Norwegian Elkhound vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed Comparison

Norwegian Elkhound vs Kerry Blue Terrier - Breed ComparisonKerry Blue Terrier is originated from Ireland but Norwegian Elkhound is originated from Norway. Both Kerry Blue Terrier and Norwegian Elkhound are having almost same height. Kerry Blue Terrier may weigh 7 kg / 15 pounds lesser than Norwegian Elkhound. Both Kerry Blue Terrier and Norwegian Elkhound has same life span. Both Kerry Blue Terrier and Norwegian Elkhound has almost same litter size. Both Kerry Blue Terrier and Norwegian Elkhound requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Hound dog
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Ireland
Norway
Height Male:
44 - 51 cm
17 - 21 inches
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
Height Female:
44 - 51 cm
17 - 21 inches
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 18 kg
33 - 40 pounds
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 18 kg
33 - 40 pounds
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
5 - 10
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Irish Blue Terrier
Norsk Elghund, Gray Norwegian Elkhound, Elk Dog, Norwegian Moose Dog
Colors Available:
blackish, grey, Blue
silver, white, Grey, cream
Coat:
Soft, wavy to curly, dense
Short to medium length, dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

kerry blue terrierThe Kerry Blue Terrier hails from Ireland, with the name of the dog coming from a place known as County Kerry, and Blue being the color of the dog's coat.

The Kerry Blue was originally bred to control rats, rabbits and otters and was actually a working dog for a host of different jobs.

It was in 1922 that the United States Kerry Blue Terrier Club was founded and recognized by the AKC in 1924.

norwegian elkhoundThe Norwegian Elkhound is an ancient spitz-type dog breed hailing from Norway and with a history that goes back thousands of years.

These dogs have been used as hunting dogs and have been able to bring down game such as Elk, bears, wolves, badgers and reindeer. They have also been used to guard livestock.

The Norwegian Elkhound was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1913.

Description

kerry blue terrier puppy - descriptionThe Kerry Blue is a small dog standing at between 44 to 51cm and weighing anything between 15 and 18kg. He has dark eyes which give him that typical alert Terrier expression.

The ears are small and are carried up before flopping down. The high-set tail has always been customarily docked, giving him a compact, jaunty appearance but these days, the tail tends to be left long, curling somewhat over the back.

He has a coat which is quite wavy or curly and comes in different shades of grey or blue, while the puppies are born black, gradually becoming more blue. The dog is considered to be hypoallergenic as it doesn't shed a lot.

Temperament:

Kerry Blue Terriers are strong willed dogs, but with training and socialization they respond well to instructions such as sit, come, lie-down and stay. As a Terrier breed he is feisty, lively, strong-willed, stubborn, independent and impulsive. They are loyal and affectionate towards their owners and are amicable with children and pets in the home.

Training and socialization develops a balanced attitude around his human family, other animals in the home and around strangers. He is an active dog too so whether he lives in the city or the countryside, he will require a lot of exercise as he is full of life.

You can’t just put him in the backyard and forget about him. He is an intelligent, social dog who will only do well when he is counted in as a family member.

norwegian elkhound puppy - descriptionThe Norwegian Elkhound is a medium to large sized dog standing at roughly 45 to 55cm in height and weighing anything fro 18 to 25 kilogams.

People love this dog because of his beautiful wolf-like face and bright eyes. The head is broad and wedge-shaped, the eyes dark brown, the ears stand erect and the bush tail curls over the dog's back.

The double coat has different shades of gray and silver with cream and white shades on the undercoat.

He is a moderate shedder with some seasonal shedding.

Temperament:

The Norwegian Elkhound is a high energy dog who loves to be busy and he also makes a loving and loyal companion towards his human family. He tends to be a little bit reserved around strangers.

He is an independent dog so so its a good idea to have him trained and socialized so that he is always obedient. He is an intelligent dog so you won’t battle to teach him.

He gets on well with children in the home. He however, can be a little bit aggressive with other dogs, but not if he was brought up with them as a puppy. Adventurous and active, he just loves spending time outdoors. It's why he is best suited to life in the countryside as opposed to the city and also prefers cooler climates.

Characteristics

kerry blue terrier dog - characteristicsWhen you bring a Kerry Blue Terrier into your home and your life, you’re going to have a jaunty, lively, comical pet in your home, as he certainly has the reputation of making people laugh.

He is such an intelligent dog too and has no difficulty with learning new tricks. He takes his role of watchdog seriously too, as he loves his human family and wants to be looking out for them.

When you bring a Kerry Blue Terrier into your home, you can be assured of jolly good fun from a true canine companion.

norwegian elkhound dog - characteristicsYour Norwegian Elkhound makes an awesome pet. He is full of the joys of living and wants to be an active member of his human family.

He is active and always ready for some fun and games. He is also intelligent and will make an even better pet when he has been trained and socialized.

Those who have owned one of these beautiful dogs will always say how they adore this beautiful, smart, loving canine friend of theirs.

Health Problems

kerry blue terrier puppies - health problemsYou aren’t going to be running to the vet often with your Kerry Blue as he is a healthy dog breed. However there are some common dog diseases that even the most healthiest of dogs can succumb to.

Always feed your dog the very best food there is so that he has a strong immune system that can fight off disease.

Entropion:

This is the inward rolling of the eyelid which can irritate the dog’s eye and even cause vision loss. Surgery can treat the problem.

Cancer:

Every dog can succumb to cancer. You may well find a lump or even detect a sore that won’t heal. Treatments for cancer can include medicines, chemotherapy and surgery.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is an inherited condition to do with the hip joint. It can result in pain for your dog and even lameness. When you discover your pet no longer wants to play and he battles to get up after lying down, he will need to go to the vet. Dogs with this debilitating disease should never be bred.

norwegian elkhound puppies - health problemsYour beautiful Norwegian Elkhound can reach 15 years of age if you look after him well and he manages to avoid some of the common dog diseases there are.

There are some dog illnesses that are good to be aware of -

Glaucoma:

This is an eye condition where there is pressure that builds up in the eye. There is a problem with the drainage of fluid in the eye and this is what causes the pressure and there can be damage to the optic nerve.

Pyotraumatic Dermatitis:

This is a skin condition that causes inflammation and is often seen in dogs like the Norwegian Elkhound who have thick coats.

Hip Dysplasia:

A common disease seen in many dog breeds, young and old, and which is a malfunction of the hip joints, causing problems with your dog’s mobility.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

kerry blue terrier dogs - caringThe Kerry Blue’s coat doesn’t shed a lot but it’s a curly coat that will require brushing at least twice a week. He will also require clipping and trimming if you want to keep the coat manageable.

Diet:

Nutrition is a key part of a healthy Kerry Blue Terrier and instead of just plonking down a bowl of dry kibble every day, make his mealtimes something to look forward to, more sustaining and more interesting.

Top quality kibble is good every now and then but try mixing in some cooked chicken, brown rice, pasta and vegetables occasionally as well as a little bit of raw meat. You will be rewarded with bright eyes, a wet nose, bushy, wagging tail and less trips to the vet.

Make sure there is always a supply of fresh, cool water for him.

Exercise:

Active and lively, your Kerry Blue will need lots of robust exercise – a daily walk as well as ball games which ensure his muscles are kept strong and toned. Not only that, this exercise is important for keeping him fit and also mentally alert.

norwegian elkhound dogs - caringAs a spitz type dog, the Norwegian Elkhound is an energetic dog who will need lots of physical activity.

He has a very thick coat so make sure he doesn’t overheat during exercise as he has been used to living in wintry climates.

Brush and Check for Ticks:

Your pet will shed some of that thick hair so he will need to be brushed at least twice a week to keep the coat in tip top condition. At the same time check him over for ticks and fleas. How often you see ticks on your dog will depend on where you live. These parasites attach to your dog and feed on his blood.They are capable of causing many diseases in your pet, one of which is Lyme disease, a disease which can lead to arthritis and swelling with your dog’s joints.

The best way to prevent any disease from weakening your pet is to get him to the vet as soon as possible. A good way to prevent ticks is to speak to your vet about tick control products.

Diet:

Make sure he has the best food to ensure health and happiness. Keep his meals simple – no exotic, spicy foods that can upset his stomach.

A high quality kibble brand for energetic dogs is a wise choice and some tasty home-made food added in occasionally. This can be boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables. Never leave him without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Norwegian Elkhound vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Norwegian Elkhound vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Norwegian Elkhound vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Norwegian Elkhound vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Norwegian Elkhound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Norwegian Elkhound vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Norwegian Elkhound vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Norwegian Elkhound vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Norwegian Elkhound vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Norwegian Elkhound vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Norwegian Elkhound vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Norwegian Elkhound vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Norwegian Elkhound vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Norwegian Elkhound vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Norwegian Elkhound vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Norwegian Elkhound vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Norwegian Elkhound vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Norwegian Elkhound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Norwegian Elkhound vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Norwegian Elkhound vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Norwegian Elkhound vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Norwegian Elkhound vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Norwegian Elkhound vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Norwegian Elkhound vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Norwegian Elkhound vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Kerry Blue Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Kerry Blue Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Kerry Blue Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Kerry Blue Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Kerry Blue Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Kerry Blue Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Kerry Blue Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison