Which is Better between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwegian Lundehund? A Very Detailed Review.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Maremma Sheepdog Versus Norwegian Lundehund: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Maremma Sheepdog 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 Maremma Sheepdog 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 Maremma Sheepdog 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 Maremma Sheepdog or the Norwegian Lundehund.

Maremma Sheepdog versus Norwegian Lundehund: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwegian Lundehund are Working Dogs. This means both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwegian Lundehund 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.

Maremma Sheepdog versus Norwegian Lundehund: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Maremma Sheepdog 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 Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwegian Lundehund

Factor Maremma Sheepdog Norwegian Lundehund
Height 23.5 to 28.5 inches 1 foot to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 5/5
Easy To Train 1/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 4/5
Life Span 11 to 13 years 10 to 12 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 1/5
General Health 5/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Weight 65 to 100 pounds 13 to 16 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1160 No Data
Price Range $495 – $1500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
    		•
  • 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 Maremma Sheepdog 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 Maremma Sheepdog is 68 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 Maremma Sheepdog. 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 Maremma Sheepdog 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 Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwegian Lundehund

    Below is a list of where the Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwegian Lundehund are most different:

  • Maremma Sheepdogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Norwegian Lundehunds are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train. However, Norwegian Lundehunds are very easy to train.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Norwegian Lundehunds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Maremma Sheepdogs not very playful. However, Norwegian Lundehunds are very playful.

    • The Similarities Between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwegian Lundehund

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

  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwegian Lundehund do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwegian Lundehund are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwegian Lundehund have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwegian Lundehund do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwegian Lundehund cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwegian Lundehund are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwegian Lundehund are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog 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 Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwegian Lundehund can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwegian Lundehund are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwegian Lundehund get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwegian Lundehund get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwegian Lundehund have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwegian Lundehund do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwegian Lundehund require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwegian Lundehund shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwegian Lundehund are highly intelligent.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Maremma Sheepdog versus Norwegian Lundehund

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwegian Lundehund.

    Maremma Sheepdogs weigh 65 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Maremma Sheepdogs are 23.5 to 28.5 inches 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 Maremma Sheepdog versus Norwegian Lundehund

    The lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is between 11 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Maremma Sheepdogs is 12.0 years.

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

    Maremma Sheepdogs live longer than Norwegian Lundehunds.

    Health Problems of Maremma Sheepdog 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 Maremma Sheepdog 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 Maremma Sheepdog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Norwegian Lundehund.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Maremma Sheepdog than for the Norwegian Lundehund.

    5 health tests are recommended for Maremma Sheepdog while 3 tests are recommended for the Norwegian Lundehund.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Maremma Sheepdogs and in Norwegian Lundehunds.

    Maremma Sheepdog Health Problems

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

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Maremma Sheepdogs 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: Maremma Sheepdog versus Norwegian Lundehund

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Norwegian Lundehunds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Maremma Sheepdogs shed more than Norwegian Lundehunds?

    Maremma Sheepdogs 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 Maremma Sheepdog or the Norwegian Lundehund

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Norwegian Lundehunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Norwegian Lundehunds are very easy to groom.

    Does the Maremma Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Maremma Sheepdogs 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.

    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 Maremma Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Lundehunds?

    Maremma Sheepdogs 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 Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Lundehunds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Norwegian Lundehunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Maremma Sheepdog vs. Norwegian Lundehund

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

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

    Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Lundehunds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Maremma Sheepdogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Norwegian Lundehunds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Maremma Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Norwegian Lundehunds?

    Maremma Sheepdogs 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 Maremma Sheepdogs and Norwegian Lundehunds?

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Maremma Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Norwegian Lundehunds are very easy to train.

    Is the Maremma Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Norwegian Lundehunds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Maremma Sheepdog or the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Maremma Sheepdogs 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 Maremma Sheepdog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Maremma Sheepdog 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 Maremma Sheepdog:

  • Central Asian Shepherd Dog (75 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Lundehund vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Lundehund vs Hovawart.

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

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Pekingese     Maremma Sheepdog versus French Bulldog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bracco Italiano     Maremma Sheepdog versus Belgian Malinois     Maremma Sheepdog versus Kai Ken     Maremma Sheepdog versus Maltipoo     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pomeranian     Maremma Sheepdog versus Borzoi     Maremma Sheepdog versus Frenchton     Maremma Sheepdog versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Xoloitzcuintli     Maremma Sheepdog versus Japanese Chin     Maremma Sheepdog versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Maremma Sheepdog versus Cavachon     Maremma Sheepdog versus Greyhound     Maremma Sheepdog versus Beaglier     Maremma Sheepdog versus Toy Poodle     Maremma Sheepdog versus Dogo Argentino     Maremma Sheepdog versus Siberian Husky     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pointer     Maremma Sheepdog versus Berger Picard     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Sussex Spaniel     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bordoodle     

    Norwegian Lundehund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwegian Lundehund versus Tibetan Mastiff     Norwegian Lundehund versus French Spaniel     Norwegian Lundehund versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Norwegian Lundehund versus Boston Terrier     Norwegian Lundehund versus Ibizan Hound     Norwegian Lundehund versus Bolognese     Norwegian Lundehund versus Black Russian Terrier     Norwegian Lundehund versus Jack Russell Terrier     Norwegian Lundehund versus Puggle     Norwegian Lundehund versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Norwegian Lundehund versus Harrier     Norwegian Lundehund versus Scottish Terrier     Norwegian Lundehund versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Norwegian Lundehund versus Shiranian     Norwegian Lundehund versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Norwegian Lundehund versus Bich Poo     Norwegian Lundehund versus King Shepherd     Norwegian Lundehund versus Pointer     Norwegian Lundehund versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Norwegian Lundehund versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Norwegian Lundehund versus Miniature Poodle     Norwegian Lundehund versus Shihpoo     Norwegian Lundehund versus Pomeranian     Norwegian Lundehund versus Bich Poo     Norwegian Lundehund versus Saluki     

    Conclusion: Maremma Sheepdog 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 Maremma Sheepdog and the Norwegian Lundehund better suits you and your family.