Norwegian Lundehund vs Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
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
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
Hound 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.
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno Overview
Portuguese Podengo Pequenos are small, agile hounds with distinctive triangular ears and alert expressions. Their compact bodies showcase graceful lines and remarkable athleticism. Available in both smooth and wire-coated varieties, these dogs exhibit a proud carriage and lively demeanor. Their almond-shaped eyes convey intelligence and curiosity, while their wedge-shaped heads reflect their keen hunting heritage.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norwegian Lundehunds are less energetic than Portuguese Podengo Pequenos, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norwegian Lundehunds require less grooming attention compared to Portuguese Podengo Pequenos.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norwegian Lundehunds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Portuguese Podengo Pequenos.
- Trainability: Portuguese Podengo Pequenos may be slightly easier to train due to their Portuguese Podengo Pequeno's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Portuguese Podengo Pequenos 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 Portuguese Podengo Pequeno, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norwegian Lundehund | Portuguese Podengo Pequeno |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norwegian Lundehund | Portuguese Podengo Pequeno |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm | 8-12 inches 20-30 cm |
| Weight | 20-30 lbs 9-14 kg | 9-13 lbs 4-6 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norwegian Lundehund | Portuguese Podengo Pequeno |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Energetic, Alert | Playful, Charming, Lively |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norwegian Lundehund | Portuguese Podengo Pequeno |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno Temperament
The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is characterized by being playful, charming, lively, which makes them great companions for families. 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 Portuguese Podengo Pequeno, 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
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 3/5
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 4/5
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 2/5
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 3/5
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
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.
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Portuguese Podengo Pequenos 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, Portuguese Podengo Pequenos 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
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Dental Issues
- Heart Murmurs
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
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
Pros
- Adaptable to various living situations
- Low grooming needs
- Excellent watchdog
- Affectionate with family
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- Strong prey drive
- May be vocal
- Requires secure fencing
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norwegian Lundehund and Portuguese Podengo Pequeno, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.