PuppyBase

American Foxhound vs Norwegian Lundehund

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

Not sure which breed fits your life?

Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.

The bottom line

American Foxhound vs Norwegian Lundehund

You don’t see many people trying to choose between an American Foxhound and a Norwegian Lundehund. But if you’re here, you’re probably deep in the dog world. maybe you love rare breeds, or you’re drawn to dogs with wild backstories. These two couldn’t be more different, and that’s exactly why the comparison matters. One’s built for open fields and big skies, the other for narrow cliff edges and isolation. The American Foxhound is a rangy, social athlete. At 60 to 70 pounds, he’s made for covering miles at speed, voice ringing out across the countryside. He’s sweet and tolerant with kids and other dogs, but don’t expect him to notice you unless you’ve got food or a scent trail. He’ll bark. constantly. and he won’t live quietly in an apartment. He needs space, motion, and a job. If you’re a hunter or live on a farm with other dogs, he’s a dream. If you want a cuddly, obedient sidekick, look elsewhere. The Lundehund is a six-toed, double-jointed mystery from Norway’s cliffs. At just 20 to 30 pounds, he’s compact and clever, with a body that folds like origami. He’s loyal but reserved, not a barker, and not especially eager to please. His health is the real catch. Lundehund syndrome means lifelong, expensive management of digestive issues. You don’t choose this dog for ease. You choose him because he’s ancient, unique, and you’re ready for the responsibility. Here’s the truth beyond the data: the Foxhound will break your heart by ignoring you. The Lundehund will break your bank and your sleep, but he’ll bond fiercely. Pick the Foxhound if you want a dog that thrives in motion with others. Pick the Lundehund only if you’re ready to be a steward of a dying lineage. and its vet bills.

American Foxhound
Norwegian Lundehund
21–25 in
Height
12–15 in
60–70 lb
Weight
20–30 lb
11–13 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$1.0–2.4k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#186
AKC popularity
#191

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
American Foxhound Norwegian Lundehund
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Young Children
American Foxhound is better with kids (2-point difference)
American
Good with Other Dogs
American Foxhound is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
American
Barking Level
Norwegian Lundehund barks less (2-point difference)
Norwegian
Coat Grooming
American Foxhound needs less grooming (1-point difference)
American
Energy Level
American Foxhound has more energy (1-point difference)
American
The verdict

Choose the American Foxhound if…

  • Active people
  • Rural homes
  • Hunters
  • You value good with young childrenAmerican Foxhound scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Norwegian Lundehund if…

  • Experienced dog owners
  • Those interested in rare breeds
  • Active families
  • You value coat groomingNorwegian Lundehund scores higher here.
American Foxhound Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your American Foxhound home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Norwegian Lundehund Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Norwegian Lundehund home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

Other comparisons people run