Norwegian Lundehund vs Portuguese Pointer
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 Pointer
Foundation Stock Service
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 Pointer Overview
Portuguese Pointers showcase a noble bearing with their athletic build and distinctive tan coat. Medium-sized with well-proportioned features, they exhibit strong hunting instincts through their alert expression and muscular frame. Their intelligent eyes and expressive face reflect their keen hunting heritage, while their balanced structure combines elegance with functionality.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norwegian Lundehunds are less energetic than Portuguese Pointers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norwegian Lundehunds require more grooming attention compared to Portuguese Pointers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norwegian Lundehunds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Portuguese Pointers.
- 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 Portuguese Pointers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Norwegian Lundehund and Portuguese Pointer, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norwegian Lundehund | Portuguese Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 14-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norwegian Lundehund | Portuguese Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm | 21-22 inches 52-56 cm |
| Weight | 20-30 lbs 9-14 kg | 35-59 lbs 16-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norwegian Lundehund | Portuguese Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Energetic, Alert | Affectionate, Smart, Energetic |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norwegian Lundehund | Portuguese Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Pointer Temperament
The Portuguese Pointer is characterized by being affectionate, smart, energetic, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Norwegian Lundehund and Portuguese Pointer, 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 Pointer
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 3/5
Portuguese Pointer
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 4/5
Portuguese Pointer
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 2/5
Portuguese Pointer
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 3/5
Portuguese Pointer
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.
Portuguese Pointer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Portuguese Pointers 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 Pointers 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 Pointer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Bloat
- Allergies
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 Pointer
Pros
- Excellent hunting abilities
- Highly trainable
- Affectionate with family
- Athletic and agile
Cons
- High exercise needs
- May be too energetic for apartments
- Requires consistent training
- Can be stubborn
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norwegian Lundehund and Portuguese Pointer, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.