A Detailed Comparison of the Norwegian Lundehund and the Shiba Inu.

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Norwegian Lundehund Versus Shiba Inu: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Norwegian Lundehund and the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu. 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 Shiba Inu.

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 Shiba Inu.

Norwegian Lundehund versus Shiba Inu: Overview

A very important difference between the Norwegian Lundehund and the Shiba Inu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Norwegian Lundehund is a medium-sized dog while the Shiba Inu is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Shiba Inu belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Norwegian Lundehund versus Shiba Inu: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Norwegian Lundehund to the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu

Factor Norwegian Lundehund Shiba Inu
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 2/5
Height 1 foot to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the shoulder 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 16 years
Weight 13 to 16 pounds 17 to 23 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 14.0 years
Price Range No Data $1600 – $2500
Average Price No Data $2130
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 187 44

    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 Shiba Inu. 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 Shiba Inu is 82 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Norwegian Lundehund is a better pet than the Shiba Inu. 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 Norwegian Lundehund and the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu

    Below is a list of where the Norwegian Lundehund and the Shiba Inu are most different:

  • Norwegian Lundehunds do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Shiba Inus adapt well to apartment living.
  • Norwegian Lundehunds are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Shiba Inus are good for new dog owners.
  • Norwegian Lundehunds are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Shiba Inus are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Norwegian Lundehunds do not like to be left alone. However, Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • The Similarities Between the Norwegian Lundehund and the Shiba Inu

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

  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Shiba Inu do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Shiba Inu have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Shiba Inu are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Shiba Inu have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Shiba Inu can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Shiba Inu are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Shiba Inu shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Shiba Inu are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Shiba Inu have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Norwegian Lundehund versus Shiba Inu

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Norwegian Lundehund and the Shiba Inu.

    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, Shiba Inus weigh 17 to 23 pounds when fully grown. Shiba Inus are 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Norwegian Lundehund versus Shiba Inu

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

    The lifespan of Shiba Inus is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shiba Inus is 14.0 years.

    Shiba Inus live longer than Norwegian Lundehunds.

    The Popularity of Norwegian Lundehund versus Popularity of Shiba Inu

    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 Shiba Inu over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Shiba Inu is more popular with dog owners than the Norwegian Lundehund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Shiba Inu is 44 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 Shiba Inu

    Popularity of Shiba Inu

    Year Norwegian Lundehund Popularity Rank Shiba Inu Popularity Rank
    2013 175 46
    2014 184 47
    2015 182 45
    2016 188 44
    2017 190 45
    2018 191 44
    2019 192 45
    2020 195 43

    Health Problems of Norwegian Lundehund versus Health Problems of Shiba Inu

    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 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Norwegian Lundehund.

    3 health tests are recommended for Norwegian Lundehund while 3 tests are recommended for the Shiba Inu.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Norwegian Lundehunds and in Shiba Inus.

    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.

    Shiba Inu Health Problems

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

  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Shiba Inus here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Norwegian Lundehund versus Shiba Inu

    Norwegian Lundehunds do not like to be left alone.

    Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Norwegian Lundehunds shed more than Shiba Inus?

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

    Shiba Inus shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Norwegian Lundehund or the Shiba Inu

    Norwegian Lundehunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shiba Inus do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Norwegian Lundehund or the Shiba Inu?

    Norwegian Lundehunds are very easy to groom.

    Shiba Inus are very easy to groom.

    Does the Norwegian Lundehund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiba Inu?

    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.

    Shiba Inus have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Norwegian Lundehunds Bark and Howl? What about Shiba Inus?

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

    Shiba Inus are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Norwegian Lundehunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Norwegian Lundehunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shiba Inus can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Norwegian Lundehund vs. Shiba Inu

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

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

    Can Norwegian Lundehunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inu?

    Norwegian Lundehunds get along very well with other dogs.

    Shiba Inus get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Norwegian Lundehunds good family dogs? What about Shiba Inus?

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

    Shiba Inus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Norwegian Lundehunds and Shiba Inus?

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

    Shiba Inus get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Norwegian Lundehund Easier to Train than the Shiba Inu?

    Norwegian Lundehunds are very easy to train.

    Shiba Inus are not easy to train.

    Is the Norwegian Lundehund Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiba Inu?

    Norwegian Lundehunds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Shiba Inus adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Norwegian Lundehund or the Shiba Inu?

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

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

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu:

  • Manchester Terrier (72 percent match with Shiba Inu). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Lundehund vs Manchester Terrier.
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (74 percent match with Shiba Inu). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Lundehund vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Norwegian Lundehund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwegian Lundehund versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Norwegian Lundehund versus Great Pyrenees     Norwegian Lundehund versus American Hairless Terrier     Norwegian Lundehund versus Goldador     Norwegian Lundehund versus Manchester Terrier     Norwegian Lundehund versus Cavachon     Norwegian Lundehund versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Norwegian Lundehund versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Norwegian Lundehund versus Irish Terrier     Norwegian Lundehund versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Norwegian Lundehund versus Newfoundland     Norwegian Lundehund versus Manchester Terrier     Norwegian Lundehund versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Norwegian Lundehund versus Havanese     Norwegian Lundehund versus Scottish Terrier     Norwegian Lundehund versus Chihuahua     Norwegian Lundehund versus Newfoundland     Norwegian Lundehund versus Labradoodle     Norwegian Lundehund versus Biewer Terrier     Norwegian Lundehund versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Norwegian Lundehund versus Bordoodle     Norwegian Lundehund versus Puli     Norwegian Lundehund versus American Water Spaniel     Norwegian Lundehund versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Norwegian Lundehund versus Tibetan Terrier     

    Shiba Inu Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shiba Inu versus Coton de Tulear     Shiba Inu versus Lhasapoo     Shiba Inu versus Cairn Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Cocker Spaniel     Shiba Inu versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Shiba Inu versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Shiba Inu versus Skye Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Bluetick Coonhound     Shiba Inu versus Japanese Chin     Shiba Inu versus Shihpoo     Shiba Inu versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Shiba Inu versus English Setter     Shiba Inu versus Tibetan Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Italian Greyhound     Shiba Inu versus Miniature Schnauzer     Shiba Inu versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Shiba Inu versus Jack Russell Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Carolina Dog     Shiba Inu versus American Water Spaniel     Shiba Inu versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Shiba Inu versus Belgian Tervuren     Shiba Inu versus Australian Terrier     Shiba Inu versus Spinone Italiano     

    Conclusion: Norwegian Lundehund versus Shiba Inu. 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 Shiba Inu better suits you and your family.