Australian Cattle DogVSNorwegian Elkhound

The Australian Cattle Dog is known for being loyal, alert, resourceful, while the Norwegian Elkhound is typically described as bold, loyal, hardy. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

Both breeds share a similar playfulness level at 4/5, so you can expect comparable levels of fun and games from either one.

Noise-wise, the Norwegian Elkhound is more vocal with a barking level of 4/5, while the Australian Cattle Dog is quieter at 3/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Australian Cattle Dog may be the better choice.

The Australian Cattle Dog is a medium breed standing 43–51 cm (17–20 in) tall and weighing 14–22 kg (31–49 lbs). In comparison, the Norwegian Elkhound is a medium breed at 47–52 cm (19–20 in) and 20–27 kg (44–60 lbs).

The Norwegian Elkhound is somewhat larger, though the difference isn't dramatic. Both breeds are manageable for most owners, but the size gap does affect food portions and space requirements.

The Australian Cattle Dog has a short coat available in blue, blue mottled, red speckled, while the Norwegian Elkhound sports a medium coat in gray, silver gray, black-tipped gray. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Australian Cattle Dog has very high energy (5/5) with very high exercise needs (5/5). The Norwegian Elkhound has high energy (4/5) and high exercise needs (4/5).

The Australian Cattle Dog requires more daily activity to stay happy and healthy. Without enough exercise, they may develop destructive behaviors. The Norwegian Elkhound is more adaptable and can get by with shorter walks and play sessions.

For apartment dwellers, the Norwegian Elkhound is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 2/5, compared to the Australian Cattle Dog's 1/5. The Australian Cattle Dog generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

The Norwegian Elkhound sheds more than the Australian Cattle Dog — 5/5 versus 3/5. You'll want to invest in a good lint roller and vacuum if you go with the Norwegian Elkhound.

Grooming-wise, the Norwegian Elkhound needs more upkeep (3/5) than the Australian Cattle Dog (2/5). The Norwegian Elkhound's medium coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $100 for the Australian Cattle Dog and $150 for the Norwegian Elkhound. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Australian Cattle Dog has a lifespan of 12–16 years, while the Norwegian Elkhound lives 12–15 years. The Australian Cattle Dog tends to live longer on average.

Both breeds score 4/5 for health robustness, meaning they share similar overall health profiles.

Common health issues for the Australian Cattle Dog include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, deafness, elbow dysplasia. The Norwegian Elkhound is prone to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, Fanconi syndrome, hypothyroidism. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $400 for the Australian Cattle Dog and $500 for the Norwegian Elkhound. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The Australian Cattle Dog is easier to train with a trainability score of 4/5, making it more suitable for first-time dog owners. The Norwegian Elkhound scores 3/5 and may require more patience and experience during training sessions.

The Australian Cattle Dog ranks higher in intelligence (5/5 vs 4/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

In terms of raw intelligence, the Australian Cattle Dog outranks the Norwegian Elkhound with a score of 5/5 compared to 4/5. The Australian Cattle Dog tends to learn new commands in fewer repetitions and shows stronger problem-solving ability in novel situations. However, higher intelligence doesn't always mean an easier dog to own — smarter breeds often demand more mental stimulation to avoid boredom-driven destructive behavior.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The Australian Cattle Dog leans toward working intelligence — excelling at tasks, following complex commands, and performing jobs they were bred for. The Norwegian Elkhound, on the other hand, shows strong instinctive intelligence — excelling at breed-specific tasks through natural instinct rather than learned behavior.

The Australian Cattle Dog's higher intelligence translates directly into better trainability (4/5 vs 3/5), making them both the quicker learner and the easier breed to train. This combination is ideal for owners who want a responsive, obedient companion.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

The Norwegian Elkhound edges ahead as a family dog, scoring 4/5 with children versus the Australian Cattle Dog's 3/5. The Norwegian Elkhound's bold temperament makes it especially patient around kids.

The Norwegian Elkhound is more welcoming to strangers (3/5), while the Australian Cattle Dog tends to be more reserved (2/5). If you frequently have guests, the Norwegian Elkhound's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Australian Cattle Dog ranges from $600–$2,000, while a Norwegian Elkhound typically costs $1,000–$2,000. The Norwegian Elkhound is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,040 for the Australian Cattle Dog and $1,250 for the Norwegian Elkhound. The Norwegian Elkhound costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $45 for the Australian Cattle Dog and $50 for the Norwegian Elkhound. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.