Breed Comparison: Norwegian Lundehund Versus Whippet

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Norwegian Lundehund Versus Whippet: Introduction

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

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

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 Whippet.

Norwegian Lundehund versus Whippet: Overview

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

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 Whippet belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Norwegian Lundehund versus Whippet: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Norwegian Lundehund to the Whippet 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 Whippet

Factor Norwegian Lundehund Whippet
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 5/5
Height 1 foot to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the shoulder 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 15 years
Weight 13 to 16 pounds 18 to 48 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data $1600 – $2600
Average Price No Data $2120
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 187 58

    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 Whippet. 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 Whippet is 86 out of 125.

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

    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 Whippet 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 Whippet

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

  • Norwegian Lundehunds do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Whippets adapt well to apartment living.
  • Norwegian Lundehunds have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Whippets have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Norwegian Lundehunds can tolerate cold weather. However, Whippets cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Norwegian Lundehunds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Whippets do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Norwegian Lundehund and the Whippet

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

  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Whippet do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Whippet are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Whippet do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Whippet are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Whippet are very easy to train.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Whippet have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Whippet are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Whippet get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Whippet get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Whippet are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Whippet are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Whippet have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Whippet require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Norwegian Lundehund and the Whippet are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Norwegian Lundehund versus Whippet

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

    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, Whippets weigh 18 to 48 pounds when fully grown. Whippets are 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Norwegian Lundehund versus Whippet

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

    The lifespan of Whippets is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Whippets is 13.5 years.

    Whippets live longer than Norwegian Lundehunds.

    The Popularity of Norwegian Lundehund versus Popularity of Whippet

    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 Whippet over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Whippet is more popular with dog owners than the Norwegian Lundehund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Whippet is 58 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 Whippet

    Popularity of Whippet

    Year Norwegian Lundehund Popularity Rank Whippet Popularity Rank
    2013 175 59
    2014 184 56
    2015 182 57
    2016 188 60
    2017 190 61
    2018 191 61
    2019 192 57
    2020 195 59

    Health Problems of Norwegian Lundehund versus Health Problems of Whippet

    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 Whippet 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 Whippet is prone to more genetic health problems than the Norwegian Lundehund.

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

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

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

    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.

    Whippet Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Whippets here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Norwegian Lundehund versus Whippet

    Norwegian Lundehunds do not like to be left alone.

    Whippets do not like to be left alone.

    Do Norwegian Lundehunds shed more than Whippets?

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

    Whippets do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Norwegian Lundehund or the Whippet

    Norwegian Lundehunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Whippets do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Norwegian Lundehund or the Whippet?

    Norwegian Lundehunds are very easy to groom.

    Whippets are very easy to groom.

    Does the Norwegian Lundehund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Whippet?

    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.

    Whippets 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.

    Do Norwegian Lundehunds Bark and Howl? What about Whippets?

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

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

    Can Norwegian Lundehunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Whippets Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Norwegian Lundehunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Whippets cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Norwegian Lundehund vs. Whippet

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

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

    Can Norwegian Lundehunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Whippets Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Whippets can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Norwegian Lundehunds get along very well with other dogs.

    Whippets get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Norwegian Lundehunds good family dogs? What about Whippets?

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

    Whippets are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Norwegian Lundehunds and Whippets?

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

    Whippets get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Norwegian Lundehund Easier to Train than the Whippet?

    Norwegian Lundehunds are very easy to train.

    Whippets are very easy to train.

    Is the Norwegian Lundehund Better for Apartment Owners than the Whippet?

    Norwegian Lundehunds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Whippets adapt very well to apartment living.

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

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

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

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

  • Ibizan Hound (86 percent match with Whippet). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Lundehund vs Ibizan Hound.
  • Italian Greyhound (78 percent match with Whippet). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Lundehund vs Italian Greyhound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Norwegian Lundehund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwegian Lundehund versus Redbone Coonhound     Norwegian Lundehund versus Maltese     Norwegian Lundehund versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Norwegian Lundehund versus Irish Wolfhound     Norwegian Lundehund versus Chorkie     Norwegian Lundehund versus Coton de Tulear     Norwegian Lundehund versus Affenhuahua     Norwegian Lundehund versus Basset Hound     Norwegian Lundehund versus Greyhound     Norwegian Lundehund versus Shichon     Norwegian Lundehund versus Bearded Collie     Norwegian Lundehund versus German Pinscher     Norwegian Lundehund versus Westiepoo     Norwegian Lundehund versus Westiepoo     Norwegian Lundehund versus English Toy Spaniel     Norwegian Lundehund versus Doberman Pinscher     Norwegian Lundehund versus Schnoodle     Norwegian Lundehund versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Norwegian Lundehund versus Boxer     Norwegian Lundehund versus Toy Fox Terrier     Norwegian Lundehund versus Mastiff     Norwegian Lundehund versus Dachshund     Norwegian Lundehund versus German Shepherd Dog     Norwegian Lundehund versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Norwegian Lundehund versus Doberman Pinscher     

    Whippet Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Whippet versus Doberman Pinscher     Whippet versus Mountain Cur     Whippet versus Lhasapoo     Whippet versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Whippet versus Tibetan Mastiff     Whippet versus Bich Poo     Whippet versus American Bulldog     Whippet versus Pekingese     Whippet versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Whippet versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Whippet versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Whippet versus Chow Chow     Whippet versus Coton de Tulear     Whippet versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Whippet versus Cesky Terrier     Whippet versus Westiepoo     Whippet versus Basset Hound     Whippet versus Toy Poodle     Whippet versus Puggle     Whippet versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Whippet versus Boxerdoodle     Whippet versus Border Terrier     Whippet versus Sussex Spaniel     Whippet versus Toy Poodle     Whippet versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     

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