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Norwegian Lundehund vs Saluki

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 Saluki

People compare Norwegian Lundehunds and Salukis because they’re both rare, ancient breeds with otherworldly looks and price tags that make you blink twice. But that’s where the similarities end. Think of it this way. The Lundehund is the scrappy mountain climber in thick socks, built to scramble up slick sea cliffs in Norway after puffins. Six toes per foot, joints that fold backward, and an accordion-style ribcage? This dog defies physics. The Saluki is the desert ghost, all long limbs and quiet dignity, bred to outrun gazelle under a blistering sun. They’re not just different in size. one’s a 15-inch barnacle, the other a 28-inch greyhound cousin. they’re different in soul. If you want a dog that’s always on, squeezing into cabinets and scaling bookshelves, the Lundehund will keep you on your toes. But their quirky digestion. Lundehund syndrome is no joke. means vet bills can stack up fast, and they’re not forgiving of training mistakes. They’re loyal but not soft. The Saluki, by contrast, is a 45-mile-per-hour couch ornament. They’ll sprint, then vanish into zen mode, curling up like a statue. They bond deeply but on their terms. Don’t expect a tail-wagging greeter. The real insight? Lundehunds thrive on routine and structure. chaos breaks them. Salukis need space to blow off steam, but emotionally, they’re unflappable. Pick the Lundehund if you love a challenge and have cold winters. Pick the Saluki if you want elegance and speed but don’t need a lap dog. Either way, fence your yard. A lost Saluki won’t come when called, and a Lundehund will find a way through it.

Norwegian Lundehund
Saluki
12–15 in
Height
23–28 in
20–30 lb
Weight
40–65 lb
12–15 yr
Lifespan
10–17 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–4.0k
#191
AKC popularity
#120

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 Saluki
Overlay

Where they diverge

Affectionate w/ Family
Saluki is more affectionate (2-point difference)
Saluki
Watchdog / Protective
Norwegian Lundehund is more protective (2-point difference)
Norwegian
Mental Stimulation Needs
Saluki needs more mental stimulation (2-point difference)
Saluki
Shedding Level
Saluki sheds less (1-point difference)
Saluki
Coat Grooming
Saluki needs less grooming (1-point difference)
Saluki
The verdict

Choose the Norwegian Lundehund if…

  • Experienced dog owners
  • Those interested in rare breeds
  • Active families
  • You value watchdog / protectiveNorwegian Lundehund scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Saluki if…

  • Active owners with running space
  • Experienced sighthound owners
  • Those wanting an elegant, quiet breed
  • You value affectionate w/ familySaluki 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
Saluki Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Saluki 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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