Basenji vs Norwegian Lundehund
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Basenji
Hound Group
Norwegian Lundehund
Non-Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Basenji Overview
Graceful and poised, the Basenji stands out with its distinctive wrinkled forehead, erect ears, and tightly curled tail. Known as Africa's 'barkless dog', this medium-sized hound exhibits remarkable cleanliness and cat-like agility. Their short, fine coat comes in rich chestnut red, black, tricolor, or brindle, always featuring pristine white feet, chest, and tail tip.
Norwegian Lundehund Overview
Norwegian Lundehunds possess distinctive physical adaptations including six toes on each foot, extraordinary neck flexibility, and unique shoulder structure. Their compact, rectangular body features a dense double coat in reddish-brown to fawn with black hair tips. Alert and agile, these medium-sized dogs showcase remarkable climbing abilities and exceptional joint flexibility, historically vital for puffin hunting on steep Norwegian cliffs.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Basenjis are less energetic than Norwegian Lundehunds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Basenjis require less grooming attention compared to Norwegian Lundehunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Basenjis tend to be more reserved with strangers than Norwegian Lundehunds.
- Trainability: Norwegian Lundehunds may be slightly easier to train due to their Norwegian Lundehund's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Norwegian Lundehunds adapt better to apartment living, while Basenjis typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Basenji and Norwegian Lundehund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Basenji | Norwegian Lundehund |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 13-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Basenji | Norwegian Lundehund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-17 inches 41-43 cm | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm |
| Weight | 22-24 lbs 10-11 kg | 20-30 lbs 9-14 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Basenji | Norwegian Lundehund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Independent, Smart, Poised | Loyal, Energetic, Alert |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Basenji | Norwegian Lundehund |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Basenji Temperament
The Basenji is known for being independent, smart, poised, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Norwegian Lundehund Temperament
The Norwegian Lundehund is characterized by being loyal, energetic, alert, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Basenji and Norwegian Lundehund, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Basenji
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Basenji
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Basenji
Rating: 4/5
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Basenji
Rating: 2/5
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Basenji
Rating: 2/5
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Basenji Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Basenjis require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Basenjis require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Norwegian Lundehund Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Norwegian Lundehunds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Norwegian Lundehunds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Basenji Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Fanconi Syndrome
- PRA
- Hypothyroidism
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hemolytic Anemia
Norwegian Lundehund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Lundehund Syndrome
- Patellar Luxation
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Dental Issues
Pros & Cons
Basenji
Pros
- No barking
- Minimal grooming needed
- Cat-like cleanliness
- Highly intelligent
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
- Challenging to train
- Requires secure fencing
Norwegian Lundehund
Pros
- Unique physical capabilities
- Agile and athletic
- Loyal family companion
- Good with children
Cons
- Rare and expensive
- Special dietary needs
- Health concerns
- Strong hunting instincts
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Basenji and Norwegian Lundehund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.