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Irish Red and White Setter 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

Irish Red and White Setter vs Norwegian Lundehund

You don’t see these two breeds in the same ring often, but people compare them because both are rare, striking-looking dogs with white in their coats and a story to tell. That’s about where the similarity ends. One is a big-hearted, bouncy athlete built for open fields. The other is a six-toed mountain climber with joints that bend like rubber and a history of surviving on remote cliffs. This isn’t a matchup of equals in energy or ease. it’s a choice between exuberance and eccentricity. The Irish Red and White Setter is the dog you’ll want if you’re always planning the next hike, hunt, or agility trial. They’re smart, eager, and bond deeply with active families. They’ll sleep at your feet after a long day, but only if that day included serious exercise. Their coat is manageable, and they’re great with kids, but don’t even think about city living unless you’re prepared to run them into the ground every morning. The Lundehund? They’re not for weekend adventures. They’re for obsessives. people who want a piece of living history and don’t mind the trade-offs. They’re alert and curious, but not as eager to please. Training takes patience. They’re prone to serious digestive issues, so vet bills will be a part of life. But if you live somewhere cold and quiet, and you want a loyal, unusual companion who climbs bookshelves literally, they’re unforgettable. Here’s the truth no breeder will lead with: the Setter thrives on being part of your life. The Lundehund lets you be part of theirs. Pick based on which dynamic you want.

Irish Red and White Setter
Norwegian Lundehund
22.5–26 in
Height
12–15 in
35–60 lb
Weight
20–30 lb
11–15 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$1.5–3.0k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#146
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.
Irish Red and White Setter Norwegian Lundehund
Overlay

Where they diverge

Affectionate w/ Family
Irish Red and White Setter is more affectionate (2-point difference)
Irish
Good with Young Children
Irish Red and White Setter is better with kids (2-point difference)
Irish
Good with Other Dogs
Irish Red and White Setter is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
Irish
Good with Strangers
Irish Red and White Setter is friendlier with strangers (2-point difference)
Irish
Adaptability
Irish Red and White Setter is more adaptable (2-point difference)
Irish
The verdict

Choose the Irish Red and White Setter if…

  • Hunters
  • Active families
  • Outdoors enthusiasts
  • You value affectionate w/ familyIrish Red and White Setter 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.
Irish Red and White Setter Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Irish Red and White Setter 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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