A Detailed Comparison of the Gordon Setter and the Norwegian Lundehund.

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Gordon Setter Versus Norwegian Lundehund: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Norwegian Lundehund.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter or the Norwegian Lundehund.

Gordon Setter versus Norwegian Lundehund: Overview

Both the Gordon Setter and the Norwegian Lundehund are similar in size. The Gordon Setter and the Norwegian Lundehund are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Gordon Setter 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.

Gordon Setter versus Norwegian Lundehund: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Norwegian Lundehund

FactorGordon SetterNorwegian Lundehund
Tolerates Being Alone1/52/5
Height1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the 1 foot to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span10 to 12 years10 to 12 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living2/51/5
Dog Friendly2/55/5
Easy To Groom2/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/52/5
Good For Novice Owners3/51/5
Tolerates Hot Weather3/53/5
Kid-Friendly3/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/55/5
Does NOT Drool3/55/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/53/5
Does NOT chew on things3/53/5
Easygoing2/53/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/55/5
General Health4/53/5
Low Prey Drive2/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander2/51/5
Weight45 to 80 pounds13 to 16 pounds
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Does NOT Shed1/51/5
Easy To Train5/54/5
Intelligence5/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl1/55/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/51/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Average Lifespan11.0 years11.0 years
Average Price$1360No Data
Price Range$1250 – $1500No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • approved laboratory
  • DNA Repository (new requirement effective 7/1/13)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • rcd4 PRA (new requirement effective 7/1/13)
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Patellar Luxation
    • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds106187

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter is 70 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 Gordon Setter. 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 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Norwegian Lundehund

    Below is a list of where the Gordon Setter and the Norwegian Lundehund are most different:

  • Gordon Setters do not get along well with other dogs. However, Norwegian Lundehunds get along well with other dogs.
  • Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setter and the Norwegian Lundehund

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

  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Norwegian Lundehund do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Norwegian Lundehund do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Norwegian Lundehund are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Norwegian Lundehund can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Norwegian Lundehund are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Norwegian Lundehund have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Norwegian Lundehund are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Norwegian Lundehund shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Norwegian Lundehund are very easy to train.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Norwegian Lundehund are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Norwegian Lundehund have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Norwegian Lundehund require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Norwegian Lundehund are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Gordon Setter versus Norwegian Lundehund

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Gordon Setter and the Norwegian Lundehund.

    Gordon Setters weigh 45 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Gordon Setters are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the 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 Gordon Setter versus Norwegian Lundehund

    The lifespan of Gordon Setters is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Norwegian Lundehund over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Gordon Setter is more popular with dog owners than the Norwegian Lundehund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Gordon Setter is 106 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Norwegian Lundehund is 187 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Gordon Setter

    Popularity of Gordon Setter

    Popularity of Norwegian Lundehund

    Popularity of Norwegian Lundehund

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    Year Gordon Setter Popularity Rank Norwegian Lundehund Popularity Rank
    2013 105 175
    2014 100 184
    2015 105 182
    2016 104 188
    2017 104 190
    2018 115 191
    2019 113 192
    2020 107 195

    Health Problems of Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter is prone to more genetic health problems than the Norwegian Lundehund.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Gordon Setter than for the Norwegian Lundehund.

    6 health tests are recommended for Gordon Setter while 3 tests are recommended for the Norwegian Lundehund.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Gordon Setters and in Norwegian Lundehunds.

    Gordon Setter Health Problems

    Gordon Setters are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setters for:

  • approved laboratory
  • DNA Repository (new requirement effective 7/1/13)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • rcd4 PRA (new requirement effective 7/1/13)

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Gordon Setters 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: Gordon Setter versus Norwegian Lundehund

    Gordon Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Norwegian Lundehunds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Gordon Setters shed more than Norwegian Lundehunds?

    Gordon Setters shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Gordon Setter or the Norwegian Lundehund

    Gordon Setters drool moderately.

    Norwegian Lundehunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Gordon Setter or the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Gordon Setters require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Norwegian Lundehunds are very easy to groom.

    Does the Gordon Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setters Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Lundehunds?

    Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Lundehunds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Gordon Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Norwegian Lundehunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Gordon Setter vs. Norwegian Lundehund

    Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Lundehunds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Gordon Setters can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Gordon Setter or the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Gordon Setters do not get along well with other dogs.

    Norwegian Lundehunds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Gordon Setters good family dogs? What about Norwegian Lundehunds?

    Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setters and Norwegian Lundehunds?

    Gordon Setters get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Gordon Setter Easier to Train than the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Gordon Setters are very easy to train.

    Norwegian Lundehunds are very easy to train.

    Is the Gordon Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Gordon Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Norwegian Lundehunds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Gordon Setter or the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Gordon Setters are OK for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Gordon Setter

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter:

  • Belgian Tervuren (78 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Lundehund vs Belgian Tervuren.
  • Giant Schnauzer (79 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Lundehund vs Giant Schnauzer.
  • Mudi (75 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Lundehund vs Mudi.

    • 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 Gordon Setter vs Dalmatian.
  • Field Spaniel (74 percent match with Norwegian Lundehund). Here is our comparison of the Gordon Setter vs Field Spaniel.
  • Flat-Coated Retriever (74 percent match with Norwegian Lundehund). Here is our comparison of the Gordon Setter vs Flat-Coated Retriever.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Gordon Setter and how the Norwegian Lundehund compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Gordon Setter and of the Norwegian Lundehund to other breeds:

    Gordon Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Gordon Setter versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Gordon Setter versus Norfolk Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Gordon Setter versus Beagle     Gordon Setter versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Gordon Setter versus American Hairless Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Affenhuahua     Gordon Setter versus Fila Brasileiro     Gordon Setter versus Australian Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Gordon Setter versus Miniature Schnauzer     Gordon Setter versus American Bulldog     Gordon Setter versus Schipperke     Gordon Setter versus Cavachon     Gordon Setter versus Lhasa Apso     Gordon Setter versus Lhasa Apso     Gordon Setter versus Papillon     Gordon Setter versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Gordon Setter versus Bloodhound     Gordon Setter versus Kai Ken     Gordon Setter versus Japanese Chin     Gordon Setter versus Havanese     Gordon Setter versus Manchester Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Puli     

    Norwegian Lundehund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwegian Lundehund versus Chihuahua     Norwegian Lundehund versus Portuguese Water Dog     Norwegian Lundehund versus Miniature Schnauzer     Norwegian Lundehund versus West Highland White Terrier     Norwegian Lundehund versus Black Russian Terrier     Norwegian Lundehund versus Cavachon     Norwegian Lundehund versus Kooikerhondje     Norwegian Lundehund versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Norwegian Lundehund versus Biewer Terrier     Norwegian Lundehund versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Norwegian Lundehund versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Norwegian Lundehund versus Welsh Terrier     Norwegian Lundehund versus Norwich Terrier     Norwegian Lundehund versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Norwegian Lundehund versus Bulldog     Norwegian Lundehund versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Norwegian Lundehund versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Norwegian Lundehund versus Yorkipoo     Norwegian Lundehund versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Norwegian Lundehund versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Norwegian Lundehund versus Pointer     Norwegian Lundehund versus Pyredoodle     Norwegian Lundehund versus Ibizan Hound     Norwegian Lundehund versus Kai Ken     Norwegian Lundehund versus Portuguese Water Dog     

    Conclusion: Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter and the Norwegian Lundehund better suits you and your family.