Boston Terrier 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.
Boston Terrier
Non-Sporting Group
Norwegian Lundehund
Non-Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Boston Terrier Overview
Boston Terriers feature a distinctive tuxedo-like coat pattern with a compact, muscular build and endearing round eyes. Their square head, short muzzle, and erect ears create an alert, intelligent expression. Standing 15-17 inches tall, these charming companions combine gentle affection with playful energy, making them delightful family pets known for their adaptable nature and amusing personality.
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: Boston Terriers are less energetic than Norwegian Lundehunds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Boston Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Norwegian Lundehunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Boston Terriers tend to be more outgoing 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 Boston Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Boston Terrier and Norwegian Lundehund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Boston Terrier | Norwegian Lundehund |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 11-13 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Boston Terrier | Norwegian Lundehund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-17 inches 38-43 cm | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm |
| Weight | 12-25 lbs 5-11 kg | 20-30 lbs 9-14 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Boston Terrier | Norwegian Lundehund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Bright, Amusing | Loyal, Energetic, Alert |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Boston Terrier | Norwegian Lundehund |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Boston Terrier Temperament
The Boston Terrier is known for being friendly, bright, amusing, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
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 Boston Terrier 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
Boston Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Boston Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Boston Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Boston Terrier
Rating: 1/5
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Boston Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Boston Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Boston Terriers require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Boston Terriers 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
Boston Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Patellar Luxation
- Cataracts
- Cherry Eye
- Deafness
Norwegian Lundehund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Lundehund Syndrome
- Patellar Luxation
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Dental Issues
Pros & Cons
Boston Terrier
Pros
- Great with families
- Compact size
- Low grooming needs
- Adaptable
- Friendly personality
Cons
- Breathing difficulties
- Heat sensitive
- Potential snoring
- Some stubbornness
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 Boston Terrier and Norwegian Lundehund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.