Is the American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or the Norwegian Elkhound better for families with children?

The Norwegian Elkhound tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or the Norwegian Elkhound?

The American Eskimo Dog (Standard) and Norwegian Elkhound shed a similar amount (very high).

Which is easier to train, the American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or the Norwegian Elkhound?

The American Eskimo Dog (Standard) is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or Norwegian Elkhound bigger?

American Eskimo Dog (Standard) and Norwegian Elkhound are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or Norwegian Elkhound?

Both bark a similar amount (high).

Which is better for apartment living, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or Norwegian Elkhound?

For apartment or apartment living, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) and Norwegian Elkhound are an even match — either can work well.

American Eskimo Dog (Standard) vs Norwegian Elkhound

American Eskimo Dog (Standard) vs Norwegian Elkhound: full comparison

Trait	American Eskimo Dog (Standard)	Norwegian Elkhound
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	High	Medium
Friendliness	Medium	High
Good with children	Medium	High
Grooming needs	High	High
Shedding	Very High	Very High
Barking	High	High
Protectiveness	High	Medium
Adaptability	High	Medium
Typical lifespan	14 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The American Eskimo Dog (Standard) is a medium-sized dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the Norwegian Elkhound is a medium-sized dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The American Eskimo Dog (Standard) needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Norwegian Elkhound needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The American Eskimo Dog (Standard) needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. The Norwegian Elkhound needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The American Eskimo Dog (Standard) is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. The Norwegian Elkhound is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family, whereas Norwegian Elkhound will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) and Norwegian Elkhound are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Norwegian Elkhound has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Norwegian Elkhound has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) and Norwegian Elkhound are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the American Eskimo Dog (Standard) if you want an easier dog to train, you want a more protective, watchful guardian, or you want a more adaptable dog.

Choose the Norwegian Elkhound if you want the more child-friendly companion or you want a more outgoing, sociable dog.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or the Norwegian Elkhound better for families with children?: The Norwegian Elkhound tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or the Norwegian Elkhound?: The American Eskimo Dog (Standard) and Norwegian Elkhound shed a similar amount (very high).
Which is easier to train, the American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or the Norwegian Elkhound?: The American Eskimo Dog (Standard) is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or Norwegian Elkhound bigger?: American Eskimo Dog (Standard) and Norwegian Elkhound are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or Norwegian Elkhound?: Both bark a similar amount (high).
Which is better for apartment living, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) or Norwegian Elkhound?: For apartment or apartment living, American Eskimo Dog (Standard) and Norwegian Elkhound are an even match — either can work well.