Norwegian ElkhoundVSRottweiler

The Norwegian Elkhound is known for being bold, loyal, hardy, while the Rottweiler is typically described as loyal, confident, protective. 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 Rottweiler is quieter at 3/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Rottweiler may be the better choice.

The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium breed standing 47–52 cm (19–20 in) tall and weighing 20–27 kg (44–60 lbs). In comparison, the Rottweiler is a large breed at 56–69 cm (22–27 in) and 36–60 kg (79–132 lbs).

There's a significant size difference between these two breeds. The Rottweiler is considerably heavier, which means higher food costs and the need for more physical space. The Norwegian Elkhound's smaller frame makes it easier to handle and transport.

The Norwegian Elkhound has a medium coat available in gray, silver gray, black-tipped gray, while the Rottweiler sports a short coat in black and mahogany, black and tan, black and rust. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Norwegian Elkhound has high energy (4/5) with high exercise needs (4/5). The Rottweiler has high energy (4/5) and high exercise needs (4/5).

Both breeds have similar exercise requirements, so your daily activity routine won't change much regardless of which you choose. Plan for regular walks and play sessions to keep either breed content.

When it comes to shedding, the Norwegian Elkhound drops more fur with a shedding level of 5/5, while the Rottweiler is lighter at 3/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Rottweiler will be easier to live with.

The Norwegian Elkhound demands more grooming attention with a score of 3/5, while the Rottweiler is lower-maintenance at 2/5. The Norwegian Elkhound's medium coat requires regular brushing and professional grooming sessions, adding to the overall cost of ownership.

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

The Norwegian Elkhound has a lifespan of 12–15 years, while the Rottweiler lives 8–10 years. The Norwegian Elkhound tends to live longer on average.

In terms of overall health robustness, the Norwegian Elkhound scores 4/5 compared to the Rottweiler's 3/5. The Norwegian Elkhound is generally a hardier breed with fewer genetic health concerns.

Common health issues for the Norwegian Elkhound include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, Fanconi syndrome, hypothyroidism. The Rottweiler is prone to hip dysplasia, osteosarcoma, bloat, heart disease. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $500 for the Norwegian Elkhound and $600 for the Rottweiler. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Training comes more naturally with the Rottweiler, which scores 4/5 for trainability. The Norwegian Elkhound's score of 3/5 means you may need more patience and consistency to see results.

The Rottweiler 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.

The Rottweiler is the more intelligent of the two, scoring 5/5 to the Norwegian Elkhound's 4/5. This means the Rottweiler generally picks up new commands faster and is better at figuring things out independently. On the flip side, their sharp mind needs regular engagement through puzzle toys, training games, and varied activities to prevent behavioral issues.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The Norwegian Elkhound leans toward instinctive intelligence — naturally excelling at the tasks their breed was designed for, like guarding or herding. The Rottweiler, on the other hand, shows strong working intelligence — thriving when given a job to do and learning structured tasks quickly.

The Rottweiler'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.

For families with children, the Norwegian Elkhound is the stronger choice, scoring 4/5 for kid-friendliness compared to the Rottweiler's 3/5. The Norwegian Elkhound's bold nature makes it a natural fit for households with young ones.

If you have other pets, the Norwegian Elkhound tends to get along better with other dogs (3/5) than the Rottweiler (2/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Norwegian Elkhound is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The Norwegian Elkhound is more welcoming to strangers (3/5), while the Rottweiler 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 Norwegian Elkhound ranges from $1,000–$2,000, while a Rottweiler typically costs $1,000–$3,000. The Rottweiler is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,250 for the Norwegian Elkhound and $1,590 for the Rottweiler. The Rottweiler costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $50 for the Norwegian Elkhound and $70 for the Rottweiler. 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.