Queensland Heeler vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison

Queensland Heeler vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed ComparisonQueensland Heeler is originated from Australia but Norwegian Elkhound is originated from Norway. Both Queensland Heeler and Norwegian Elkhound are having almost same height. Both Queensland Heeler and Norwegian Elkhound are having almost same weight. Both Queensland Heeler and Norwegian Elkhound has same life span. Queensland Heeler may have less litter size than Norwegian Elkhound. Queensland Heeler requires Low maintenance. But Norwegian Elkhound requires Moderate maintenance

History

queensland heeler - historyAnother name for Queensland Heeler is Australian Cattle Dog or Blue Heeler.

These dogs have always been known for herding cattle. The term ‘Heeler’ comes from the dog’s working style – nipping and biting at the cattle’s hooves.

He was was an Australian cattle dog for Australian settlers in the 1800s. It is believed that Thomas Hall created one of the foundations of the Australian Cattle Dog breed by crossing crossing sheepdogs with Dingos.

The Blue-colored dogs have been the most popular, being known as the Blue Heeler.

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.

Description

queensland heeler puppy - descriptionThe Queensland Heeler is a medium sized dog that stands between 43 and 51cm in height, both male and female. The dog weighs in the region of 15 to 22kg.

He has a short double coat with colors being blue, mottled blue and also red speckled. You’ll also find black and tan coloring on this active dog.

He is strong, lean and muscular with medium sized ears that are erect. The eyes are dark and alert, the legs straight and strong. The tail can be docked or left long.

Temperament:

The Australian Cattle Dog is a high-energy working dog that you won’t easily find lying around. The alert eyes are consistently looking around for action and he can’t be bored otherwise he could resort to digging or other destructive behavior.

He is loving to his entire human family, but being particularly attached to just one family member. He is also protective, taking his guarding role of his family seriously.

He gets on well with children and other pets but you’ve just got to keep your eyes on him around children as when excited he can give a nip or two.

Training and socialization will be important for this dog, particularly because he can be strong-headed, willful and stubborn.

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.

Characteristics

queensland heeler dog - characteristicsActive, intelligent, feisty, brave, playful, loving – these are just some of the wonderful characteristics you get when you bring a Queensland Heeler into your home.

True, he is independent, self-willed and stubborn, but training and socialization can take away all the rough edges.

He forms a strong bond with his human owner, and once you’ve had one of these amazing dogs in your life, you’ll be convinced that dogs are truly man’s best friend.

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.

Health Problems

queensland heeler puppies - health problemsAustralian Cattle Dogs are healthy. Every dog, even the most healthiest breeds, can succumb to some of the common dog illnesses there are.

Deafness:

This is an inherited condition, so if you’re looking for a puppy, be careful about the breeder you buy from.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is another inherited condition where the thighbone of the dog doesn't fit properly into the hip joint. Your dog is usually so active but with this problem he may well be in pain and actually be lame. Your pet can even develop arthritis . The idea is to get your pet to the vet because it can be unbearable to see him in pain and unable to get around.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

This eye disease can mean deterioration of the retina. You'll recognize the signs when you see your dog unable to navigate around your home during the night. He is night blind but later on he can’t see during the day either.

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.

Caring The Pet

queensland heeler dogs - caringTo cope with his life on the Australian Outback, the Queensland Heeler is known to be a low maintenance dog.

The thick coat does shed and it can get dusty so a good brush twice a week is all that is basically required for this dog. If his nails don’t wear down naturally, you will need to have them trimmed. As with every dog, you will need to give attention to his ears and teeth.

Exercise:

This is an extremely active dog. He is going to be needing both mental and physical stimulation to avoid boredom, after all he is used to an active lifestyle herding cattle. Hikes, swimming, running – you name it – he’ll join you with all your activities.

Diet:

Your Queensland Heeler is such a vibrant dog, full of the joys of living, and you want to ensure he has good food to eat to ensure he stays like that.

For convenience you get some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods. Your Blue Heeler is such a wonderful companion dog that you want to spoil him a bit and give him some delicious home-made food too. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet – plain and simple just like dogs love it. Chop it up and add it into the high quality dry kibble a couple of times a week.

Some raw meat added in from time to time will help his skin and coat remain healthy. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Hound dog
Origin:
Australia
Norway
Height Male:
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
Height Female:
43 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 22 kg
33 - 49 pounds
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 22 kg
33 - 49 pounds
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 5
5 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Australian Cattle Dog, Blue Heeler
Norsk Elghund, Gray Norwegian Elkhound, Elk Dog, Norwegian Moose Dog
Colors Available:
mottled blue, Red speckled. Black and tan coloring , Blue
silver, white, Grey, cream
Coat:
Short, double coat
Short to medium length, dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Queensland Heeler vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  2. Queensland Heeler vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Queensland Heeler vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  4. Queensland Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. Queensland Heeler vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  6. Queensland Heeler vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  7. Queensland Heeler vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  8. Queensland Heeler vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Queensland Heeler vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  10. Queensland Heeler vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Queensland Heeler vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  12. Queensland Heeler vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  13. Queensland Heeler vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  14. Queensland Heeler vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  15. Queensland Heeler vs Pyrenean Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  16. Queensland Heeler vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  17. Queensland Heeler vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  18. Queensland Heeler vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. Queensland Heeler vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  20. Queensland Heeler vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  21. Queensland Heeler vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  22. Queensland Heeler vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  23. Queensland Heeler vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  24. Queensland Heeler vs New Zealand Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  25. Queensland Heeler vs Norwegian Buhund - 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