Norwegian Lundehund vs Wetterhoun
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
Wetterhoun
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.
Wetterhoun Overview
Wetterhouns are distinctive Dutch water dogs characterized by their curly, water-resistant coats and powerful swimming abilities. Their robust build, balanced proportions, and alert expression reflect their heritage as skilled hunting companions. Standing 23 inches at the shoulder with a sturdy frame, these dogs display a combination of strength and agility essential for their traditional waterfowl retrieval work.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norwegian Lundehunds are more energetic than Wetterhouns, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norwegian Lundehunds require more grooming attention compared to Wetterhouns.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norwegian Lundehunds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Wetterhouns.
- Trainability: Wetterhouns may be slightly easier to train due to their Wetterhoun's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Wetterhouns 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 Wetterhoun, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norwegian Lundehund | Wetterhoun |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 13-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norwegian Lundehund | Wetterhoun |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm | 5-23 inches 13-58 cm |
| Weight | 20-30 lbs 9-14 kg | 50-75 lbs 23-34 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norwegian Lundehund | Wetterhoun |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Energetic, Alert | Loyal, Good-Natured, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norwegian Lundehund | Wetterhoun |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Wetterhoun Temperament
The Wetterhoun is characterized by being loyal, good-natured, intelligent, 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 Wetterhoun, 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
Wetterhoun
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 3/5
Wetterhoun
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 4/5
Wetterhoun
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 2/5
Wetterhoun
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 3/5
Wetterhoun
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.
Wetterhoun Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Wetterhouns 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, Wetterhouns 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
Wetterhoun Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Ear infections
- Bloat
- Skin 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
Wetterhoun
Pros
- Excellent swimming ability
- Loyal family companion
- Weather-resistant coat
- Good hunting instincts
Cons
- Requires regular exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Limited breed availability
- Needs water access
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norwegian Lundehund and Wetterhoun, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.