DogMatchUp

Norwegian Lundehund vs Rottweiler

Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.

Norwegian Lundehund
Small

Norwegian Lundehund

Non-Sporting Group

Rottweiler
Large

Rottweiler

Working Group

Quick Comparison

Size

Norwegian Lundehund Small
Rottweiler Large

Lifespan

Norwegian Lundehund 12-15 years
Rottweiler 9-10 years

Exercise Needs

Norwegian Lundehund 4/5
Rottweiler 3/5

Grooming Needs

Norwegian Lundehund 3/5
Rottweiler 3/5

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.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Size: Small
Temperament: Loyal, Energetic, Alert

Rottweiler Overview

Powerful and muscular, Rottweilers showcase a robust, balanced build with a broad head and strong jaws. Their black coat with mahogany markings complements their confident stance and alert expression. Distinguished by their natural guarding instincts, these dogs combine strength with remarkable agility, displaying a calm yet watchful demeanor that reflects their working heritage.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 9-10 years
Size: Large
Temperament: Loyal, Loving, Confident Guardian

Key Differences

  • Energy Level: Norwegian Lundehunds are more energetic than Rottweilers, requiring more daily exercise.
  • Grooming: Norwegian Lundehunds require less grooming attention compared to Rottweilers.
  • Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norwegian Lundehunds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Rottweilers.
  • Trainability: Rottweilers may be slightly easier to train due to their Rottweiler's higher intelligence ranking.
  • Living Situation: Norwegian Lundehunds adapt better to apartment living, while Rottweilers typically prefer homes with more space.

Detailed Comparison

Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Norwegian Lundehund and Rottweiler, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.

Basic Information

Feature Norwegian Lundehund Rottweiler
Size Small Large
Life Expectancy 12-15 years 9-10 years
Country of Origin Unknown Unknown
Breed Group Non-Sporting Group Working Group

Physical Characteristics

Feature Norwegian Lundehund Rottweiler
Height
12-15 inches
30-38 cm
22-27 inches
56-69 cm
Weight
20-30 lbs
9-14 kg
80-135 lbs
36-61 kg
Coat Type Short, dense coat Short, dense coat
Coat Length Short Short
Shedding Seasonal Seasonal

Temperament & Behavior

Feature Norwegian Lundehund Rottweiler
Temperament Loyal, Energetic, Alert Loyal, Loving, Confident Guardian
Energy Level
4/5
3/5
Intelligence
2/5
2/5

Compatibility

Feature Norwegian Lundehund Rottweiler
Good with Children
3/5
3/5
Good with Other Dogs
3/5
3/5
Apartment Friendly
3/5
2/5

Temperament & Personality

Norwegian Lundehund Temperament

Loyal Energetic Alert

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.

Rottweiler Temperament

Loyal Loving Confident Guardian

The Rottweiler is characterized by being loyal, loving, confident guardian, 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 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 Rottweiler, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:

Sociability with Strangers

Norwegian Lundehund
3/5
Rottweiler
3/5

Good with Children

Norwegian Lundehund
3/5
Rottweiler
3/5

Side-by-Side Trait Ratings

GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Norwegian Lundehund

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

Rottweiler

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS

Norwegian Lundehund

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

Rottweiler

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

ENERGY LEVEL

Norwegian Lundehund

Low High

Rating: 4/5

Rottweiler

Low High

Rating: 3/5

TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE

Norwegian Lundehund

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 2/5

Rottweiler

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 2/5

GROOMING NEEDS

Norwegian Lundehund

Low High

Rating: 3/5

Rottweiler

Low High

Rating: 3/5

Care & Maintenance

Norwegian Lundehund Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

4/5

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

3/5

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.

Rottweiler Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

3/5

Rottweilers 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

3/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Rottweilers 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

Average Lifespan: 12-15 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Lundehund Syndrome
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Eye Problems
  • Dental Issues

Rottweiler Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 9-10 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Heart Problems
  • Eye Issues
  • Osteosarcoma

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

Rottweiler

Pros

  • Loyal and protective
  • Excellent guard dog
  • Intelligent
  • Good with family
  • Trainable
  • Strong work ethic

Cons

  • High exercise needs
  • Can be stubborn
  • Requires firm training
  • May be too powerful for novice owners

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

Now that you've compared the Norwegian Lundehund and Rottweiler, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.