African Wild Dog vs Norwegian Elkhound
How does the African Wild Dog compare to the Norwegian Elkhound? They are both members of the Canidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.


Side-by-side comparison
- Scientific name
- Lycaon pictus
- Canis lupus familiaris
- Classification
- Mammal
- Mammal
- Family
- Canidae
- Canidae
- Habitat
- Savanna, grassland, and open woodland
- Forests, mountains, and rural regions
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Omnivore
- Conservation status
- Endangered
- Least Concern
- Lifespan
- 10-12 years in the wild
- 12-15 years
- Weight
- 18-36 kg (40-79 lbs)
- 18-27 kg (40-60 lbs)
African Wild Dog vs Norwegian Elkhound: who would win?

African Wild Dog
18-36 kg (40-79 lbs)

Norwegian Elkhound
18-27 kg (40-60 lbs)
African Wild Dog has the edge moderate confidence
African Wild Dog is somewhat heavier (18-36 kg (40-79 lbs) vs 18-27 kg (40-60 lbs)), giving it the edge in a head-to-head. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
Similarities
- Both are mammals.
- Both belong to the Canidae family.
Differences
- Habitat: Savanna, grassland, and open woodland vs Forests, mountains, and rural regions.
- Diet: carnivore vs omnivore.
- Conservation: Endangered vs Least Concern.
- Weight: 18-36 kg (40-79 lbs) vs 18-27 kg (40-60 lbs).
African Wild Dog vs Norwegian Elkhound: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a African Wild Dog or a Norwegian Elkhound?
African Wild Dog has the edge. African Wild Dog is somewhat heavier (18-36 kg (40-79 lbs) vs 18-27 kg (40-60 lbs)), giving it the edge in a head-to-head. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
What is the difference between a African Wild Dog and a Norwegian Elkhound?
African Wild Dog and Norwegian Elkhound differ in several ways — habitat: savanna, grassland, and open woodland vs forests, mountains, and rural regions. diet: carnivore vs omnivore. conservation: endangered vs least concern. weight: 18-36 kg (40-79 lbs) vs 18-27 kg (40-60 lbs).
Do African Wild Dog and Norwegian Elkhound live in the same habitat?
No — African Wild Dog lives in savanna, grassland, and open woodland, while Norwegian Elkhound is found in forests, mountains, and rural regions.
What do African Wild Dog and Norwegian Elkhound eat?
African Wild Dog has a carnivore diet, while Norwegian Elkhound has a omnivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the African Wild Dog or the Norwegian Elkhound?
African Wild Dog is listed as Endangered, while Norwegian Elkhound is listed as Least Concern.
How big are African Wild Dog and Norwegian Elkhound?
African Wild Dog weighs around 18-36 kg (40-79 lbs), while Norwegian Elkhound weighs around 18-27 kg (40-60 lbs).

Full profile
African Wild Dog

Full profile
Norwegian Elkhound







