Is the Hokkaido Ken or the Norwegian Lundehund better for families with children?

Both the Hokkaido Ken and the Norwegian Lundehund are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Hokkaido Ken or the Norwegian Lundehund?

The Hokkaido Ken and Norwegian Lundehund shed a similar amount (high).

Which is easier to train, the Hokkaido Ken or the Norwegian Lundehund?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Hokkaido Ken or Norwegian Lundehund bigger?

Hokkaido Ken is the larger breed; Norwegian Lundehund is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, Hokkaido Ken or Norwegian Lundehund?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Hokkaido Ken or Norwegian Lundehund?

For apartment or apartment living, Norwegian Lundehund has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Hokkaido Ken vs Norwegian Lundehund: Which Guards Better?

Hokkaido Ken vs Norwegian Lundehund: full comparison

Trait	Hokkaido Ken	Norwegian Lundehund
Size	Medium	Small
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	High	High
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	High	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	Low
Typical lifespan	13 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Hokkaido Ken is a larger dog than the Norwegian Lundehund, which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The Hokkaido Ken is a mid-sized breed that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the Norwegian Lundehund is a compact little dog that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The Hokkaido Ken needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Norwegian Lundehund needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Hokkaido Ken needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. The Norwegian Lundehund needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Hokkaido Ken picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and gets on with children when raised around them. The Norwegian Lundehund picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and gets on with children when raised around them. On guarding instinct, Hokkaido Ken is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home, whereas Norwegian Lundehund will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Norwegian Lundehund has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Hokkaido Ken and Norwegian Lundehund are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Hokkaido Ken and Norwegian Lundehund are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Hokkaido Ken and Norwegian Lundehund are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Hokkaido Ken and Norwegian Lundehund are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Hokkaido Ken if you want a more protective, watchful guardian, you want a more adaptable dog, or you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

Choose the Norwegian Lundehund if you want a smaller, more apartment-friendly dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Hokkaido Ken or the Norwegian Lundehund better for families with children?: Both the Hokkaido Ken and the Norwegian Lundehund are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Hokkaido Ken or the Norwegian Lundehund?: The Hokkaido Ken and Norwegian Lundehund shed a similar amount (high).
Which is easier to train, the Hokkaido Ken or the Norwegian Lundehund?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Hokkaido Ken or Norwegian Lundehund bigger?: Hokkaido Ken is the larger breed; Norwegian Lundehund is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, Hokkaido Ken or Norwegian Lundehund?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Hokkaido Ken or Norwegian Lundehund?: For apartment or apartment living, Norwegian Lundehund has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Hokkaido Ken vs Norwegian Lundehund