PuppyBase

English Springer Spaniel 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

English Springer Spaniel vs Norwegian Lundehund

People compare English Springer Spaniels and Norwegian Lundehunds because both are energetic, medium-to-low shedding dogs with a working past and a loyal streak. But that’s where the similarities end. Think of it like choosing between a well-rehearsed orchestra and a rare folk instrument. both can make beautiful music, but one fits in far more homes. The Springer is your weekend hiking buddy, the dog who’ll retrieve your tennis ball for the 50th time without breaking a sweat. Bred to flush birds in English fields, they’re highly trainable, affectionate to a fault, and thrive on human interaction. They’re great with kids and other pets, but don’t be fooled. this is a 50-pound dog with the motor of a border collie. Skip a walk or two and you’ll come home to chewed baseboards. They need consistency, activity, and regular grooming. Now, the Lundehund is something else entirely. This 20-pound Norwegian relic was designed to twist through cliffside crevices to catch puffins. It’s got six toes per foot and can tilt its head 180 degrees. But it’s not just physically unique. this breed is independent, cautious, and sensitive. Training can feel like negotiating with a very small, very stubborn diplomat. They’re adaptable to cold climates but not to chaos. And their health? Delicate. Lundehund syndrome means lifelong dietary management and vet vigilance. Here’s the real talk: if you want a dog that does things with you. train, hunt, hike, cuddle. get the Springer. If you want a living artifact, a quiet companion who’ll keep you on your toes (and your toes on your toes), the Lundehund might be your calling. But don’t get a Lundehund for fun. Get it because you’re ready to steward a piece of canine history. and its very real medical needs.

English Springer Spaniel
Norwegian Lundehund
19–20 in
Height
12–15 in
40–50 lb
Weight
20–30 lb
12–14 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$1.5–3.0k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#27
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.
English Springer Spaniel Norwegian Lundehund
Overlay

Where they diverge

Affectionate w/ Family
English Springer Spaniel is more affectionate (2-point difference)
English
Drooling Level
Norwegian Lundehund drools less (2-point difference)
Norwegian
Trainability
English Springer Spaniel is easier to train (2-point difference)
English
Good with Other Dogs
English Springer Spaniel is better with other dogs (1-point difference)
English
Good with Strangers
English Springer Spaniel is friendlier with strangers (1-point difference)
English
The verdict

Choose the English Springer Spaniel if…

  • Active families
  • Hunters
  • Families with children
  • You value affectionate w/ familyEnglish Springer Spaniel scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Norwegian Lundehund if…

  • Experienced dog owners
  • Those interested in rare breeds
  • Active families
English Springer Spaniel Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your English Springer Spaniel 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