Is the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Norwegian Elkhound better for families with children?

The Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or the Norwegian Elkhound?

The Icelandic Sheepdog and Norwegian Elkhound shed a similar amount (very high).

Which is easier to train, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Norwegian Elkhound?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Icelandic Sheepdog or Norwegian Elkhound bigger?

Icelandic Sheepdog and Norwegian Elkhound are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Icelandic Sheepdog or Norwegian Elkhound?

Both bark a similar amount (high).

Which is better for apartment living, Icelandic Sheepdog or Norwegian Elkhound?

For apartment or apartment living, Icelandic Sheepdog and Norwegian Elkhound are an even match — either can work well.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Norwegian Elkhound: Better With Kids?

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Norwegian Elkhound: full comparison

Trait	Icelandic Sheepdog	Norwegian Elkhound
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Very High	High
Good with children	Very High	High
Grooming needs	High	High
Shedding	Very High	Very High
Barking	High	High
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	13 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. The Norwegian Elkhound requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Icelandic Sheepdog is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Norwegian Elkhound is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, Icelandic Sheepdog announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Norwegian Elkhound announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Icelandic Sheepdog and Norwegian Elkhound are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Icelandic Sheepdog has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Icelandic Sheepdog and Norwegian Elkhound are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Norwegian Elkhound has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Icelandic Sheepdog and Norwegian Elkhound are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

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

Choose the Norwegian Elkhound if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Icelandic Sheepdog on temperament, size and care.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Norwegian Elkhound better for families with children?: The Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or the Norwegian Elkhound?: The Icelandic Sheepdog and Norwegian Elkhound shed a similar amount (very high).
Which is easier to train, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Norwegian Elkhound?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Icelandic Sheepdog or Norwegian Elkhound bigger?: Icelandic Sheepdog and Norwegian Elkhound are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Icelandic Sheepdog or Norwegian Elkhound?: Both bark a similar amount (high).
Which is better for apartment living, Icelandic Sheepdog or Norwegian Elkhound?: For apartment or apartment living, Icelandic Sheepdog and Norwegian Elkhound are an even match — either can work well.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Norwegian Elkhound