Norwegian Elkhound vs Poodle
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
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.
VS
Poodle
One of the most intelligent dog breeds, the Poodle combines elegance with athleticism. Their hypoallergenic curly coat and keen mind make them ideal for allergy sufferers who want a trainable companion.
Quick Answer
Choose Norwegian Elkhound if you want a great companion. Choose Poodle if you want easier to train and more apartment-friendly.
Quick Comparison
Norwegian Elkhound
Attribute
Poodle
medium
Size
medium
20–27 kg (44–60 lbs)
Weight
18–32 kg (40–71 lbs)
47–52 cm (19–20 in)
Height
38–61 cm (15–24 in)
12–15 yrs
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
3/5
Trainability
5/5Better
4/5
Energy
4/5
4/5
Good with Kids
4/5
5/5
Shedding
1/5Better
Better3/5
Grooming
5/5
2/5
Apartment
3/5Better
4/5
Health
4/5
Better$1,000–$2,000
Price
$1,000–$3,000
Attribute Comparison
Which Sheds More — Norwegian Elkhound or Poodle? Grooming Compared
Norwegian Elkhound sheds more; Poodle is easier to maintain.
Norwegian Elkhound
Poodle
Shedding
5/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
Better3/5
vs5/5
If you hate vacuuming, this matters. The Norwegian Elkhound's 5/5 shedding level means daily fur management is part of life.
Norwegian Elkhound vs Poodle: Training and Intelligence
Poodle is generally easier to train.
Norwegian Elkhound
Poodle
Trainability
3/5
vs5/5Better
Intelligence
4/5
vs5/5Better
If you're a first-time dog owner, this is critical. The Poodle's trainability score of 5/5 means it responds well to basic positive reinforcement and learns household rules fast.
Norwegian Elkhound vs Poodle: Purchase and Lifetime Cost
Norwegian Elkhound is less expensive to own annually.
Norwegian Elkhound
Avg. Purchase$1,500
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,250 ✓
Poodle
Avg. Purchase$2,000
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$600
Annual Total$1,650
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $1,000–$2,000 for a Norwegian Elkhound and $1,000–$3,000 for a Poodle. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Norwegian Elkhound and Poodle Temperament: What to Expect
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Norwegian Elkhound
Poodle
Playfulness
4/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
4/5
vs3/5Better
Energy
4/5
vs4/5
Personality is where these two breeds diverge most visibly. The Norwegian Elkhound — originally from Denmark — has a bold, loyal and hardy disposition.
Family and Social Compatibility: Norwegian Elkhound vs Poodle
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Norwegian Elkhound
Poodle
Good with Kids
4/5
vs4/5
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs4/5Better
Strangers
3/5
vs4/5Better
Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Norwegian Elkhound vs Poodle: Energy and Exercise Compared
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Norwegian Elkhound
Poodle
Energy Level
4/5
vs4/5
Exercise Needs
4/5
vs4/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
vs3/5Better
Both breeds share identical exercise needs (4/5) and similar energy levels (Norwegian Elkhound: 4/5, Poodle: 4/5). Your daily exercise routine will look the same regardless of which breed you choose — plan for at least 60 minutes of vigorous daily activity.
Norwegian Elkhound vs Poodle: Size and Coat
Both breeds are similar in size.
Norwegian Elkhound
Poodle
Weight (kg)
20–27
vs18–32
Height (cm)
47–52
vs38–61
The Norwegian Elkhound (20–27 kg (44–60 lbs), 47–52 cm (19–20 in)) and Poodle (18–32 kg (40–71 lbs), 38–61 cm (15–24 in)) are very close in size. You won't need different-sized equipment, and food costs will be comparable.
Which Is Healthier — Norwegian Elkhound or Poodle? Health Compared
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Norwegian Elkhound
Poodle
Lifespan (years)
12–15
vs12–15
Health Robustness
4/5
vs4/5
Lifespan is a near-tie: the Norwegian Elkhound lives roughly 12–15 years while the Poodle averages 12–15 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
Summary and Final Take: Norwegian Elkhound or Poodle?
On balance, the Poodle has the edge — it's easier to train (5/5 vs 3/5), more apartment-friendly (3/5), less shedding (1/5). For most families, the Poodle is the more practical choice, particularly if you value an easy-to-train companion.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Norwegian Elkhound and Poodle are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Norwegian Elkhound sheds considerably more, Poodle is notably easier to train. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Norwegian Elkhound by roughly $400/year.
Choose Norwegian Elkhound if...
- ✓Budget matters to you — Norwegian Elkhounds cost roughly $400 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Choose Poodle if...
- ✓You hate vacuuming or have allergies — Poodles shed dramatically less (1/5 vs 5/5 shedding score).
- ✓This is your first dog — Poodles are easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
Neither may be right if...
Both the Norwegian Elkhound and Poodle have high energy needs (4/5 and 4/5 respectively). If you live in a small apartment without park access or can't commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, consider a lower-energy breed like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu instead.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Norwegian Elkhound or Poodle?
The Norwegian Elkhound scores 4/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Poodle at 4/5. The Norwegian Elkhound is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Norwegian Elkhound or Poodle easier to train?
The Poodle is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Norwegian Elkhound's 3/5. The Poodle's eagerness to please makes training sessions more productive.
Which costs more, a Norwegian Elkhound or Poodle?
A Norwegian Elkhound puppy costs $1,000–$2,000 while a Poodle costs $1,000–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,250 for the Norwegian Elkhound and $1,650 for the Poodle. The Poodle costs more to maintain annually.
Do Norwegian Elkhounds or Poodles live longer?
The Norwegian Elkhound lives 12–15 years on average, while the Poodle lives 12–15 years. Both breeds have similar lifespans. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Norwegian Elkhound or Poodle live in an apartment?
The Poodle adapts better to apartment living (3/5) than the Norwegian Elkhound (2/5). The Poodle ranks among our best apartment breeds.