Is the Norwegian Lundehund Better than the Portuguese Water Dog as a Pet? Answer…

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Norwegian Lundehund Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog? 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 Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Norwegian Lundehund and for the Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog.

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

Norwegian Lundehund versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview

Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog are similar in size. The Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog are Working Dogs. This means both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog 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.

Norwegian Lundehund versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Norwegian Lundehund to the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog

Factor Norwegian Lundehund Portuguese Water Dog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 3/5
Height 1 foot to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 14 years
Weight 13 to 16 pounds 35 to 60 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.0 years
Price Range No Data $2500 – $3300
Average Price No Data $2860
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- recommend annual exams until age 10
  • GM1 GANGLIOSIDOSIS
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy – Univ of Pennsylvania –
  • NYU
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Sebaceous Adenitis
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 187 50

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Norwegian Lundehund 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 Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Norwegian Lundehund is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Portuguese Water Dog is 84 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Portuguese Water Dog is a better pet than the Norwegian Lundehund. So, you should get the Portuguese Water Dog!

    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 Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog

    Below is a list of where the Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog are most different:

  • Norwegian Lundehunds do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Portuguese Water Dogs adapt well to apartment living.
  • Norwegian Lundehunds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog

    The Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog are most similar:

  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog are very easy to train.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Norwegian Lundehund versus Portuguese Water Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog.

    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.

    On the other hand, Portuguese Water Dogs weigh 35 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Water Dogs are 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Norwegian Lundehund versus Portuguese Water Dog

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

    The lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is 12.0 years.

    Portuguese Water Dogs live longer than Norwegian Lundehunds.

    The Popularity of Norwegian Lundehund versus Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog

    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 Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Portuguese Water Dog is more popular with dog owners than the Norwegian Lundehund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Portuguese Water Dog is 50 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Norwegian Lundehund is 187 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Norwegian Lundehund

    Popularity of Norwegian Lundehund

    Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog

    Popularity of Portuguese Water Dog

    Year Norwegian Lundehund Popularity Rank Portuguese Water Dog Popularity Rank
    2013 175 49
    2014 184 52
    2015 182 52
    2016 188 51
    2017 190 54
    2018 191 50
    2019 192 49
    2020 195 49

    Health Problems of Norwegian Lundehund versus Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog

    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 Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Norwegian Lundehund.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Portuguese Water Dog than for the Norwegian Lundehund.

    3 health tests are recommended for Norwegian Lundehund while 11 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Water Dog.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Norwegian Lundehunds and in Portuguese Water Dogs.

    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.

    Portuguese Water Dog Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- recommend annual exams until age 10
  • GM1 GANGLIOSIDOSIS
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy – Univ of Pennsylvania –
  • NYU
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Sebaceous Adenitis
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Portuguese Water Dogs here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Norwegian Lundehund versus Portuguese Water Dog

    Norwegian Lundehunds do not like to be left alone.

    Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Norwegian Lundehunds shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Norwegian Lundehund or the Portuguese Water Dog

    Norwegian Lundehunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Portuguese Water Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Norwegian Lundehund or the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Norwegian Lundehunds are very easy to groom.

    Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Norwegian Lundehund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?

    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.

    Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Norwegian Lundehunds Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Norwegian Lundehunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Norwegian Lundehunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Norwegian Lundehund vs. Portuguese Water Dog

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Norwegian Lundehunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Norwegian Lundehund or the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Norwegian Lundehunds get along very well with other dogs.

    Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Norwegian Lundehunds good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Norwegian Lundehunds and Portuguese Water Dogs?

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Norwegian Lundehund Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Norwegian Lundehunds are very easy to train.

    Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.

    Is the Norwegian Lundehund Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Water Dog?

    Norwegian Lundehunds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Norwegian Lundehund or the Portuguese Water Dog?

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

    Portuguese Water Dogs are OK for new dog owners.

    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 Portuguese Water Dog vs Dalmatian.
  • Field Spaniel (74 percent match with Norwegian Lundehund). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs Field Spaniel.
  • Flat-Coated Retriever (74 percent match with Norwegian Lundehund). Here is our comparison of the Portuguese Water Dog vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Portuguese Water Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog:

  • Bernedoodle (83 percent match with Portuguese Water Dog). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Lundehund vs Bernedoodle.
  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog (79 percent match with Portuguese Water Dog). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Lundehund vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Norwegian Lundehund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwegian Lundehund versus Boston Terrier     Norwegian Lundehund versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Norwegian Lundehund versus Collie     Norwegian Lundehund versus Kai Ken     Norwegian Lundehund versus Bloodhound     Norwegian Lundehund versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Norwegian Lundehund versus Boston Terrier     Norwegian Lundehund versus Dogo Argentino     Norwegian Lundehund versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Norwegian Lundehund versus Saluki     Norwegian Lundehund versus Goldendoodle     Norwegian Lundehund versus Kooikerhondje     Norwegian Lundehund versus Dalmatian     Norwegian Lundehund versus King Shepherd     Norwegian Lundehund versus Ibizan Hound     Norwegian Lundehund versus Saint Berdoodle     Norwegian Lundehund versus Bearded Collie     Norwegian Lundehund versus Mastiff     Norwegian Lundehund versus Shiloh Shepherd     Norwegian Lundehund versus Brussels Griffon     Norwegian Lundehund versus Berger Picard     Norwegian Lundehund versus Basenji     Norwegian Lundehund versus Pomapoo     Norwegian Lundehund versus Cavachon     Norwegian Lundehund versus Australian Cattle Dog     

    Portuguese Water Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Portuguese Water Dog versus Shiloh Shepherd     Portuguese Water Dog versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Portuguese Water Dog versus Korean Jindo Dog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Bichon Frise     Portuguese Water Dog versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Portuguese Water Dog versus Australian Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Pomeranian     Portuguese Water Dog versus Vizsla     Portuguese Water Dog versus Tibetan Spaniel     Portuguese Water Dog versus Korean Jindo Dog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Boston Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Pomchi     Portuguese Water Dog versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Portuguese Water Dog versus Irish Setter     Portuguese Water Dog versus Pointer     Portuguese Water Dog versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Portuguese Water Dog versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Mastiff     Portuguese Water Dog versus Golden Retriever     Portuguese Water Dog versus Boston Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus Kooikerhondje     Portuguese Water Dog versus Skye Terrier     Portuguese Water Dog versus French Bulldog     Portuguese Water Dog versus Papipoo     Portuguese Water Dog versus Labradoodle     

    Conclusion: Norwegian Lundehund versus Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Norwegian Lundehund and the Portuguese Water Dog better suits you and your family.