very much like the Black Norwegian Elkhound found that dated back to that time period. They hunted and guarded for the Vikings and pulled sleds as well. They hunted deer, moose, badger, elk, mountain lions, bears, wolves, lynx, rabbit and reindeer. They are trackers who hold their quarry at bay by barking until the hunter can find them. Today they serve as loved family pets and guard dogs. In a National Emergency the leader of Norway can call up all the privately-owned elkhounds of any kind and assign them to work in a variety of sledding duties. Within the FCI, the Black Norwegian Elkhound is classified as a primitive Nordic hunting dog.

Description

leonberger puppy - descriptionAs a giant breed, the Leonberger stands at between 65cm and 80cm in height. He weighs a hefty 40 – 77kg both males and females.

These dogs are described as being dimorphic. It means that there is quite a difference in the looks of the males and females, with the male dogs being heftier and larger than the females.

The head of the dog is large, he has almond-shaped, dark brown eyes and the ears are medium sized and floppy. The tail is long and he has webbed feet which makes him a good swimmer too.

The thick, double coat can be straight or wavy and comes in different colors such as reddish-brown, tan, sandy or yellowish and the hairs can be tipped with black. He sheds quite a bit so will need regular brushing.

The Leonberger can have between 6 – 14 puppies and these puppies are like big, fat, cuddly, fluffy teddy bears. Don’t be tempted to just buy one because of his wonderful looks because they turn out to be huge dogs that eat a lot and the coat can take quite a bit of effort to keep groomed.

Temperament:

Fondly referred to as the Leo, this giant beautiful dog is social and in spite of his size, he should never be left alone in the backyard for long periods of time. He needs to come indoors from time to time to enjoy some interaction with his human family.

He is a family dog, and with training and socialization, he becomes a well-rounded, confident, obedient pet, quiet and content and sensitive to his owner’s moods.

Even though he becomes a great family pet, you need to think twice before you decide to own one of these large dogs as he can be costly to feed.

black norwegian elkhound puppy - descriptionThe Black Norwegian Elkhound is a short compact Spitz with dark eyes and a curly tail. It is the coat that sets this dog apart. It is an all-weather coat suitable for the cold, the snow and the rain of Norway. Ears are pointed and erect while the head is wedged and broad. His head is almost like that of a wolf. Its body is strong and compact. Its coat is coarse, short and double. He has a broad black nose with a straight bridge and with black lips and dark brown oval eyes. His legs and withers are strong boned and powerful with well padded feet to protect it from the freezing temperatures of Scandinavia.

Characteristics

leonberger dog - characteristicsDon’t be deceived by the looks of the big Leonberger because he isn’t aggressive, but quiet and calm. Large he may be, but he isn’t sluggish either and he will certainly require exercise such as a long, fairly lively walk every day.

They’re intelligent dogs too and respond well to socialization and training. He is a social dog and wants to enjoy plenty of interaction with his human family members.

These dogs are often used as rescue- and therapy dogs as they are so loving and sensitive. Give him lots of love and good care and you’re going to have the most wonderful pet that lives up to the saying – dogs are man’s best friend.

black norwegian elkhound dog - characteristicsThis dog was made for families. He loves children and is not a one person dogs. He gets attached to everyone in the family. However, he is smart and stubborn. He loves to join in with whatever the family is doing but he does it to please himself not his owner. He loves, loves, loves to play and has the stamina to do so all day long. He is agile, bold, independent, strong, curious and loyal. His loyalty can be territorial, and he can become protective of his home and his family. This makes him an excellent watchdog until your friends come to visit and he won’t let them in the house. You need a high fence to keep him safe in your own yard and away from strangers and even guests till he gets to know them.He tends to be dominant and aggressive with other dogs. They also have strong hunting instincts.

Health Problems

leonberger puppies - health problemsLeonbergers are strong, generally healthy dogs. It is said that very large dogs like this don’t live as long as smaller dogs and they also face more health issues. Orthopedic issues such as hip dysplasia are more common with large breeds.

Hip Dysplasia:

An orthopedic problem like this is a misalignment of a joint. This large dog also tends to develop elbow dysplasia too. Fortunately today, hip- and elbow dysplasia is controlled because of efforts of breeders to have their Leonbergers screened.

Nonetheless it is important to know about this ailment. The word ‘Dysplasia’ is referring to an abnormality of development. With both hip- and elbow dysplasia, there is abnormal development of the joints, and osteoarthritis can build up, causing lameness for your giant canine.

Cancer:

Cancer is sadly a leading cause of death in dogs over the age of 10 years. Lymphoma is a blood-related cancer – a tumor of the lymph nodes. Dogs can develop different forms of lymphoma. The warning signs are a lump or a wound that won’t heal, swelling in the bone and abnormal bleeding.

Luckily cancer is very treatable in dogs, but you need to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible.

black norwegian elkhound puppies - health problemsThe Black Norwegian Elkhound is a strong and hardy dog, though he is susceptible to some of the problems many breeds face. These include issues with luxating patella, optical entropion, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and Fanconi syndrome. The most serious of these is the Fanconi Syndrome which is an abnormal functioning in the tubules of the kidneys. This can be a life-threatening situation.

Caring The Pet

leonberger dogs - caringThat long coat of the Leonberger is going to require some brushing at least twice a week. He is also a moderate shedder and you want to get rid of all that loose hair and to keep him looking well groomed.

Diet:

A proper, nutritious diet is an essential part of having healthy, happy dogs and if you’re unsure about how to feed your giant pet, speak to your veterinarian.

The best diet for dogs is always very debatable, but essentially it needs to be kept simple. Try and invest in the very best commercially manufactured dog food for large breeds. Every dog wants a tasty home-made morsel from time to time. Add in cooked chicken, brown rice as well as cooked or raw vegetables. Raw meat can also be added in from time to time.

You want to avoid feeding the Leonberger puppy a high protein diet as this encourages rapid growth and you want to avoid that.

black norwegian elkhound dogs - caringThis is an energetic active dog, or she should be. Feed her high nutritious food twice a day. Do not overfeed.

The most potentially troublesome health issue is Fanconi Syndrome. This kidney disorder can impact the of the body’s absorption of electrolytes, water and nutrients. These nutrients include Sodium, Potassium, Glucose, Phosphate, Amino Acids and Phosphate

The Black Norwegian Elkhound loves to play, and they love to work. Exercise is vital, but it must be one of those two things – play or work. Don’t leave him alone to figure it out for himself or you wont like what this intelligent dog decides to do. She needs a large yard, a long walk daily but jogging with you is even better. Make him heel when on leash or he will think he oversees you. These are roaming dogs who will follow a scent anywhere and ignore your commands for her to come to you. They are better off on a leash unless you are in a dog park or a fenced yard.

The Black Norwegian Elkhound is great at all dog athletics, games and sports such as agility, rally obedience, flyball, tracking, herding.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Germany
Norway
Height Male:
65 - 80 cm
25 - 32 inches
44 - 49 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
65 - 80 cm
25 - 32 inches
43 - 46 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
40 - 77 kg
88 - 170 pounds
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
40 - 77 kg
88 - 170 pounds
16 - 19 kg
35 - 42 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 10 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 14
4 - 6
Size:
Giant dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Gentle Leo, Leo, Gentle Giant
Norsk Elghund Svart Norsk Elghund Black Black Elkhound Norwegian Moose Dog (black)
Colors Available:
sandy or yellowish, tan, Reddish-brown
black
Coat:
Thick double-coat - straight or wavy
Dense, short double coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Alert, Curious, Intelligent, Loyal, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  2. Collie vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  3. Dutch Shepherd vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  4. English Shepherd vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  5. Catahoula Cur vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  6. Catalan Sheepdog vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  7. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  8. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  9. Queensland Heeler vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  10. German Coolie vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  11. Croatian Sheepdog vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  12. Red Heeler vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  13. New Zealand Huntaway vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  14. Norwegian Buhund vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  15. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  16. Mudi vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  17. Schapendoes vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  18. Nenets Herding Laika vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  19. Scotch Collie vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  20. Smithfield vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  21. Smooth Collie vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  22. Spanish Water Dog vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  23. Swedish Lapphund vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  24. Swedish Vallhund vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  25. Thai Bangkaew vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  26. Newfoundland Dog vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  27. Leonberger vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Leonberger vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  29. Leonberger vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  30. Leonberger vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  31. Leonberger vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  32. Leonberger vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Leonberger vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  34. Pyrenean Mastiff vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  35. Moscow Watchdog vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  36. Spanish Mastiff vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  37. St. Bernard vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  38. Moscow Water Dog vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  39. Neapolitan Mastiff vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  40. Leonberger vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  41. Leonberger vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  42. Leonberger vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  43. Leonberger vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  44. Leonberger vs Irish Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  45. Leonberger vs Francais Blanc et Orange - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds