Norwegian Lundehund vs Redbone Coonhound
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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Norwegian Lundehund vs Redbone Coonhound
People compare Norwegian Lundehunds and Redbone Coonhounds because both are rare, energetic breeds with strong instincts and a look that turns heads. But that’s where the similarities end. These dogs come from opposite ends of the earth. and opposite ends of the dog world. The Lundehund is a six-toed, double-jointed acrobat built to scramble up sheer Norwegian cliffs after puffins. He’s compact at 12 to 15 inches, weighs as much as a large bag of dog food, and carries a quiet intensity. He’s loyal and alert, but his brain runs on ancient, independent wiring. Training isn’t about obedience; it’s about negotiation. He can’t handle the same food as most dogs due to Lundehund syndrome, and his gut issues mean you’ll spend more time managing his diet than you’d expect. If you love solving dog puzzles and don’t mind vet bills with extra digits, he’s fascinating. But he’s not a family pet. The Redbone? He’s the deep-red, deep-voiced Southern gentleman who lives to track. At 45 to 70 pounds, he’s built for miles of forest, not apartments. His baying will echo through your neighborhood, and if he catches a scent, he won’t look back. But off-leash? Forget it. He’s affectionate, great with kids, and thrives in active homes where the backyard opens to trails. He’s not stubborn like the Lundehund. he just follows his nose with single-minded passion. Here’s the real insight: The Lundehund isn’t just rare, he’s high-maintenance in ways you can’t train away. The Redbone isn’t just loud, he’s emotionally open in a way that makes him easy to love. Pick the Lundehund if you want a project with a heartbeat. Pick the Redbone if you want a loyal, goofy, nose-driven partner who’ll greet you like a hero every time you come home.
Trait-by-trait
Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.Where they diverge
Choose the Norwegian Lundehund if…
- Experienced dog owners
- Those interested in rare breeds
- Active families
Choose the Redbone Coonhound if…
- Active outdoor owners
- Hunters and tracking enthusiasts
- Rural or suburban households
- You value affectionate w/ family — Redbone Coonhound scores higher here.

