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Kerry Blue Terrier 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

Kerry Blue Terrier vs Norwegian Lundehund

You don’t see a Kerry Blue Terrier and a Norwegian Lundehund side by side at dog parks. chances are, you’ve only heard of one, maybe neither. But both pop up when you’re deep in the weeds of "unusual, intelligent, active dogs that don’t shed much." That’s usually why people compare them: they’re hunting for something different, hypoallergenic, and full of personality, but not a designer mix. Here’s where they split hard. The Kerry Blue is your feisty, velvety Irishman with opinions and a love for a job. He’ll herd your kids, bark at the mailman, and cuddle you like a golden retriever. if you’ve earned it. He needs activity, yes, but more than that, he craves mental work. Leave him bored and you’ll come home to a shredded couch. He’s better with kids, more affectionate, and easier on allergy sufferers. The Lundehund is something else entirely. This dog evolved to crawl into narrow cliff crevices to catch seabirds. seriously, he can bend his head backward to touch his spine. That uniqueness comes at a cost. He’s more reserved, less eager to please, and prone to serious digestive conditions that require lifelong management. He’s not a pet for someone who wants a dog ready to join the family hike next weekend. He’s for the person fascinated by the breed’s history and prepared for vet bills and dietary restrictions. If you want a spirited, adaptable companion who bonds deeply and can handle a busy household, go Kerry Blue. If you’re drawn to the rare, the ancient, and don’t mind being a part-time veterinary detective, the Lundehund might call to you. Just know this: the Lundehund isn’t just rare in numbers. He’s rare in soul.

Kerry Blue Terrier
Norwegian Lundehund
17.5–19.5 in
Height
12–15 in
33–40 lb
Weight
20–30 lb
12–15 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#129
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.
Kerry Blue Terrier Norwegian Lundehund
Overlay

Where they diverge

Affectionate w/ Family
Kerry Blue Terrier is more affectionate (2-point difference)
Kerry
Shedding Level
Kerry Blue Terrier sheds less (2-point difference)
Kerry
Watchdog / Protective
Kerry Blue Terrier is more protective (2-point difference)
Kerry
Good with Young Children
Kerry Blue Terrier is better with kids (1-point difference)
Kerry
Good with Other Dogs
Norwegian Lundehund is better with other dogs (1-point difference)
Norwegian
The verdict

Choose the Kerry Blue Terrier if…

  • Experienced terrier owners
  • Active families
  • Allergy sufferers
  • You value affectionate w/ familyKerry Blue Terrier 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.
Kerry Blue Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Kerry Blue Terrier 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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