Border Collie versus Norwegian Lundehund. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Last Updated: Mar 09, 2022

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Border Collie Versus Norwegian Lundehund: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Border Collie 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 Border Collie 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 Border Collie and the Norwegian Lundehund.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Border Collie 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 Border Collie 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 Border Collie 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 Border Collie or the Norwegian Lundehund.

Note that the border collie breed comes in two varieties based on coat texture. There is the smooth-coat border collie and the rough-coat border collie. Read our article on rough-coat border collie versus smooth-coat border collie.

Furthermore, the border collie dog breed is very different from the collie dog breed. Learn about the differences between these two dog breeds in our border collie versus collie article.

Finally, just like the border collie, the collie also comes in two varieties. There is the rough collie and the smooth collie. To learn about the differences and similarities between them, check out our article on rough collie versus smooth collie.

Border Collie versus Norwegian Lundehund

Border Collie versus Norwegian Lundehund: Overview

Both the Border Collie and the Norwegian Lundehund are similar in size. The Border Collie and the Norwegian Lundehund are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Border Collie belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Norwegian Lundehund belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs 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.

Border Collie versus Norwegian Lundehund: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Border Collie 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 Border Collie and the Norwegian Lundehund

FactorBorder CollieNorwegian Lundehund
Tolerates Being Alone1/52/5
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Life Span12 to 15 years10 to 12 years
Height18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder1 foot to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living2/51/5
Good For Novice Owners2/51/5
General Health2/53/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl4/55/5
Dog Friendly3/55/5
Does NOT Shed3/51/5
Easy To Groom3/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/53/5
Does NOT chew on things3/53/5
Low Prey Drive3/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/51/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/52/5
Weight30 to 45 pounds13 to 16 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather4/55/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/53/5
Kid-Friendly4/55/5
Easygoing1/53/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/55/5
Easy To Train5/54/5
Intelligence5/55/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/51/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Average Lifespan13.5 years11.0 years
Average Price$1000No Data
Price Range$600 – $1250No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Congenital Deafness
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination, recommended annually until age 7
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
  • Shoulders
  • TNS Info
  • Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds37187

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Border Collie 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 Border Collie is 80 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 Border Collie is a better pet than the Norwegian Lundehund.

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

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

    Border Collie versus Norwegian Lundehund

    The Similarities Between the Border Collie and the Norwegian Lundehund

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

  • Both the Border Collie and the Norwegian Lundehund do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Norwegian Lundehund do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Norwegian Lundehund do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Norwegian Lundehund are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Norwegian Lundehund have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Norwegian Lundehund are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Norwegian Lundehund can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Norwegian Lundehund can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Norwegian Lundehund get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Norwegian Lundehund are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Norwegian Lundehund are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Norwegian Lundehund are very easy to train.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Norwegian Lundehund are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Norwegian Lundehund have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Norwegian Lundehund require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Norwegian Lundehund are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Border Collie versus Norwegian Lundehund

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Border Collie and the Norwegian Lundehund.

    Border Collies weigh 30 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Border Collies are 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Norwegian Lundehunds weigh 13 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Norwegian Lundehunds are 1 foot to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Here is our article on Border Collie size, Border Collie growth, and Border Collie weight.

    Lifespan of Border Collie versus Norwegian Lundehund

    The lifespan of Border Collies is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Border Collies is 13.5 years.

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

    Border Collies live longer than Norwegian Lundehunds.

    Go to this article to learn more about Border Collie lifespan and how long Border Collie live.

    Border Collie versus Norwegian Lundehund
    Border Collie versus Norwegian Lundehund

    The Popularity of Border Collie 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 Border Collie and the Norwegian Lundehund over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Border Collie is more popular with dog owners than the Norwegian Lundehund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Border Collie is 37 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Norwegian Lundehund is 187 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Border Collie

    Popularity of Border Collie

    Popularity of Norwegian Lundehund

    Popularity of Norwegian Lundehund

    `
    Year Border Collie Popularity Rank Norwegian Lundehund Popularity Rank
    2013 44 175
    2014 40 184
    2015 38 182
    2016 38 188
    2017 38 190
    2018 35 191
    2019 33 192
    2020 32 195

    Health Problems of Border Collie 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 Border Collie 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 Border Collie is prone to more genetic health problems than the Norwegian Lundehund.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Border Collie than for the Norwegian Lundehund.

    13 health tests are recommended for Border Collie while 3 tests are recommended for the Norwegian Lundehund.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Border Collies and in Norwegian Lundehunds.

    Border Collie Health Problems

    Border Collies are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Border Collie 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 Border Collie puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Border Collie 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 Border Collies for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Congenital Deafness
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination, recommended annually until age 7
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
  • Shoulders
  • TNS Info
  • Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Border Collies 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: Border Collie versus Norwegian Lundehund

    Border Collies do not like to be left alone.

    Norwegian Lundehunds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Border Collies shed more than Norwegian Lundehunds?

    Border Collies shed moderately.

    Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Border Collies, and on how to groom a Border Collie

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Border Collie or the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Border Collies are moderately easy to groom.

    To learn more about how to properly groom a Border Collie, check out our article on how to groom a Border Collie.

    Learn more on how to take care of a Border Collie here.

    Norwegian Lundehunds are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Border Collie or the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Border Collies get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Norwegian Lundehunds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Border Collies good family dogs? What about Norwegian Lundehunds?

    Border Collies are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Border Collie make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.

    Learn about Border Collie temperament here.

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

    Is the Border Collie Easier to Train than the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Border Collies are very easy to train.

    Norwegian Lundehunds are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Border Collie or the Norwegian Lundehund

    Border Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Norwegian Lundehunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Border Collies and Norwegian Lundehunds?

    Border Collies get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Does the Border Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Border Collies have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Border Collies Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Lundehunds?

    Border Collies 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 Border Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Lundehunds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Border Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Norwegian Lundehunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Border Collie vs. Norwegian Lundehund

    Border Collies have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Can Border Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Lundehunds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Border Collies can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Is the Border Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Border Collies do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Norwegian Lundehunds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Border Collie or the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Border Collies are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Border Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds

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

    Border Collie versus Lowchen     Border Collie versus Toy Fox Terrier     Border Collie versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Border Collie versus Briard     Border Collie versus Bordoodle     Border Collie versus Boykin Spaniel     Border Collie versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Border Collie versus Shetland Sheepdog     Border Collie versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Border Collie versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Border Collie versus Carolina Dog     Border Collie versus Alaskan Malamute     Border Collie versus Pomsky     Border Collie versus Australian Cattle Dog     Border Collie versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Border Collie versus German Longhaired Pointer     Border Collie versus Maremma Sheepdog     Border Collie versus Bulldog     

    Conclusion: Border Collie 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 Border Collie and the Norwegian Lundehund better suits you and your family.