Norwegian Lundehund vs Australian Cattle Dog
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Norwegian Lundehund
Non-Sporting Group
Australian Cattle Dog
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Australian Cattle Dog Overview
Australian Cattle Dogs showcase a muscular, compact build with distinctive blue or red speckled coats. Their alert ears, broad skull, and powerful shoulders reflect their herding heritage. These medium-sized dogs possess remarkable agility and stamina, with a balanced, athletic frame designed for endurance work. Their intelligent expression and naturally protective stance embody their vigilant nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norwegian Lundehunds are less energetic than Australian Cattle Dogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norwegian Lundehunds require more grooming attention compared to Australian Cattle Dogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norwegian Lundehunds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Australian Cattle Dogs.
- 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 Australian Cattle Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Norwegian Lundehund and Australian Cattle Dog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norwegian Lundehund | Australian Cattle Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norwegian Lundehund | Australian Cattle Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm | 17-20 inches 43-51 cm |
| Weight | 20-30 lbs 9-14 kg | 35-50 lbs 16-23 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norwegian Lundehund | Australian Cattle Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Energetic, Alert | Alert, Curious, Pleasant |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norwegian Lundehund | Australian Cattle Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Norwegian Lundehund Temperament
The Norwegian Lundehund is known for being loyal, energetic, alert, 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.
Australian Cattle Dog Temperament
The Australian Cattle Dog is characterized by being alert, curious, pleasant, 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 Norwegian Lundehund and Australian Cattle Dog, 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
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 3/5
Australian Cattle Dog
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 3/5
Australian Cattle Dog
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 4/5
Australian Cattle Dog
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 2/5
Australian Cattle Dog
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 3/5
Australian Cattle Dog
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Norwegian Lundehund Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Norwegian Lundehunds 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, Norwegian Lundehunds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Australian Cattle Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Australian Cattle Dogs 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, Australian Cattle Dogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Norwegian Lundehund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Lundehund Syndrome
- Patellar Luxation
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Dental Issues
Australian Cattle Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Deafness
- OCD
- Elbow Dysplasia
Pros & Cons
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
Australian Cattle Dog
Pros
- Extremely loyal and protective
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent work ethic
- Great endurance
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Can be stubborn
- May nip at heels
- Needs constant mental stimulation
- Can be territorial
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norwegian Lundehund and Australian Cattle Dog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.