PuppyBase

Norwegian Lundehund vs Rottweiler

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 Rottweiler

You’re not going to find two dogs more different than a Norwegian Lundehund and a Rottweiler unless you’re comparing a chihuahua to a moose. So why do people pit them against each other? Usually because they’re both rare, both loyal, and both come with a “wait, what?” factor at the dog park. But that’s where the similarities end. The Lundehund is a six-toed mountain acrobat from Norway, built to scramble up sea cliffs to snag puffins. At 20 to 30 pounds, he’s wiry, curious, and just stubborn enough to make training a negotiation. He’s affectionate but reserved, energetic but not hyper, and comes with a big caveat: Lundehund Syndrome. That means you’ll need a vet who knows gastrointestinal issues inside and out. This dog isn’t for someone who wants obedience ribbon wins. He’s for the person who loves a puzzle, who hikes in snow, and who doesn’t mind a dog that’s part scientist, part escape artist. The Rottweiler? He’s the powerhouse with a heart of gold. At 80 to 135 pounds, he’s built like a tank but moves like a dancer. Bred to drive cattle and guard carts, he thrives on structure, training, and a job. He’s deeply affectionate with his family, incredibly trainable, and calm indoors. when exercised. But he needs space, leadership, and early socialization. Without it, his confidence turns into overprotection. Here’s the real talk: the Lundehund is a niche breed for niche people. The Rottweiler is a commitment to responsibility. Pick the Lundehund if you want a rare, agile companion with ancient roots and delicate health. Pick the Rottweiler if you want a devoted protector who’ll shadow you through life. but only if you’re ready to lead.

Norwegian Lundehund
Rottweiler
12–15 in
Height
22–27 in
20–30 lb
Weight
80–135 lb
12–15 yr
Lifespan
9–10 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–4.0k
#191
AKC popularity
#8

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 Rottweiler
Overlay

Where they diverge

Affectionate w/ Family
Rottweiler is more affectionate (2-point difference)
Rottweiler
Drooling Level
Norwegian Lundehund drools less (2-point difference)
Norwegian
Watchdog / Protective
Rottweiler is more protective (2-point difference)
Rottweiler
Trainability
Rottweiler is easier to train (2-point difference)
Rottweiler
Barking Level
Rottweiler barks less (2-point difference)
Rottweiler
The verdict

Choose the Norwegian Lundehund if…

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

Choose the Rottweiler if…

  • Experienced dog owners
  • Active families
  • Protection and working dog roles
  • You value affectionate w/ familyRottweiler 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
Rottweiler Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Rottweiler 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