Lhasa Apso 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.
Lhasa Apso
Non-Sporting Group
Norwegian Lundehund
Non-Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Lhasa Apso Overview
Lhasa Apsos feature a long, dense double coat flowing to the ground, with a distinctive beard and fall of hair over the eyes. Their compact, sturdy build belies their agile nature. Distinguished by an alert, lion-like expression and well-feathered tail carried over the back, these dogs combine regal bearing with a mischievous charm. Their confident yet reserved demeanor reflects their ancient heritage as Tibetan sentinels.
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: Lhasa Apsos are less energetic than Norwegian Lundehunds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Lhasa Apsos require more grooming attention compared to Norwegian Lundehunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Lhasa Apsos 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: Lhasa Apsos adapt better to apartment living, while Norwegian Lundehunds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Lhasa Apso and Norwegian Lundehund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Lhasa Apso | Norwegian Lundehund |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Lhasa Apso | Norwegian Lundehund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-11 inches 25-28 cm | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm |
| Weight | 12-18 lbs 5-8 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 | Lhasa Apso | Norwegian Lundehund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Confident, Smart, Comical | Loyal, Energetic, Alert |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Lhasa Apso | Norwegian Lundehund |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Lhasa Apso Temperament
The Lhasa Apso is known for being confident, smart, comical, 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. 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 Lhasa Apso 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
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 2/5
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Lhasa Apso
Rating: 4/5
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Lhasa Apso Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lhasa Apsos 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, Lhasa Apsos require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
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
Lhasa Apso Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Cherry Eye
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Sebaceous Adenitis
Norwegian Lundehund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Lundehund Syndrome
- Patellar Luxation
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Dental Issues
Pros & Cons
Lhasa Apso
Pros
- Loyal and devoted
- Good apartment dog
- Long lifespan
- Minimal shedding
- Excellent watchdog
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Can be stubborn
- Reserved with strangers
- Frequent barking
- Independent nature
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 Lhasa Apso and Norwegian Lundehund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.