English Foxhound 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.
English Foxhound
Hound Group
Norwegian Lundehund
Non-Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
English Foxhound Overview
English Foxhounds embody strength and endurance with their muscular build and deep chest. Standing 24 inches at the shoulder, these athletic hounds showcase a short, dense coat in tricolor or black-white-tan combinations. Their long legs and powerful shoulders enable remarkable stamina, while their gentle eyes and soft expression reflect their amiable nature. Distinguished by melodious voices and keen hunting instincts, they move with grace and purpose.
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: English Foxhounds are less energetic than Norwegian Lundehunds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: English Foxhounds require less grooming attention compared to Norwegian Lundehunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, English Foxhounds 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 English Foxhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the English Foxhound and Norwegian Lundehund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | English Foxhound | Norwegian Lundehund |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | English Foxhound | Norwegian Lundehund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-24 inches 61-61 cm | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm |
| Weight | 60-75 lbs 27-34 kg | 20-30 lbs 9-14 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | English Foxhound | Norwegian Lundehund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Gentle, Sociable | Loyal, Energetic, Alert |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | English Foxhound | Norwegian Lundehund |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
English Foxhound Temperament
The English Foxhound is known for being affectionate, gentle, sociable, 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. 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 English Foxhound 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
English Foxhound
Rating: 5/5
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
English Foxhound
Rating: 5/5
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
English Foxhound
Rating: 4/5
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
English Foxhound
Rating: 2/5
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
English Foxhound
Rating: 2/5
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
English Foxhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
English Foxhounds 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, English Foxhounds 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
English Foxhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Renal Disease
- Epilepsy
- Thrombocytopathy
- Eye Problems
Norwegian Lundehund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Lundehund Syndrome
- Patellar Luxation
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Dental Issues
Pros & Cons
English Foxhound
Pros
- Excellent endurance
- Good with other dogs
- Gentle temperament
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong hunting instincts
- Not apartment suitable
- Can be vocal
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 English Foxhound and Norwegian Lundehund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.