PuppyBase

Basset Hound 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

Basset Hound vs Norwegian Lundehund

People compare Basset Hounds and Norwegian Lundehunds because they’re both low-to-the-ground, rare in their own way, and look like they stepped out of a storybook. But that’s where the magic ends and reality kicks in. these two couldn’t be more different once you live with them. The Basset Hound is your laid-back, food-motivated cousin who’s always down for a couch session. He’s built for sniffing, not sprinting, with that legendary nose and a bark that carries across neighborhoods. You’ll love his patience with kids and other pets, but don’t expect him to keep up on trail runs. He’s happiest trailing a scent at his own pace, then napping. Watch his weight and ears, though. those are lifelong maintenance items. The Lundehund? This dog scales bookshelves like they’re Norwegian cliffs. He’s agile, intense, and built with six toes per foot for gripping narrow ledges. yes, really. He’s not as easygoing as the Basset. He’s alert, independent, and comes with a fragile digestive system that demands careful feeding and vet oversight. He’s not a “set it and forget it” pet. But if you want a dog that turns hiking boots sideways and remembers every puzzle you’ve ever taught him, he’s thrilling. Families wanting a gentle, predictable companion should go Basset. But if you’re experienced, live somewhere cold, and want a dog that feels like a living relic with a wild edge, the Lundehund could be your obsession. Here’s the real talk: the Basset will steal your heart with his laziness. The Lundehund will steal your time. with training, vet visits, and that weird habit of wedging himself behind the fridge. Choose not just the dog you want, but the life you’re ready to lead.

Basset Hound
Norwegian Lundehund
13–15 in
Height
12–15 in
40–65 lb
Weight
20–30 lb
12–13 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$1.2–2.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#39
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.
Basset Hound Norwegian Lundehund
Overlay

Where they diverge

Drooling Level
Norwegian Lundehund drools less (3-point difference)
Norwegian
Good with Young Children
Basset Hound is better with kids (2-point difference)
Basset
Good with Other Dogs
Basset Hound is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
Basset
Shedding Level
Basset Hound sheds less (1-point difference)
Basset
Coat Grooming
Norwegian Lundehund needs less grooming (1-point difference)
Norwegian
The verdict

Choose the Basset Hound if…

  • Families
  • Apartment dwellers
  • Seniors
  • You value drooling levelBasset Hound scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Norwegian Lundehund if…

  • Experienced dog owners
  • Those interested in rare breeds
  • Active families
  • You value shedding levelNorwegian Lundehund scores higher here.
Basset Hound Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Basset Hound 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