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

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

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

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

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

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

Is Kai Ken or Norwegian Lundehund bigger?

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

Which barks more, Kai Ken or Norwegian Lundehund?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

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

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

Kai Ken vs Norwegian Lundehund: Which Guards Better?

Kai Ken vs Norwegian Lundehund: full comparison

Trait	Kai Ken	Norwegian Lundehund
Size	Medium	Small
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Low	Medium
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	High	High
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	High	Medium
Adaptability	Low	Low
Typical lifespan	14 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

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

Size and living space

The Kai Ken is a medium-sized dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the Norwegian Lundehund is a small 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 Kai Ken demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The Norwegian Lundehund demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Kai Ken needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. The Norwegian Lundehund needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Kai Ken picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and gets on with children when raised around them. The Norwegian Lundehund picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and gets on with children when raised around them. On guarding instinct, Kai Ken keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family, whereas Norwegian Lundehund will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

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, Norwegian Lundehund has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Norwegian Lundehund has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Kai Ken has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Kai Ken and Norwegian Lundehund are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Kai Ken if you want a longer-lived breed, you want a more protective, watchful guardian, or you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

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

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Frequently asked questions

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

Kai Ken vs Norwegian Lundehund