Flat-Coated Retriever versus Norwegian Lundehund. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Flat-Coated Retriever Versus Norwegian Lundehund: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever or the Norwegian Lundehund.

Flat-Coated Retriever versus Norwegian Lundehund: Overview

Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund are similar in size. The Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Flat-Coated Retriever belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

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.

Flat-Coated Retriever versus Norwegian Lundehund: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund

Factor Flat-Coated Retriever Norwegian Lundehund
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Height 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder 1 foot to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 12 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 5/5
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
Weight 55 to 70 pounds 13 to 16 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1350 No Data
Price Range $1150 – $1800 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 94 187

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever is 78 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 a better pet than the Flat-Coated Retriever. So, you should get the Norwegian Lundehund!

    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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund

    Below is a list of where the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund are most different:

  • Flat-Coated Retrievers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Norwegian Lundehunds are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • The Similarities Between the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund

    The Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund are most similar:

  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund are very easy to train.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Flat-Coated Retriever versus Norwegian Lundehund

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers weigh 55 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Flat-Coated Retrievers are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet 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 Flat-Coated Retriever versus Norwegian Lundehund

    The lifespan of Flat-Coated Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Flat-Coated Retrievers is 11.0 years.

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

    The Popularity of Flat-Coated Retriever versus Popularity of Norwegian Lundehund

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Flat-Coated Retriever is more popular with dog owners than the Norwegian Lundehund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Flat-Coated Retriever is 94 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Norwegian Lundehund is 187 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Flat-Coated Retriever

    Popularity of Flat-Coated Retriever

    Popularity of Norwegian Lundehund

    Popularity of Norwegian Lundehund

    Year Flat-Coated Retriever Popularity Rank Norwegian Lundehund Popularity Rank
    2013 94 175
    2014 92 184
    2015 86 182
    2016 89 188
    2017 96 190
    2018 91 191
    2019 104 192
    2020 102 195

    Health Problems of Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever.

    3 health tests are recommended for Flat-Coated Retriever while 3 tests are recommended for the Norwegian Lundehund.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Flat-Coated Retrievers and in Norwegian Lundehunds.

    Flat-Coated Retriever Health Problems

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retrievers for:

  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Flat-Coated Retrievers 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: Flat-Coated Retriever versus Norwegian Lundehund

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Norwegian Lundehunds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Flat-Coated Retrievers shed more than Norwegian Lundehunds?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the Norwegian Lundehund

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Norwegian Lundehunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Norwegian Lundehunds are very easy to groom.

    Does the Flat-Coated Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Flat-Coated Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Lundehunds?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Can Flat-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Lundehunds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Norwegian Lundehunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Flat-Coated Retriever vs. Norwegian Lundehund

    Flat-Coated Retrievers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Can Flat-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Lundehunds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers 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 Flat-Coated Retriever or the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Norwegian Lundehunds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Flat-Coated Retrievers good family dogs? What about Norwegian Lundehunds?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers 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 Flat-Coated Retrievers and Norwegian Lundehunds?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Flat-Coated Retriever Easier to Train than the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Norwegian Lundehunds are very easy to train.

    Is the Flat-Coated Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Norwegian Lundehunds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Flat-Coated Retriever

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Flat-Coated Retriever that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Flat-Coated Retriever:

  • Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (81 percent match with Flat-Coated Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Lundehund vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norwegian Lundehund

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Norwegian Lundehund that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Norwegian Lundehund:

  • Dalmatian (74 percent match with Norwegian Lundehund). Here is our comparison of the Flat-Coated Retriever vs Dalmatian.
  • Field Spaniel (74 percent match with Norwegian Lundehund). Here is our comparison of the Flat-Coated Retriever vs Field Spaniel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Flat-Coated Retriever and how the Norwegian Lundehund compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Flat-Coated Retriever and of the Norwegian Lundehund to other breeds:

    Flat-Coated Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Flat-Coated Retriever versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Japanese Spitz     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Chihuahua     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Shiranian     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Labrador Retriever     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Norwegian Lundehund     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Brussels Griffon     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Border Collie     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Dalmatian     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Norwegian Lundehund     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Dogo Argentino     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Australian Terrier     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Bich Poo     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Airedale Terrier     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Toy Fox Terrier     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Finnish Spitz     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Bordoodle     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Whippet     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Boxer     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Sealyham Terrier     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Patterdale Terrier     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Affenhuahua     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Pomapoo     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Akita Chow     

    Norwegian Lundehund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwegian Lundehund versus Australian Kelpie     Norwegian Lundehund versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Norwegian Lundehund versus Australian Terrier     Norwegian Lundehund versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Norwegian Lundehund versus Boxer     Norwegian Lundehund versus Pomsky     Norwegian Lundehund versus Bolognese     Norwegian Lundehund versus Miniature Poodle     Norwegian Lundehund versus Spinone Italiano     Norwegian Lundehund versus Pomsky     Norwegian Lundehund versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Norwegian Lundehund versus Pug     Norwegian Lundehund versus Saluki     Norwegian Lundehund versus Bolognese     Norwegian Lundehund versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Norwegian Lundehund versus Boykin Spaniel     Norwegian Lundehund versus West Highland White Terrier     Norwegian Lundehund versus Belgian Sheepdog     Norwegian Lundehund versus Kuvasz     Norwegian Lundehund versus Fila Brasileiro     Norwegian Lundehund versus Basset Hound     Norwegian Lundehund versus Bull Terrier     Norwegian Lundehund versus Miniature Schnauzer     Norwegian Lundehund versus Boxer     Norwegian Lundehund versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     

    Conclusion: Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever and the Norwegian Lundehund better suits you and your family.