Norwegian Elkhound vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison

Norwegian Elkhound vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed ComparisonNorwegian Elkhound is originated from Norway but Austrailian Blue Heeler is originated from Australia. Both Norwegian Elkhound and Austrailian Blue Heeler are having almost same height. Norwegian Elkhound may weigh 9 kg / 20 pounds more than Austrailian Blue Heeler. Both Norwegian Elkhound and Austrailian Blue Heeler has almost same life span. Norwegian Elkhound may have more litter size than Austrailian Blue Heeler. Norwegian Elkhound requires Moderate maintenance. But Austrailian Blue Heeler requires High maintenance

History

norwegian elkhound - historyThe 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.

austrailian blue heeler - historyIn 1840, George Elliott made a match with Australian Dingo and Collie and got a clever and very active dog breed – Australian Blue Heeler. Soon, he showed his good herding instincts and protective nature and got really popular among the cattlemen and ranchers. Soon, as the USA soldiers arrived in Australia, they decided that it will be a great dog to bring home.

Australian Blue Heeler has short, double coat. The coat is water resistant and helps them when the temperature is too high as well. Their coat is rough to the touch, naturally. They can be found in blue or red coat colour mix. The Blue Heeler isn’t actually blue, but their black coat has a bluish tint. Red Heelers have red fur instead of black. They have long tails, strong legs, Dingo-like heads with pointy ears and muscular necks and balanced and athletic bodies.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Norway
Australia
Height Male:
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
12 - 14 kg
26 - 31 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
1 - 7
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Norsk Elghund, Gray Norwegian Elkhound, Elk Dog, Norwegian Moose Dog
Queensland Heeler
Colors Available:
silver, white, Grey, cream
blue, red
Coat:
Short to medium length, dense
blue speckled or red speckled with dark or cream marks
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Alert, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

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.

austrailian blue heeler puppy - descriptionThis breed is somehow designed for an outdoor life and outdoor activity. This implies that Blue Heelers have nature made of the high dose of energy. They are always ready to go anywhere you go, and they will be a loyal friend. They are actually very clever, intelligent and ready to help.

If you are a type of the person who prefers being indoors and having minimal physical activity, Blue heelers are not the type of a furry companion for you. They have a high daily need for the activity, and they love having lots of space to run and explore. Sometimes, you will realize that having a leash is a must because they will get so playful that they will forget about you!

If you start teaching them to be friendly with other dogs while they are still pups, they will accept that kind of lifestyle. But, if your Blue Heeler is raised as the only dog on the ranch, note that they won’t be very friendly toward other dogs.

Since most of the herd dogs usually respond to only one person, most of the Blue Heelers can follow this old instinct. They can be very independent, as well, and they are usually not the type of the dog that will always be around your leg waiting for a cuddle or ear scratch. But, they build the respect towards humans depending on how they treat him so they can be very lovable and friendly pets.

If you are still confused about their name, you must know that the Blue Heelers can actually lightly nip your heel for attention. They are not aggressive, but they tend to be very protective of the family, humans around them and their property.

Characteristics

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.

Children friendliness

austrailian blue heeler dog - characteristicsThey are generally good with children, but you must be aware of their inherent desire to herd. Always supervise when your Blue Heeler is around small children.

Special Talents

Ball tricks, frisbee fun, running companion, herding cattle.

Adaptability

It is best to buy a puppy. These dogs get attached to one human and to the territory.

Learning ability

They are generally quick learners. If you teach them to be playful, friendly and loving, they will learn it in no time. So be aware of the decisions that can cost you when the dog grows up.

Health Problems

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.

Eye problems

austrailian blue heeler puppies - health problemsProgressive Retinal Atrophy usually causes slow and painless loss of sight. This process takes years, but there are cases where this disease took only months before the dog ended up completely blind. It is advisable to take your Blue Heeler to the vet for a test that can tell you if your dog is carrying the gene for this disease.

Lens luxation is a disease where the lens of dog’s eye separates partially or completely. Good news is that this disease can be treated.

Joint diseases

Most common is the hip or elbow dysplasia. This is the disease where hip joints do not develop properly and begin to grind. This condition can sometimes be treated with physiotherapy, but there is a chance that your Blue Heeler will need a surgery. If you have a habit of regular vet checks and keeping your dog slim and fed with quality food, you can a make a big difference.

Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) causes the dog to have excess cartilage and deficient bone, where cartilage does not get replaced by bone during fetal development. This disease usually requires surgery and prescribed medicines.

Deafness

Congenital hereditary sensorineural deafness – CHSD is a common form of deafness.

Bilateral deafness can be identified when the dog is still a puppy, more-less at six weeks of age. A puppy with deafness in only one ear is harder to identify, but it can happen.

Portosystemic shunt means that the blood flow is getting back into the bloodstream instead of passing through the liver. That means that liver can’t clear out the toxins, and the organ itself fails to grow properly. This inherited type of shunt can be treated with surgery if the diagnose is set on time.

Caring The Pet

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.

Feeding the puppy

austrailian blue heeler dogs - caringChoose a dog food that will provide nutrients that will help in the bone developing. Since they are more likely to suffer from joint diseases, you must take this advice seriously. It would be great if you speak about this with your vet before you choose food on your own.

Feeding the adult

The best food for Blue Heeler is a high-quality food which supplies them with premium nutrition to fuel their activity.

They also drink a lot of water, so be sure that they always have a fresh water available.

Points for Good Health

Lots and lots of the outdoor activity and a quality food. You must be very cautious because this kind of dogs gets overweight easily because they just love the treats and extra food portion.

Games and Exercises

Any outdoor activity that is mentally challenging and interesting enough to keep them from running in the field trying to catch anything that moves.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  2. Australian Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  3. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  4. Australian Cattle Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  5. Bearded Collie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  6. Collie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  7. Dutch Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  8. Blue Healer vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  9. English Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  10. Australian Collie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  11. Catahoula Cur vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  12. Australian Red Heeler vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  13. Catalan Sheepdog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  14. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  15. Bergamasco vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  16. Berger Picard vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  17. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  18. Queensland Heeler vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  19. German Coolie vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  20. Bohemian Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  21. Croatian Sheepdog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  22. Red Heeler vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  23. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  24. Blue Lacy vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  25. New Zealand Huntaway vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  26. Pharaoh Hound vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  27. Redbone Coonhound vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  28. Norwegian Elkhound vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  29. Norwegian Elkhound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  30. Norwegian Elkhound vs Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  31. Norwegian Elkhound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  32. Norwegian Elkhound vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  33. Norwegian Elkhound vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  34. Norwegian Elkhound vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  35. Norwegian Elkhound vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  36. Norwegian Elkhound vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  37. Norwegian Elkhound vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Norwegian Elkhound vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  39. Norwegian Elkhound vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  40. Norwegian Elkhound vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  41. Norwegian Elkhound vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  42. Norwegian Elkhound vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  43. Norwegian Elkhound vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  44. Norwegian Elkhound vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  45. Norwegian Elkhound vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  46. Norwegian Elkhound vs Estonian Hound - Breed Comparison
  47. Norwegian Elkhound vs Grand Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  48. Norwegian Elkhound vs Hamiltonstovare - Breed Comparison
  49. Norwegian Elkhound vs Beago - Breed Comparison
  50. Norwegian Elkhound vs Kanni - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds