Playful
Agile
Alert
Intelligent
Obedient
Loyal
Quick
Strong
Willed
Bold
Bright
Sturdy

Active
Playful
Happy
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Quick
Devoted
Lively
Gentle

Elk-Kees shed a lot of hair each year, so frequent brushing is essential for reducing shedding and maintaining coat health.

ShiChis shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

​United States

United States

Norwegian Elkhound and Keeshond

Chihuahua and Shih Tzu

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DBR = Designer Breed Registry
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

Brown

Brown

Black

Black
Isabella

Black
Silver
Gray
Cream

Cream
White
Black
Fawn
Brown

An Elk-Kee can have a litter of 5-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A ShiChi can have a litter of 2-5 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

While the Elk-Kee breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

ShiChis typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

Patellar Luxation
Fanconi Syndrome
Hip Dysplasia
Addison's Disease
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Hip Dysplasia
Hydrocephalus

Sebaceous Adenitis
Epilepsy
Diabetes
Von Willebrand's Disease
Hypothyroidism

Patellar Luxation
Distichiasis
Cataracts
Glaucoma
Brachycephalic Syndrome
Dental Problems

X-Rays
MRI
CT Scan
Physical Examination
Urinalysis
Complete Blood Work
Serum Chemistry
Spinal Tap
Neurologic Exam
Ophthalmic Examination

Eye Examination
Dental Examination
Radiographs
Full Physical Examination

Elk-Kee has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

ShiChi has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Elk-Kees sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

ShiChis are known for their relaxed and calm nature and enjoy long periods of sleep.

Elk-Kees are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

ShiChis are low-energy dogs. This breed make a great companion for a relatively inactive person. ShiChi dogs require a few short daily walks, and then they're happy snuggling next to you for the rest of the day.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Elk-Kee, it's at least 12 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For ShiChi, it's at least 4 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Elk-Kees usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most ShiChis usually need at least 25 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Elk-Kees require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

The ShiChi requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

For an average 35-45 pound (16 - 20 kg) Elk-Kee feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 5-12 pound (2 - 5 kg) ShiChi feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of an Elk-Kee is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

The average cost of a ShiChi is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

The average per month expenses of an Elk-Kee is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a ShiChi is between $28 - $35. This makes an average of $336 - $420 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

Elk-Kees are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

ShiChis make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

Elk-Kees are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

ShiChis are not the best choice for families with kids.

Elk-Kees are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

ShiChis are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

Elk-Kees are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

ShiChis are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Elk-Kees are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

ShiChis are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.