Is the Norwegian Elkhound or the Yakutian Laika better for families with children?

Both the Norwegian Elkhound and the Yakutian Laika are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Norwegian Elkhound or the Yakutian Laika?

The Norwegian Elkhound and Yakutian Laika shed a similar amount (very high).

Which is easier to train, the Norwegian Elkhound or the Yakutian Laika?

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

Is Norwegian Elkhound or Yakutian Laika bigger?

Norwegian Elkhound and Yakutian Laika are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Norwegian Elkhound or Yakutian Laika?

Norwegian Elkhound tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Yakutian Laika is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Norwegian Elkhound or Yakutian Laika?

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

Norwegian Elkhound vs Yakutian Laika: Which Is Calmer?

Norwegian Elkhound vs Yakutian Laika: full comparison

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

Size and living space

The Norwegian Elkhound is a moderately built dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the Yakutian Laika is a moderately built dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. 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 Norwegian Elkhound needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The Yakutian Laika is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Norwegian Elkhound needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and drops hair heavily in every season. The Yakutian Laika needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and drops hair heavily in every season. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Norwegian Elkhound picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is fairly vocal and will bark to alert you and suits families with children particularly well. The Yakutian Laika picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, Norwegian Elkhound announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Yakutian Laika announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

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

Which should you choose?

Choose the Norwegian Elkhound if you want a more adaptable dog or you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

Choose the Yakutian Laika if you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure or you prefer a quieter dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Norwegian Elkhound or the Yakutian Laika better for families with children?: Both the Norwegian Elkhound and the Yakutian Laika are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Norwegian Elkhound or the Yakutian Laika?: The Norwegian Elkhound and Yakutian Laika shed a similar amount (very high).
Which is easier to train, the Norwegian Elkhound or the Yakutian Laika?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Norwegian Elkhound or Yakutian Laika bigger?: Norwegian Elkhound and Yakutian Laika are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Norwegian Elkhound or Yakutian Laika?: Norwegian Elkhound tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Yakutian Laika is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Norwegian Elkhound or Yakutian Laika?: For apartment or apartment living, Norwegian Elkhound and Yakutian Laika are an even match — either can work well.

Norwegian Elkhound vs Yakutian Laika