Bulldog vs Norwegian Elkhound
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Bulldog
The gentle, courageous Bulldog is a beloved symbol of determination. Despite their muscular build, they are calm and friendly companions who prefer lounging on the couch to long hikes.
VS
Norwegian Elkhound
A bold, hardy Nordic breed that has hunted moose and bears for thousands of years. Norwegian Elkhounds are loyal, confident dogs with a silver-gray coat built for Scandinavian winters.
Quick Answer
Choose Bulldog if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding. Choose Norwegian Elkhound if you want easier to train and better health.
Quick Comparison
Bulldog
Attribute
Norwegian Elkhound
medium
Size
medium
18–25 kg (40–55 lbs)
Weight
20–27 kg (44–60 lbs)
31–40 cm (12–16 in)
Height
47–52 cm (19–20 in)
8–10 yrs
Lifespan
12–15 yrsBetter
2/5
Trainability
3/5Better
2/5
Energy
4/5
4/5
Good with Kids
4/5
Better3/5
Shedding
5/5
Better2/5
Grooming
3/5
Better5/5
Apartment
2/5
1/5
Health
4/5Better
$1,500–$4,000
Price
$1,000–$2,000Better
Attribute Comparison
Health and Lifespan: Bulldog vs Norwegian Elkhound
Norwegian Elkhound tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Bulldog
Norwegian Elkhound
Lifespan (years)
8–10
vs12–15Better
Health Robustness
1/5
vs4/5Better
Life expectancy favors the Norwegian Elkhound: 12–15 years versus the Bulldog's 8–10 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the Norwegian Elkhound.
Bulldog vs Norwegian Elkhound: Daily Exercise Demands
Norwegian Elkhound needs more exercise; Bulldog is lower-maintenance.
Bulldog
Norwegian Elkhound
Energy Level
2/5
vs4/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
vs4/5
Apartment Friendly
Better5/5
vs2/5
Activity needs are dramatically different here. The Norwegian Elkhound has high energy (4/5) and needs high exercise (4/5) — think long runs, hiking, or agility courses.
Bulldog vs Norwegian Elkhound: Temperament Compared
Bulldog is calmer; Norwegian Elkhound is more energetic.
Bulldog
Norwegian Elkhound
Playfulness
3/5
vs4/5Better
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs4/5
Energy
2/5
vs4/5
Bulldogs from the Non-Sporting group carry a docile, willful and friendly personality, shaped by their heritage as non-sporting dogs. Norwegian Elkhounds, belonging to the Hound group, are bold, loyal and hardy — reflecting their own distinct breeding history.
Total Cost of Ownership: Bulldog and Norwegian Elkhound
Norwegian Elkhound is less expensive to own annually.
Bulldog
Avg. Purchase$2,750
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$900
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,600
Norwegian Elkhound
Avg. Purchase$1,500
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,250 ✓
The upfront cost gap is substantial. A Bulldog puppy runs $1,500–$4,000, while a Norwegian Elkhound is $1,000–$2,000.
Grooming and Shedding: Bulldog vs Norwegian Elkhound
Norwegian Elkhound sheds more; Bulldog is easier to maintain.
Bulldog
Norwegian Elkhound
Shedding
Better3/5
vs5/5
Grooming Needs
Better2/5
vs3/5
If you hate vacuuming, this matters. The Norwegian Elkhound's 5/5 shedding level means daily fur management is part of life.
Training Differences: Bulldog and Norwegian Elkhound
Norwegian Elkhound is generally easier to train.
Bulldog
Norwegian Elkhound
Trainability
2/5
vs3/5Better
Intelligence
2/5
vs4/5Better
The Norwegian Elkhound has a slight training edge (3/5 vs 2/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Norwegian Elkhound tends to catch on a bit faster.
Family Life: Bulldog vs Norwegian Elkhound
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Bulldog
Norwegian Elkhound
Good with Kids
4/5
vs4/5
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs3/5
Strangers
Better4/5
vs3/5
Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Size Differences: Bulldog vs Norwegian Elkhound
Both breeds are similar in size.
Bulldog
Norwegian Elkhound
Weight (kg)
18–25
vs20–27
Height (cm)
31–40
vs47–52
The Bulldog (18–25 kg (40–55 lbs), 31–40 cm (12–16 in)) and Norwegian Elkhound (20–27 kg (44–60 lbs), 47–52 cm (19–20 in)) are very close in size. You won't need different-sized equipment, and food costs will be comparable.
Bulldog vs Norwegian Elkhound: Summary and Verdict
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Bulldog if you value more apartment-friendly (5/5) and lower exercise needs (2/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Bulldog and Norwegian Elkhound are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Norwegian Elkhound needs significantly more daily exercise than Bulldog, Norwegian Elkhound sheds considerably more. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Norwegian Elkhound by roughly $400/year.
Choose Bulldog if...
- ✓You live in an apartment or don't have a yard — Bulldogs adapt much better to smaller spaces (5/5 vs 2/5 apartment rating).
- ✓You lead a quieter lifestyle — Bulldogs are happy with shorter walks and less vigorous exercise.
Choose Norwegian Elkhound if...
- ✓You're an active person who runs, hikes, or exercises daily — Norwegian Elkhounds will keep up and thrive on that activity.
- ✓Budget matters to you — Norwegian Elkhounds cost roughly $400 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Bulldog or Norwegian Elkhound?
The Bulldog scores 4/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Norwegian Elkhound at 4/5. The Bulldog is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Bulldog or Norwegian Elkhound easier to train?
The Norwegian Elkhound is easier to train, scoring 3/5 versus the Bulldog's 2/5. The Norwegian Elkhound's eagerness to please makes training sessions more productive.
Which costs more, a Bulldog or Norwegian Elkhound?
A Bulldog puppy costs $1,500–$4,000 while a Norwegian Elkhound costs $1,000–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,600 for the Bulldog and $1,250 for the Norwegian Elkhound. The Bulldog is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Bulldogs or Norwegian Elkhounds live longer?
The Bulldog lives 8–10 years on average, while the Norwegian Elkhound lives 12–15 years. The Norwegian Elkhound tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Bulldog or Norwegian Elkhound live in an apartment?
The Bulldog is better suited for apartments (5/5) compared to the Norwegian Elkhound (2/5). The Bulldog is one of our top picks for apartment living.