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Norwegian Lundehund vs Plott Hound

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

Norwegian Lundehund vs Plott Hound

You probably landed here because both the Norwegian Lundehund and Plott Hound are rare, loud, and built for extreme jobs. But that’s where the similarities end. These aren’t two paths up the same mountain. they’re entirely different terrains. The Lundehund was forged on sheer coastal cliffs, scaling near-vertical rockfaces to flush out puffins. That history left it with uncanny physical quirks. six toes, flexible joints, ears you can close shut. and a willful, puzzle-solving mind. It’s loyal to its people but reserved with strangers, and it comes with a health legacy that demands attention. Lundehund syndrome isn’t something you Google once and forget. It’s vet visits, special diets, and vigilance. You don’t choose this dog for convenience. You choose it because you’re fascinated by oddities and don’t mind being a steward of a living relic. The Plott Hound? That’s a different kind of rare. Bred to trail and tree bears in the Appalachians, it’s got grit, stamina, and a surprising softness at home. Big, bold, and deeply loyal, it thrives with active owners who hike, hunt, or work land. It’s more biddable than most hounds and bonds tightly with its family. But don’t be fooled by its short coat. this dog will bay at deer, coyotes, or the mail truck, and it needs space to move. Here’s the real talk: the Lundehund is a high-maintenance project with a shortlist of ideal owners. The Plott is a working partner who’ll lean into your life. just make sure your life includes miles of trail and tolerance for vocal opinions. If you want a quiet apartment companion, skip both. But if you’re after something with history in its bones and fire in its heart, ask yourself: are you a museum curator or a backcountry guide? Your answer picks the dog.

Norwegian Lundehund
Plott Hound
12–15 in
Height
20–25 in
20–30 lb
Weight
40–60 lb
12–15 yr
Lifespan
12–14 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$0.8–2.0k
#191
AKC popularity
#171

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.
Norwegian Lundehund Plott Hound
Overlay

Where they diverge

Affectionate w/ Family
Plott Hound is more affectionate (2-point difference)
Plott
Good with Other Dogs
Plott Hound is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
Plott
Shedding Level
Plott Hound sheds less (1-point difference)
Plott
Coat Grooming
Plott Hound needs less grooming (1-point difference)
Plott
Drooling Level
Norwegian Lundehund drools less (1-point difference)
Norwegian
The verdict

Choose the Norwegian Lundehund if…

  • Experienced dog owners
  • Those interested in rare breeds
  • Active families
  • You value shedding levelNorwegian Lundehund scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Plott Hound if…

  • Hunters
  • Active outdoor owners
  • Rural settings
  • You value affectionate w/ familyPlott Hound scores higher here.
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
Plott Hound Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Plott Hound 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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