Norwegian Elkhound vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Norwegian Elkhound vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed ComparisonNorwegian Elkhound is originated from Norway but Entlebucher Mountain Dog is originated from Switzerland. Both Norwegian Elkhound and Entlebucher Mountain Dog are having almost same height. Both Norwegian Elkhound and Entlebucher Mountain Dog are having almost same weight. Both Norwegian Elkhound and Entlebucher Mountain Dog has almost same life span. Both Norwegian Elkhound and Entlebucher Mountain Dog has almost same litter size. Both Norwegian Elkhound and Entlebucher Mountain Dog requires Moderate maintenance.

History

norwegian elkhound - historyThe Norwegian Elkhound is an ancient spitz-type dog breed hailing from Norway and with a history that goes back thousands of years.

These dogs have been used as hunting dogs and have been able to bring down game such as Elk, bears, wolves, badgers and reindeer. They have also been used to guard livestock.

The Norwegian Elkhound was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913.

entlebucher mountain dog - historyThe Entlebucher Mountain Dog is the smallest of the Swiss Mountain Dogs, but he is still a powerful dog used to herd cattle. The four breeds are the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, the Appenzeller Mountain Dog and the Entlebucher. It was though that these dogs came to Switzerland with the Romans over 2 centuries ago. The Entlebucher was put to work guarding and herding sheep, pulling carts and flocking cattle. Toward the end of the 19th century the breed was on the edge of extinction because many were breeding them with German Shepherds. So, Franz Schertenleib, in 1889 brought all the existing Entlebuchers together and bred them. He is credited with keeping the breed alive.

It is believed that the breed comes originally from a valley in the District of Cantons Lucerne and Berne, called Entlebuch. They were considered the same breed as the Appenzell Cattle Dog until 1913 when they were classified as a Mountain Dog – the fourth breed of Mountain Dog. The AKC did not recognize the breed until 2011.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Working dog
Origin:
Norway
Switzerland
Height Male:
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
48 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
Height Female:
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
46 - 48 cm
18 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
20 - 30 kg
44 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
18 - 28 kg
39 - 62 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
11 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
6 - 12
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Norsk Elghund, Gray Norwegian Elkhound, Elk Dog, Norwegian Moose Dog
Entlebucher Mountain Dog Entlebucher Cattle Dog Entlebucher
Colors Available:
silver, white, Grey, cream
tricolor
Coat:
Short to medium length, dense
thick double coat
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Protective, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

norwegian elkhound puppy - descriptionThe Norwegian Elkhound is a medium to large sized dog standing at roughly 45 to 55cm in height and weighing anything fro 18 to 25 kilogams.

People love this dog because of his beautiful wolf-like face and bright eyes. The head is broad and wedge-shaped, the eyes dark brown, the ears stand erect and the bush tail curls over the dog's back.

The double coat has different shades of gray and silver with cream and white shades on the undercoat.

He is a moderate shedder with some seasonal shedding.

Temperament:

The Norwegian Elkhound is a high energy dog who loves to be busy and he also makes a loving and loyal companion towards his human family. He tends to be a little bit reserved around strangers.

He is an independent dog so so its a good idea to have him trained and socialized so that he is always obedient. He is an intelligent dog so you won’t battle to teach him.

He gets on well with children in the home. He however, can be a little bit aggressive with other dogs, but not if he was brought up with them as a puppy. Adventurous and active, he just loves spending time outdoors. It's why he is best suited to life in the countryside as opposed to the city and also prefers cooler climates.

tion

entlebucher mountain dog puppy - descriptionThe Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a muscular, compact, and medium sized dog. Their heads are square, and the skull is flat. He has dark eyes that are alert and expressive in a friendly way. Their ears are triangular and hang on the side of his head. With compact feet, a muscular body and well angled hocks, he is a good looking dog and ready for his jobs.

His coat is striking, and it is familiar in its closeness to the other Mountain Dogs coats. Yet he has some distinctive differences that tell you this is not a Bernese or a Swiss, it is an Entlebucher.

Characteristics

norwegian elkhound dog - characteristicsYour Norwegian Elkhound makes an awesome pet. He is full of the joys of living and wants to be an active member of his human family.

He is active and always ready for some fun and games. He is also intelligent and will make an even better pet when he has been trained and socialized.

Those who have owned one of these beautiful dogs will always say how they adore this beautiful, smart, loving canine friend of theirs.

entlebucher mountain dog dog - characteristicsThe Entle is a happy, clever dog that needs a job. They are intelligent and physical. They love people and throw themselves at you when they see you. They are loving and loyal but again he has to have a job.

He makes a great watchdog, therapy dog or companion for your children. He only barks when he has to but is wary of strangers and he is territorial.

Health Problems

norwegian elkhound puppies - health problemsYour beautiful Norwegian Elkhound can reach 15 years of age if you look after him well and he manages to avoid some of the common dog diseases there are.

There are some dog illnesses that are good to be aware of -

Glaucoma:

This is an eye condition where there is pressure that builds up in the eye. There is a problem with the drainage of fluid in the eye and this is what causes the pressure and there can be damage to the optic nerve.

Pyotraumatic Dermatitis:

This is a skin condition that causes inflammation and is often seen in dogs like the Norwegian Elkhound who have thick coats.

Hip Dysplasia:

A common disease seen in many dog breeds, young and old, and which is a malfunction of the hip joints, causing problems with your dog’s mobility.

The Entlebucher is prone to:

Hip Dysplasia

entlebucher mountain dog puppies - health problemsCommon to large dogs. Can cause lameness and arthritis.

Hemolytic Anemia

The immune system destroys its own blood cells.

PRA – Progressive Retinal Atrophy

This is inherited and causes degeneration of the retina. There is new medication for this.

Caring The Pet

norwegian elkhound dogs - caringAs a spitz type dog, the Norwegian Elkhound is an energetic dog who will need lots of physical activity.

He has a very thick coat so make sure he doesn’t overheat during exercise as he has been used to living in wintry climates.

Brush and Check for Ticks:

Your pet will shed some of that thick hair so he will need to be brushed at least twice a week to keep the coat in tip top condition. At the same time check him over for ticks and fleas. How often you see ticks on your dog will depend on where you live. These parasites attach to your dog and feed on his blood.They are capable of causing many diseases in your pet, one of which is Lyme disease, a disease which can lead to arthritis and swelling with your dog’s joints.

The best way to prevent any disease from weakening your pet is to get him to the vet as soon as possible. A good way to prevent ticks is to speak to your vet about tick control products.

Diet:

Make sure he has the best food to ensure health and happiness. Keep his meals simple – no exotic, spicy foods that can upset his stomach.

A high quality kibble brand for energetic dogs is a wise choice and some tasty home-made food added in occasionally. This can be boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables. Never leave him without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Feeding

entlebucher mountain dog dogs - caringThe Entlebucher Mountain Dog is a large working dog. He needs good solid food, but he doesn’t need to be overfed. Give him about 2-3 cups per day fed in 2-3 meals. Be careful of Bloat in the large dog.

Health issues

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog is prone to these issues as well as those mentioned earlier.

  1. Entlebucher Urinary Syndrome
  2. The Ureter is misplaced.
  3. Luxating Patellas
  4. Movable kneecaps
  5. Exercise and games

Entlebucher Mountain Dogs love to play, to work and to exercise. They are great with people who want to walk them every day, run with them, ride bikes or hike. They can play for hours or work for hours. They need a lot of activity every day and excel at tracking, obedience, herding and agility.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  2. Great Pyrenees vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Presa Canario vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  4. Labrador Husky vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. Giant Schnauzer vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  6. Goldador vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  7. Mackenzie River Husky vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. German Longhaired Pointer vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  9. Pyredoodle vs Entlebucher Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  10. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  11. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  12. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  13. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  14. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  16. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  17. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  18. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  19. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  20. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  21. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  23. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  24. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  25. Entlebucher Mountain Dog vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  26. Pharaoh Hound vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  27. Redbone Coonhound vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  28. Norwegian Elkhound vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  29. Norwegian Elkhound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  30. Norwegian Elkhound vs Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  31. Norwegian Elkhound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  32. Norwegian Elkhound vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  33. Norwegian Elkhound vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  34. Norwegian Elkhound vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  35. Norwegian Elkhound vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  36. Norwegian Elkhound vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  37. Norwegian Elkhound vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Norwegian Elkhound vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  39. Norwegian Elkhound vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  40. Norwegian Elkhound vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  41. Norwegian Elkhound vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  42. Norwegian Elkhound vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  43. Norwegian Elkhound vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  44. Norwegian Elkhound vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  45. Norwegian Elkhound vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  46. Norwegian Elkhound vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  47. Norwegian Elkhound vs Grand Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  48. Norwegian Elkhound vs Hamiltonstovare - Breed Comparison
  49. Norwegian Elkhound vs Beago - Breed Comparison
  50. Norwegian Elkhound vs Kanni - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds