Shikoku vs Norwegian Lundehund
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Shikoku
Foundation Stock Service
Norwegian Lundehund
Non-Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Shikoku Overview
A medium-sized spitz breed with a muscular build and distinctive fox-like appearance, the Shikoku showcases a dense double coat in sesame, red, or black and tan colors. Athletic and agile, these dogs possess erect triangular ears, a curled tail, and sharp, alert facial features that reflect their keen hunting heritage. Their balanced proportions and confident stance embody the noble bearing characteristic of Japanese breeds.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Shikokus are less energetic than Norwegian Lundehunds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Shikokus require less grooming attention compared to Norwegian Lundehunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Shikokus tend to be more reserved with strangers than Norwegian Lundehunds.
- 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 Shikokus typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Shikoku and Norwegian Lundehund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Shikoku | Norwegian Lundehund |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Shikoku | Norwegian Lundehund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-22 inches 43-56 cm | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm |
| Weight | 35-55 lbs 16-25 kg | 20-30 lbs 9-14 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Unknown | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Shikoku | Norwegian Lundehund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Energetic, Alert, Enthusiastic | Loyal, Energetic, Alert |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Shikoku | Norwegian Lundehund |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Shikoku Temperament
The Shikoku is known for being energetic, alert, enthusiastic, 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. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Norwegian Lundehund Temperament
The Norwegian Lundehund is characterized by being loyal, energetic, alert, 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 Shikoku and Norwegian Lundehund, 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
Shikoku
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Shikoku
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Shikoku
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Shikoku
Rating: 1/5
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Shikoku
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Lundehund
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Shikoku Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Shikokus require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Shikokus require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Norwegian Lundehund Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Norwegian Lundehunds 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, Norwegian Lundehunds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Shikoku Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Allergies
- Dental Issues
- Joint Problems
Norwegian Lundehund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Lundehund Syndrome
- Patellar Luxation
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Dental Issues
Pros & Cons
Shikoku
Pros
- Loyal and devoted
- Athletic and agile
- Excellent hunting instincts
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be aloof with strangers
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Shikoku and Norwegian Lundehund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.