KeeshondVSNorwegian Elkhound

The Keeshond is known for being outgoing, friendly, lively, 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.

The Keeshond is a medium breed standing 43–46 cm (17–18 in) tall and weighing 16–20 kg (35–44 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 Keeshond has a long coat available in gray, black, and cream mix, 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 Keeshond has moderate energy (3/5) with moderate exercise needs (3/5). The Norwegian Elkhound has high energy (4/5) and high exercise needs (4/5).

You'll need to dedicate more time to exercising the Norwegian Elkhound, which thrives on vigorous daily activity. The Keeshond is less demanding in this regard and settles more easily into a relaxed routine.

For apartment dwellers, the Keeshond is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 3/5, compared to the Norwegian Elkhound's 2/5. The Norwegian Elkhound generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

The Norwegian Elkhound sheds more than the Keeshond — 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 Keeshond demands more grooming attention with a score of 4/5, while the Norwegian Elkhound is lower-maintenance at 3/5. The Keeshond'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 Keeshond and $150 for the Norwegian Elkhound. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Keeshond has a lifespan of 12–15 years, while the Norwegian Elkhound lives 12–15 years. Both breeds have comparable lifespans.

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

Common health issues for the Keeshond include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, epilepsy, hyperparathyroidism. 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 $500 for the Keeshond and $500 for the Norwegian Elkhound. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The Keeshond 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.

Both breeds match in intelligence at 4/5, so expect similar learning speeds and mental stimulation needs from either choice.

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.

Both the Keeshond and Norwegian Elkhound score 4/5 for intelligence, putting them on equal footing mentally. They'll learn commands at similar speeds and need comparable amounts of mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The Keeshond leans toward adaptive intelligence — reading human emotions, adapting to new environments, and solving unfamiliar problems. The Norwegian Elkhound, on the other hand, shows strong instinctive intelligence — excelling at breed-specific tasks through natural instinct rather than learned behavior.

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.

For families with children, the Keeshond is the stronger choice, scoring 5/5 for kid-friendliness compared to the Norwegian Elkhound's 4/5. The Keeshond's outgoing nature makes it a natural fit for households with young ones.

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

The Keeshond is more welcoming to strangers (4/5), while the Norwegian Elkhound tends to be more reserved (3/5). If you frequently have guests, the Keeshond's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Keeshond ranges from $1,000–$2,000, while a Norwegian Elkhound typically costs $1,000–$2,000. Both breeds have similar purchase prices.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,240 for the Keeshond 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 Keeshond 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.