A Detailed Comparison of the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund.

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Belgian Malinois Versus Norwegian Lundehund: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Belgian Malinois and for the Norwegian Lundehund. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Belgian Malinois or the Norwegian Lundehund.

Belgian Malinois versus Norwegian Lundehund: Overview

A very important difference between the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Belgian Malinois is a large-sized dog while the Norwegian Lundehund is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Belgian Malinois belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Norwegian Lundehund belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Belgian Malinois versus Norwegian Lundehund: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Belgian Malinois to the Norwegian Lundehund based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund

Factor Belgian Malinois Norwegian Lundehund
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 14 years 10 to 12 years
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 5/5
Height 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Weight 40 to 80 pounds 13 to 16 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1380 No Data
Price Range $850 – $1800 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Belgian Malinois in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Norwegian Lundehund. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Belgian Malinois is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Norwegian Lundehund is 83 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Norwegian Lundehund is not better or worse than the Belgian Malinois. So, you can get the Norwegian Lundehund or the Belgian Malinois!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund

    Below is a list of where the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund are most different:

    • Belgian Malinoiss do not get along well with other dogs. However, Norwegian Lundehunds get along well with other dogs.
    • Belgian Malinoiss do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Norwegian Lundehunds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    The Similarities Between the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund

    The Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund are most similar:

    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund are very easy to train.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Belgian Malinois versus Norwegian Lundehund

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund.

    Belgian Malinoiss weigh 40 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Belgian Malinoiss are 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Norwegian Lundehunds weigh 13 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Norwegian Lundehunds are 1 foot to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Belgian Malinois versus Norwegian Lundehund

    The lifespan of Belgian Malinoiss is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Belgian Malinoiss is 13.0 years.

    The lifespan of Norwegian Lundehunds is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Norwegian Lundehunds is 11.0 years.

    Belgian Malinoiss live longer than Norwegian Lundehunds.

    Health Problems of Belgian Malinois versus Health Problems of Norwegian Lundehund

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Norwegian Lundehund is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Belgian Malinois.

    3 health tests are recommended for Belgian Malinois while 3 tests are recommended for the Norwegian Lundehund.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Belgian Malinoiss and in Norwegian Lundehunds.

    Belgian Malinois Health Problems

    Belgian Malinoiss are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Belgian Malinois puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Belgian Malinois puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Belgian Malinois breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Belgian Malinoiss for:

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Belgian Malinoiss here.

    Norwegian Lundehund Health Problems

    Norwegian Lundehunds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Norwegian Lundehund puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Norwegian Lundehund puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Norwegian Lundehund breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Norwegian Lundehunds for:

  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Patellar Luxation

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Norwegian Lundehunds here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Belgian Malinois versus Norwegian Lundehund

    Belgian Malinoiss can be left alone only for a short time.

    Norwegian Lundehunds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Belgian Malinoiss shed more than Norwegian Lundehunds?

    Belgian Malinoiss do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Norwegian Lundehunds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Belgian Malinois or the Norwegian Lundehund

    Belgian Malinoiss do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Norwegian Lundehunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Belgian Malinois or the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to groom.

    Norwegian Lundehunds are very easy to groom.

    Does the Belgian Malinois Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Belgian Malinoiss have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Norwegian Lundehunds have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Belgian Malinoiss Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Lundehunds?

    Belgian Malinoiss are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Norwegian Lundehunds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Belgian Malinoiss Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Lundehunds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Belgian Malinoiss can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Norwegian Lundehunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Belgian Malinois vs. Norwegian Lundehund

    Belgian Malinoiss have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Norwegian Lundehunds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Belgian Malinoiss Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Lundehunds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Belgian Malinoiss can tolerate hot weather.

    Norwegian Lundehunds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Belgian Malinois or the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Belgian Malinoiss do not get along well with other dogs.

    Norwegian Lundehunds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Belgian Malinoiss good family dogs? What about Norwegian Lundehunds?

    Belgian Malinoiss are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Norwegian Lundehunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Belgian Malinoiss and Norwegian Lundehunds?

    Belgian Malinoiss get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Norwegian Lundehunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Belgian Malinois Easier to Train than the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Belgian Malinoiss are very easy to train.

    Norwegian Lundehunds are very easy to train.

    Is the Belgian Malinois Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Belgian Malinoiss do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Norwegian Lundehunds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Belgian Malinois or the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Belgian Malinoiss are OK for new dog owners.

    Norwegian Lundehunds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Belgian Malinois versus Norwegian Lundehund. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Belgian Malinois and the Norwegian Lundehund better suits you and your family.