PuppyBase

Norwegian Lundehund vs Pointer

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

Norwegian Lundehund vs Pointer

You don’t see a Norwegian Lundehund and a Pointer side by side at the dog park. chances are, you haven’t seen a Lundehund at all. But people compare them because both are energetic, loyal, and built for purpose. That’s where the similarities end. One was designed to scale sheer cliffs hunting puffins; the other to quarter fields for game birds in open terrain. They’re both working dogs, but their worlds couldn’t be more different. The Lundehund is a rare, six-toed acrobat with joints that bend like rubber. He’s independent, curious, and not easily impressed by treats or praise. You’ll need patience. he’s not stubborn on purpose, he just thinks for himself. He adapts okay to apartment life if you’re home often, but his gut is fragile. Lundehund syndrome is no joke, and vet bills can pile up fast. This isn’t a breed for weekend dog owners. You’ll need to research specialists, monitor digestion, and accept that some days, he just won’t eat. The Pointer? He’s your all-in, 50-mile-a-day partner. Big, sleek, and built for motion, he thrives when he’s working or running. He’s easier to train, deeply affectionate, and bonds tightly with active families. But don’t lock him in a condo. he’ll chew the door off. He needs space, cold-weather gear if you’re north, and mental fuel. A tired Pointer is a good dog; a bored one will redecorate your living room. Here’s the real talk: the Lundehund isn’t for saving. He’s for living with. a quiet companion in a rugged, ancient package. The Pointer isn’t a pet. He’s a teammate. Pick the Lundehund if you want a rare, low-key guardian of weird dog history. Pick the Pointer if you’re ready to run your legs off and love a dog that lives to be useful.

Norwegian Lundehund
Pointer
12–15 in
Height
23–28 in
20–30 lb
Weight
45–75 lb
12–15 yr
Lifespan
12–17 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.2–3.0k
#191
AKC popularity
#114

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 Pointer
Overlay

Where they diverge

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

Choose the Norwegian Lundehund if…

  • Experienced dog owners
  • Those interested in rare breeds
  • Active families

Choose the Pointer if…

  • Active families
  • Hunters and field sport enthusiasts
  • Outdoor and running enthusiasts
  • You value affectionate w/ familyPointer 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
Pointer Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your 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

Other comparisons people run