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Norwegian Lundehund vs Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

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 Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

People don’t usually pit a Norwegian cliff-dwelling puffin hunter against a scrappy American farm dog, but both the Lundehund and the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier are small, rare, and bursting with personality. so they come up together when someone wants a standout companion with a job to do. That’s where the similarities end. The Lundehund is a living relic, built like a gymnast with six toes and joints that fold backward. It’s resilient in cold weather and deeply loyal, but it’s not the easiest dog to love. It has a quiet intensity and a digestive system so sensitive you’ll be researching specialty diets before you bring it home. You’ll need patience, vet savings, and the acceptance that this breed isn’t eager to please. it’s independent, moderately trainable, and happiest when exploring rocky terrain or solving a puzzle on its own terms. The Teddy Roosevelt? He’s your shadow. Bouncy, affectionate, and always ready to work or play, he’ll learn tricks fast, bond hard with kids, and bark at anything that moves. He’s healthier overall, more adaptable, and half the price. But he’s never off. If you want a calm lap dog, look elsewhere. This little terrier needs jobs, walks, and mental challenges or he’ll create his own. usually involving digging or chasing. Choose the Lundehund if you’re an experienced owner drawn to rare breeds and don’t mind managing health quirks. Pick the Teddy Roosevelt if you want a lively, trainable partner who fits farms, apartments, and family chaos alike. Here’s the real talk: the Lundehund stays loyal, but on its terms. The Teddy Roosevelt? He’ll love you like you’re the only person in the world. and expect you to keep up with him every single day.

Norwegian Lundehund
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
12–15 in
Height
8–15 in
20–30 lb
Weight
8–25 lb
12–15 yr
Lifespan
14–16 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$0.8–2.5k
#191
AKC popularity

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 Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Overlay

Where they diverge

Affectionate w/ Family
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is more affectionate (2-point difference)
Teddy
Good with Young Children
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is better with kids (2-point difference)
Teddy
Good with Other Dogs
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
Teddy
Energy Level
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier has more energy (2-point difference)
Teddy
Good with Strangers
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is friendlier with strangers (1-point difference)
Teddy
The verdict

Choose the Norwegian Lundehund if…

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

Choose the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier if…

  • Active families
  • Farm settings for pest control
  • Apartment or small home living
  • You value affectionate w/ familyTeddy Roosevelt Terrier 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
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Teddy Roosevelt Terrier 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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