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German Longhaired Pointer 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

German Longhaired Pointer vs Norwegian Lundehund

People compare the German Longhaired Pointer and Norwegian Lundehund because both are rare, active, and deeply tied to their native landscapes. but that’s where the similarity ends. One is a graceful, full-throttle hunting partner built for covering ground; the other is a six-toed mountain climber with a body that bends like rubber. If you’re drawn to either, you probably value uniqueness and aren’t afraid of a dog with a job to do. The German Longhaired Pointer is the family athlete. calm indoors but exploding with energy the second you hit the trail. It’s highly trainable, adores kids, and thrives with hunters or active owners who can give it hours of outdoor work. It needs space, plain and simple. Apartment life won’t cut it. You’ll manage moderate shedding and bloat risk, but you’ll get a loyal, intuitive companion that’s eager to please. The Lundehund is another world entirely. It’s small, sure, but don’t mistake its size for ease. This dog was bred to twist through narrow cliff crevices, and that same flexibility means it’s prone to a rare, serious digestive condition called Lundehund syndrome. It’s independent, less predictable with kids, and not as responsive to training. First-time owners will struggle. But if you’re experienced, live in a cooler climate, and want a living piece of history, the Lundehund offers a bond that feels almost ancient. Here’s the real talk: the Pointer wants to be part of your life, every part of it. The Lundehund lets you be part of its world. if you earn it. Choose the Pointer if you want a dog that fits into your active lifestyle. Choose the Lundehund only if you’re ready to adapt your life to a dog with very specific needs, health care costs, and a personality that doesn’t quite play by the rules.

German Longhaired Pointer
Norwegian Lundehund
22–28 in
Height
12–15 in
55–80 lb
Weight
20–30 lb
12–14 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$1.2–3.0k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
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.
German Longhaired Pointer Norwegian Lundehund
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Young Children
German Longhaired Pointer is better with kids (2-point difference)
German
Trainability
German Longhaired Pointer is easier to train (2-point difference)
German
Affectionate w/ Family
German Longhaired Pointer is more affectionate (1-point difference)
German
Good with Other Dogs
German Longhaired Pointer is better with other dogs (1-point difference)
German
Coat Grooming
German Longhaired Pointer needs less grooming (1-point difference)
German
The verdict

Choose the German Longhaired Pointer if…

  • Hunters
  • Active families
  • Rural living
  • You value good with young childrenGerman Longhaired Pointer 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.
German Longhaired Pointer Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your German Longhaired Pointer 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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