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Dachshund 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

Dachshund vs Norwegian Lundehund

People compare Dachshunds and Norwegian Lundehunds because both are small, quirky, and built for tight spaces. digging into burrows or scrambling up cliffs. But that’s where the similarity ends. If a Dachshund is your bold, opinionated neighbor who’ll bark at the mailman and curl up on your lap afterward, the Lundehund is the quiet, mysterious cousin who climbs bookshelves just to see what’s up there. Dachshunds are hounds with big personalities. They’re affectionate to a fault, love kids who know how to be gentle, and adapt well to apartments. just don’t let them jump on the couch. Their backs are fragile, and IVDD is a real risk. But you’ll get a loyal, spunky companion who’s eager to please and easy to train with patience. They bark. A lot. And yes, they’ll dig your garden if bored. Lundehunds? They’re another world. Six toes per paw, ears that fold shut, and a neck that bends backward. this dog evolved for one job: snagging puffins from cliffside crevices. They’re smart but independent, not as eager to impress you. Training takes finesse. They’re also prone to a rare digestive disorder called Lundehund syndrome, so vet care is more specialized and ongoing. Here’s the real difference: Dachshunds want to be with you, everywhere, always. Lundehunds bond deeply but on their terms. They need space to move, cool weather, and experienced hands. Choose a Dachshund if you want a feisty, loving lapdog who fits city life. Choose a Lundehund only if you’re ready for a rare breed with unique health needs and a will of its own. Most people don’t need a dog that can lick its own ear. But if you do, welcome to the club.

Dachshund
Norwegian Lundehund
5–9 in
Height
12–15 in
11–32 lb
Weight
20–30 lb
12–16 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#12
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.
Dachshund Norwegian Lundehund
Overlay

Where they diverge

Affectionate w/ Family
Dachshund is more affectionate (2-point difference)
Dachshund
Barking Level
Norwegian Lundehund barks less (2-point difference)
Norwegian
Good with Other Dogs
Dachshund is better with other dogs (1-point difference)
Dachshund
Shedding Level
Dachshund sheds less (1-point difference)
Dachshund
Drooling Level
Norwegian Lundehund drools less (1-point difference)
Norwegian
The verdict

Choose the Dachshund if…

  • Apartment living
  • Singles and couples
  • Families with older children
  • You value affectionate w/ familyDachshund 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.
Dachshund Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Dachshund 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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