Which is Better between the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund?

Last Updated: Jun 18, 2022

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Doberman Pinscher Versus Norwegian Lundehund: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Doberman Pinscher and for the Norwegian Lundehund. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Doberman Pinscher or the Norwegian Lundehund.

Doberman Pinscher versus Norwegian Lundehund

Doberman Pinscher versus Norwegian Lundehund: Overview

A very important difference between the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Doberman Pinscher is a large-sized dog while the Norwegian Lundehund is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund are Working Dogs. This means both the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Doberman Pinscher versus Norwegian Lundehund: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Doberman Pinscher to the Norwegian Lundehund based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund

FactorDoberman PinscherNorwegian Lundehund
Tolerates Cold Weather1/55/5
Dog Friendly1/55/5
General Health1/53/5
Low Prey Drive5/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl5/55/5
Life Span10 to 13 years10 to 12 years
Tolerates Being Alone2/52/5
Does NOT chew on things4/53/5
Tendency NOT to Wander4/51/5
Height24 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder1 foot to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living3/51/5
Good For Novice Owners3/51/5
Kid-Friendly3/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/55/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/53/5
NOT Rambunctious3/52/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs3/51/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/53/5
Does NOT Shed2/51/5
Does NOT Drool2/55/5
Easygoing1/53/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Easy To Groom5/54/5
Easy To Train5/54/5
Intelligence5/55/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Weight60 to 80 pounds13 to 16 pounds
Average Lifespan11.5 years11.0 years
Average Price$1910No Data
Price Range$1100 – $2500No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • Working Aptitude
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds15188
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Doberman Pinscher in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Norwegian Lundehund. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Doberman Pinscher is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Norwegian Lundehund is 83 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Norwegian Lundehund, we still believe that the Doberman Pinscher is a better pet than the Norwegian Lundehund.

    This is because Doberman Pinschers are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Doberman Pinscher will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Doberman Pinscher :-). We are for the Doberman Pinscher. So get a Doberman Pinscher!

    Doberman Pinscher versus Norwegian Lundehund

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund

    Below is a list of where the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund are most different:

  • Doberman Pinschers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Norwegian Lundehunds can tolerate cold weather.
  • Doberman Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs. However, Norwegian Lundehunds get along well with other dogs.
  • Doberman Pinschers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Norwegian Lundehunds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Doberman Pinschers have a very high tendency to drool. However, Norwegian Lundehunds do not have the tendency to drool.
  • The Similarities Between the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund

    The Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund are most similar:

  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund are very easy to train.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Doberman Pinscher versus Norwegian Lundehund

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund.

    The Doberman Pinscher weighs 60 to 80 pounds when fully grown. The Doberman Pinscher is 24 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Norwegian Lundehund weighs 13 to 16 pounds when fully grown. The Norwegian Lundehund is 1 foot to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Size of Doberman Pinscher versus Size of Norwegian Lundehund

    Lifespan of Doberman Pinscher versus Norwegian Lundehund

    The lifespan of the Doberman Pinscher is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of the Doberman Pinscher is 11.5 years.

    The lifespan of the Norwegian Lundehund is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of the Norwegian Lundehund is 11.0 years.

    The Doberman Pinscher live longer than the Norwegian Lundehund.

    Doberman Pinscher versus Norwegian Lundehund
    Doberman Pinscher versus Norwegian Lundehund

    The Popularity of Doberman Pinscher versus Popularity of Norwegian Lundehund

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Doberman Pinscher is more popular with dog owners than the Norwegian Lundehund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Doberman Pinscher is 15 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Norwegian Lundehund is 188 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Doberman Pinscher

    Popularity of Doberman Pinscher

    Popularity of Norwegian Lundehund

    Popularity of Norwegian Lundehund

    Year Doberman Pinscher Popularity Rank Norwegian Lundehund Popularity Rank
    2013 12 175
    2014 14 184
    2015 14 182
    2016 15 188
    2017 16 190
    2018 17 191
    2019 19 192
    2020 18 195
    2021 16 197

    Health Problems of Doberman Pinscher versus Health Problems of Norwegian Lundehund

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Doberman Pinscher is prone to more genetic health problems than the Norwegian Lundehund.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Doberman Pinscher than for the Norwegian Lundehund.

    6 health tests are recommended for Doberman Pinscher while 3 tests are recommended for the Norwegian Lundehund.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Doberman Pinschers and in Norwegian Lundehunds.

    Doberman Pinscher Health Problems

    Doberman Pinschers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Doberman Pinscher puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Doberman Pinscher puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Doberman Pinscher breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Doberman Pinschers for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • Working Aptitude

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Doberman Pinschers here.

    Norwegian Lundehund Health Problems

    Norwegian Lundehunds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Norwegian Lundehund puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Norwegian Lundehund puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Norwegian Lundehund breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Norwegian Lundehunds for:

  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Patellar Luxation

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Norwegian Lundehunds here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Doberman Pinscher versus Norwegian Lundehund

    Doberman Pinschers do not like to be left alone.

    Norwegian Lundehunds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Doberman Pinschers shed more than Norwegian Lundehunds?

    Doberman Pinschers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Norwegian Lundehunds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Doberman Pinscher or the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Doberman Pinschers are very easy to groom.

    Norwegian Lundehunds are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Doberman Pinscher or the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Doberman Pinschers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Norwegian Lundehunds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Doberman Pinschers good family dogs? What about Norwegian Lundehunds?

    Doberman Pinschers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Norwegian Lundehunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Doberman Pinscher Easier to Train than the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Doberman Pinschers are very easy to train.

    Norwegian Lundehunds are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Doberman Pinscher or the Norwegian Lundehund

    Doberman Pinschers have a very high tendency to drool.

    Norwegian Lundehunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Doberman Pinschers and Norwegian Lundehunds?

    Doberman Pinschers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Norwegian Lundehunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Doberman Pinscher Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Doberman Pinschers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Norwegian Lundehunds have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Doberman Pinschers Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Lundehunds?

    Doberman Pinschers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Norwegian Lundehunds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Doberman Pinschers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Lundehunds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Doberman Pinschers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Norwegian Lundehunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Doberman Pinscher vs. Norwegian Lundehund

    Doberman Pinschers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Norwegian Lundehunds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Doberman Pinschers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Lundehunds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Doberman Pinschers can tolerate hot weather.

    Norwegian Lundehunds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Is the Doberman Pinscher Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Doberman Pinschers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Norwegian Lundehunds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Doberman Pinscher or the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Doberman Pinschers are OK for new dog owners.

    Norwegian Lundehunds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Doberman Pinscher Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Doberman Pinscher compares to other breeds aside from the Norwegian Lundehund. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Doberman Pinscher to other breeds:

    Doberman Pinscher versus Chow Chow     Doberman Pinscher versus Australian Terrier     Doberman Pinscher versus English Toy Spaniel     Doberman Pinscher versus Tibetan Spaniel     Doberman Pinscher versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Doberman Pinscher versus Coton de Tulear     Doberman Pinscher versus Leonberger     Doberman Pinscher versus Cocker Spaniel     Doberman Pinscher versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Doberman Pinscher versus Havanese     Doberman Pinscher versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Doberman Pinscher versus Azawakh     Doberman Pinscher versus Bich Poo     Doberman Pinscher versus Pomeranian     Doberman Pinscher versus Scottish Deerhound     Doberman Pinscher versus American Eskimo Dog     

    Conclusion: Doberman Pinscher versus Norwegian Lundehund. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Doberman Pinscher and the Norwegian Lundehund better suits you and your family.