Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Black Norwegian Elkhound vs Australian Shepherd - Breed ComparisonBlack Norwegian Elkhound is originated from Norway but Australian Shepherd is originated from United States. Black Norwegian Elkhound may grow 9 cm / 3 inches shorter than Australian Shepherd. Black Norwegian Elkhound may weigh 12 kg / 26 pounds lesser than Australian Shepherd. Both Black Norwegian Elkhound and Australian Shepherd has same life span. Black Norwegian Elkhound may have less litter size than Australian Shepherd. Black Norwegian Elkhound requires Low maintenance. But Australian Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance

History

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.

australian shepherd - historyThe Australian Shepherd, known fondly as ‘Aussies’, is actually an American breed, with the first official registry being in the 1950s. Basque Shepherds from Spain settled in Australia at the end of the 19th century, later moving to the United Stated with their dogs in tow. It is from these dogs that the breed originated. In the UK too, this breed of dog has many enthusiastic followers.

For many years, the Australian Shepherd has been recognized for their wonderful abilities as stock- or herding dogs, and today in Australia they continue to work as stock dogs and often take part in herding trials.

More recently, this working dog breed has been selectively bred to develop both Toy- and Miniature Aussies, and the American Stock Dog Registry actually recognizes 3 sizes today.The Australian Shepherd Club of America was also founded in 1957 to promote the breed.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Herding dogs
Origin:
Norway
United States
Height Male:
44 - 49 cm
17 - 20 inches
51 - 58 cm
20 - 23 inches
Height Female:
43 - 46 cm
16 - 19 inches
46 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 19 kg
35 - 42 pounds
16 - 30 kg
35 - 67 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
6 - 9
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Norsk Elghund Svart Norsk Elghund Black Black Elkhound Norwegian Moose Dog (black)
Aussie
Colors Available:
black
Tri-colour - blue, blue merle, black and red merle, white markings
Coat:
Dense, short double coat
thick - medium length - straight to wavy
Shedding:
Seasonal
Constant
Temperament:
Alert, Curious, Intelligent, Loyal, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

Description

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.

Coat

australian shepherd puppy - descriptionSimilar in appearance to the Border Collie, the Australian Shepherd is a medium sized dog and has a medium length coat which is straight to wavy with a weather resistant undercoat. The range of coat colours is amazing, and you’ll find blue, blue merle, black and red merle and all of these are with or without tan points. The Australian Shepherd is a drop-eared breed where prick ears are sometimes seen. Some Aussies are born with naturally bobbed tails while most have full, long tails.

Different Eye Colour Combinations

There is variety in the eye colour too, and they are often heterochromatic, which means that they can have two different coloured eyes or the one eye can even be bi-coloured. Most times the eyes are brown, but they can be blue too.

Characteristics

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.

australian shepherd dog - characteristicsThe Australian Shepherd is an intelligent dog, learning quickly. As a herding dog, he also has strong guarding instincts and will make a good watch dog. The dog has a balanced, even disposition, and even though he may show some reserve, he is certainly not a shy dog and isn’t aggressive.

He Craves Human Companionship

Your Aussie is a kind, loving, and devoted pet. He loves his human family and wants to spend lots of time with them. Don’t leave him without human companionship as he craves it and forms strong bonds with his family. Provide him with good care and with lots of fun and games and you’ve got an exceptional friend for life.

Health Problems

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.

australian shepherd puppies - health problemsAussies are a healthy breed and won’t cost you a fortune at the vet. However, like every other breed, they are also prone to certain health conditions such as cancer. When choosing a puppy, always look for a good, reputable breeder who can show you health clearances.

We look at some common health ailments to be alert about

Hip Dysplasia

This is a dog ailment that can be inherited. It is where the femur doesn't fit properly into the pelvic socket of the hip joint. Also, as the dog ages, arthritis can develop.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy an hereditary disorder where the seizures your dog gets can be treated and controlled.

Osteochondrosis Dissecans, commonly known as OCD is an orthopedic condition which comes about because of improper growth of cartilage in the joints. It can cause painful stiffening of the elbow joint for instance.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy or PRA is a degenerative eye disorder that can finally lead to blindness. Reputable Aussie dog breeders have their dogs' eyes certified regularly by a veterinary ophthalmologist.

Your Aussie Puppy Needs Vaccinations

Your newborn Australian Shepherd may well be strong and healthy, but he isn’t immune from life-threatening illnesses. Vaccinations are imperative for your Aussie puppy, with vets usually recommending that puppies be vaccinated for the first time from 6 to 8 weeks of age.

These vaccinations will include the 5-in-one and includes Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis and Parainfluenza. Later on the puppy will get his first rabies shot and he will also require booster vaccinations.

Caring The Pet

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.

General Grooming

australian shepherd dogs - caringWith his medium length coat, the Australian Shepherd sheds. In fact this particular breed sheds his hair the entire year round, but you’ll notice that with the arrival of Spring, he sheds more as this is when he is losing his Winter coat. You will most certainly need to brush his coat at least 2x a week to get rid of all those tufts of hair and to also prevent matting.

Feeding

A puppy will need 4 bowls of vet-recommended food a day. How much your adult Australian Shepherd gets will depend on his age, size and activity levels.The quality of food you buy will make a difference as it will keep your Aussie in good shape. Remember to include raw or cooked meat into his diet once a week or so. For more on feeding your Aussie, speak to your vet. Always ensure a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Training and Socialization

The Australian Shepherd is a strong willed dog, used to playing the dominant role with the herding of livestock. He’ll need firm training and socialization if you want to make him an amicable family pet.

Like many herding dogs, Australian Shepherds are loyal to their family and don’t easily take to strangers. Aussies make awesome companions for families with kids who have been taught how to treat dogs and other pets with kindness and gentleness. Just like a dog needs socialization, a child needs to respect a sleeping, feeding dog and to leave him in peace.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  2. Australian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Australian Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  4. Australian Shepherd vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  5. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  6. Bearded Collie vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  7. Collie vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  8. Dutch Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Blue Healer vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  10. English Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Australian Collie vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  12. Catahoula Cur vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  13. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  14. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  15. Bergamasco vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  16. Berger Picard vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  17. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  18. Queensland Heeler vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  19. German Coolie vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  20. Bohemian Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  21. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Red Heeler vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  23. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  24. Blue Lacy vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. New Zealand Huntaway vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  26. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  27. Collie vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  28. Dutch Shepherd vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  29. English Shepherd vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  30. Catahoula Cur vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  31. Catalan Sheepdog vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  32. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  33. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  34. Queensland Heeler vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  35. German Coolie vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  36. Croatian Sheepdog vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  37. Red Heeler vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  38. New Zealand Huntaway vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  39. Norwegian Buhund vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  40. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  41. Mudi vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  42. Schapendoes vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  43. Nenets Herding Laika vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  44. Scotch Collie vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  45. Smithfield vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  46. Smooth Collie vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  47. Spanish Water Dog vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  48. Swedish Lapphund vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  49. Swedish Vallhund vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  50. Thai Bangkaew vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds