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Bullmastiff 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.

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The bottom line

Bullmastiff vs Norwegian Lundehund

You’re not really comparing a Bullmastiff to a Norwegian Lundehund because they look alike. You’re doing it because you’ve stumbled into the deep end of dog ownership. maybe you want something rare, or powerful, or uniquely capable. and now you’re trying to make sense of two extremes. One was built like a tank to take down poachers in England’s foggy woods. The other’s a nimble, six-toed acrobat that scaled sheer cliffs to catch seabirds in medieval Norway. They’re both rare, both loyal, both outside the mainstream. But that’s where the overlap ends. The Bullmastiff is a quiet giant. At over 100 pounds, it moves with purpose, not panic. It won’t bark at the mailman, but it will assess him closely. It’s deeply affectionate with its family, but its size alone makes it a poor fit for apartments or homes with toddlers. It needs space, structure, and a handler who can lead without hesitation. On the flip side, the Lundehund is a puzzle wrapped in fur. Six toes, double-jointed neck, ears you can close shut. it’s like nature went rogue. It’s energetic but not obedient, alert but easily stressed. It bonds tightly but isn’t as openly affectionate. Health is the quiet dealbreaker. The Bullmastiff faces bloat and joint issues, common in big dogs. The Lundehund? It carries a breed-specific syndrome that affects digestion, requiring lifelong dietary care. You can’t wing it. Here’s the real talk: if you want a dog that does something. guard, comfort, anchor your home. get the Bullmastiff. If you want a living artifact, a dog that fascinates more than it fits, the Lundehund will captivate you. But you’ll spend more time managing its quirks than enjoying its company. One is a companion with a job. The other is a relic with needs. Choose accordingly.

Bullmastiff
Norwegian Lundehund
24–27 in
Height
12–15 in
100–130 lb
Weight
20–30 lb
7–9 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#51
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.
Bullmastiff Norwegian Lundehund
Overlay

Where they diverge

Drooling Level
Norwegian Lundehund drools less (2-point difference)
Norwegian
Watchdog / Protective
Bullmastiff is more protective (2-point difference)
Bullmastiff
Barking Level
Bullmastiff barks less (2-point difference)
Bullmastiff
Affectionate w/ Family
Bullmastiff is more affectionate (1-point difference)
Bullmastiff
Coat Grooming
Bullmastiff needs less grooming (1-point difference)
Bullmastiff
The verdict

Choose the Bullmastiff if…

  • Experienced dog owners
  • Families with older children
  • Homeowners with fenced yards
  • You value drooling levelBullmastiff scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Norwegian Lundehund if…

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

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