Norwegian Lundehund vs Papillon
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
Papillon
Toy 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.
Papillon Overview
Graceful and elegant, Papillons are distinguished by their butterfly-like ears adorned with flowing fringed hair. Their refined build combines delicate features with a hardy constitution, sporting a silky coat in white with patches of various colors. Alert and lively, these intelligent companions carry themselves with remarkable poise while maintaining a spirited, friendly demeanor.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norwegian Lundehunds are more energetic than Papillons, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norwegian Lundehunds require less grooming attention compared to Papillons.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norwegian Lundehunds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Papillons.
- Trainability: Norwegian Lundehunds may be slightly easier to train due to their Norwegian Lundehund's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Papillons 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 Norwegian Lundehund and Papillon, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norwegian Lundehund | Papillon |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 14-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | France |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norwegian Lundehund | Papillon |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm | 8-11 inches 20-28 cm |
| Weight | 20-30 lbs 9-14 kg | 5-10 lbs 2-5 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norwegian Lundehund | Papillon |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Energetic, Alert | Friendly, Alert, Happy |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norwegian Lundehund | Papillon |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Papillon Temperament
The Papillon is characterized by being friendly, alert, happy, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Norwegian Lundehund and Papillon, 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
Papillon
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 3/5
Papillon
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 4/5
Papillon
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 2/5
Papillon
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 3/5
Papillon
Rating: 3/5
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.
Papillon Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Papillons need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Papillons 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
Papillon Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Dental Issues
- Heart Murmurs
- Von Willebrand's Disease
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
Papillon
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Easy to train
- Good with families
- Adaptable
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Can be yappy
- Delicate build
- May be stubborn
- Separation anxiety prone
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norwegian Lundehund and Papillon, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.