Australian ShepherdVSNorwegian Elkhound

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

When it comes to playfulness, the Australian Shepherd has the edge with a 5/5 rating compared to the Norwegian Elkhound's 4/5. If you're looking for a dog that's always ready for a game of fetch, the Australian Shepherd is your pick.

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

The Australian Shepherd is a medium breed standing 46–58 cm (18–23 in) tall and weighing 18–29 kg (40–64 lbs). In comparison, the Norwegian Elkhound is a medium breed at 47–52 cm (19–20 in) and 20–27 kg (44–60 lbs).

These two breeds are quite similar in size, so space and food requirements will be comparable for either choice.

The Australian Shepherd has a long coat available in blue merle, red merle, black, red, 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 Shepherd 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 Shepherd 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 Shepherd's 1/5. The Australian Shepherd generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

The Norwegian Elkhound sheds more than the Australian Shepherd — 5/5 versus 4/5. You'll want to invest in a good lint roller and vacuum if you go with the Norwegian Elkhound.

The Australian Shepherd demands more grooming attention with a score of 4/5, while the Norwegian Elkhound is lower-maintenance at 3/5. The Australian Shepherd's long coat requires regular brushing and professional grooming sessions, adding to the overall cost of ownership.

Annual grooming costs average around $200 for the Australian Shepherd and $150 for the Norwegian Elkhound. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Australian Shepherd has a lifespan of 13–15 years, while the Norwegian Elkhound lives 12–15 years. The Australian Shepherd 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 Shepherd include hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cataracts, MDR1 gene mutation. 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 $450 for the Australian Shepherd and $500 for the Norwegian Elkhound. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The Australian Shepherd is easier to train with a trainability score of 5/5, 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 Shepherd 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 Shepherd outranks the Norwegian Elkhound with a score of 5/5 compared to 4/5. The Australian Shepherd 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 Shepherd 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 Shepherd's higher intelligence translates directly into better trainability (5/5 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.

Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed can be a wonderful addition to a household with kids.

If you have other pets, the Australian Shepherd tends to get along better with other dogs (4/5) than the Norwegian Elkhound (3/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Australian Shepherd is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The initial purchase price for a Australian Shepherd ranges from $800–$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 $1,250 for the Australian Shepherd and $1,250 for the Norwegian Elkhound. Annual ownership costs are comparable.

Monthly food costs run about $50 for the Australian Shepherd 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.