Norwegian Lundehund vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog
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
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
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.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Overview
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs feature a distinctive shaggy double coat that covers their muscular, well-proportioned frame. Their medium-sized, rectangular body is adorned with long, dense fur that can come in various colors. Alert, expressive eyes peek through their characteristic facial hair, while their confident bearing reflects their herding heritage. Their temperament combines intelligence with an independent streak, showing remarkable adaptability and natural protective instincts.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norwegian Lundehunds are less energetic than Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norwegian Lundehunds require less grooming attention compared to Polish Lowland Sheepdogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norwegian Lundehunds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Polish Lowland Sheepdogs.
- Trainability: Polish Lowland Sheepdogs may be slightly easier to train due to their Polish Lowland Sheepdog's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Norwegian Lundehunds adapt better to apartment living, while Polish Lowland Sheepdogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Norwegian Lundehund and Polish Lowland Sheepdog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norwegian Lundehund | Polish Lowland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norwegian Lundehund | Polish Lowland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm | 17-20 inches 43-51 cm |
| Weight | 20-30 lbs 9-14 kg | 30-50 lbs 14-23 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norwegian Lundehund | Polish Lowland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Energetic, Alert | Confident, Clever, Lively |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norwegian Lundehund | Polish Lowland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Temperament
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is characterized by being confident, clever, lively, 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog, 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
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 3/5
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 4/5
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 2/5
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 3/5
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Rating: 5/5
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.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs 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, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Norwegian Lundehund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Lundehund Syndrome
- Patellar Luxation
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Dental Issues
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Thyroid Issues
- Heart Problems
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
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Pros
- Excellent herding instincts
- Loyal family companion
- Good watchdog
- Intelligent
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Can be stubborn
- Requires extensive exercise
- May be aloof with strangers
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norwegian Lundehund and Polish Lowland Sheepdog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.