Comparison: Icelandic Sheepdog and Norwegian Lundehund

Icelandic Sheepdog and Norwegian Lundehund are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Icelandic Sheepdog
Photo: Alan Levine, CC BY 2.0, source
Norwegian Lundehund
Photo: Karen Elise Dahlmo, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Icelandic SheepdogNorwegian Lundehund
FCI group5. Spitz and primitive types5. Spitz and primitive types
Country of originIcelandNorway
CategoryMediumSmall
Height at withers–32–38 cm
Weight–6–7 kg
Recognition features
  • Nordic herding spitz slightly under medium size, rectangular, with erect ears and a curled tail
  • Two coat types, short and long, both thick and weather-resistant
  • Gentle, intelligent, happy expression; marked sexual dimorphism
  • Small spitz with unique anatomy: extra functional toes on each foot
  • Neck flexible enough to touch the back; ears can fold shut
  • Red to fawn with black tips and always combined with white
Coat–Dense and rough with soft undercoat and no flag on the tail; red to fawn with black tips always with white, or white with dark patches.
PurposeIceland's native herding dog, used on farms to gather sheep and livestock.Norwegian puffin hunter on steep coastal rocks; today a rare companion.

Breed page: Icelandic Sheepdog · Breed page: Norwegian Lundehund

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.