Haflinger vs Norwegian Fjord
Haflinger or Norwegian Fjord? A side-by-side comparison of size, lifespan, temperament, care needs and observed prices, from our Animal Library.
At a glance
| Haflinger | Norwegian Fjord | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Tyrol, Austria and Italy | Western Norway |
| Size | 13.2–15 hands · 800–1,300 lb | 13.2–14.2 hands · 900–1,200 lb |
| Lifespan | 25–30+ years | 25–30+ years |
| Coat | Chestnut, flaxen mane | Dun, dorsal stripe |
| Temperament | Friendly, strong, clever | Calm, willing, steady |
| Best fit | Families, driving, trail | Families, driving, trail |
| Energy | ●●●●● Willing worker | ●●●●● Steady and unflappable |
| Trainability | ●●●●● Smart, can be pushy | ●●●●● Willing, can be stubborn |
| Upkeep | ●●●●● Easy keeper, diet control | ●●●●● Easy keeper, diet control |
| Beginner fit | ●●●●● Kind, needs boundaries | ●●●●● Calm and sturdy |
| Observed price | $2,800 median (221 prices) | Not enough prices yet |
How they differ
- Energy: the Haflinger rates higher than the Norwegian Fjord (3 of 5 vs 2).
- Trainability: about the same (4 of 5 each).
- Upkeep: about the same (2 of 5 each).
- Beginner fit: the Norwegian Fjord rates higher than the Haflinger (5 of 5 vs 4).
The Haflinger
A chestnut mountain horse with a flaxen mane from the Tyrol region of Austria and Italy, bred to work steep farmland. Haflingers are strong, sure-footed and friendly, and can be clever enough to test their riders.
Haflingers are very easy keepers and prone to obesity, insulin resistance and laminitis. Their strength and cleverness mean they need consistent ground manners.
The Norwegian Fjord
An ancient dun horse from western Norway, bred for farm work in steep country and recognizable by its upright, two-toned mane. Fjords are calm, strong and people-friendly, and very easy to keep, sometimes too easy.
Fjords gain weight easily and are prone to insulin resistance and laminitis on good pasture. Their mane is traditionally kept trimmed upright, which takes regular work.
Questions
Is a Haflinger or a Norwegian Fjord better for a beginner?
The Norwegian Fjord rates higher for beginners (5 of 5 vs 4). Haflinger: Kind, needs boundaries. Norwegian Fjord: Calm and sturdy.
What is the main difference between a Haflinger and a Norwegian Fjord?
Haflingers are very easy keepers and prone to obesity, insulin resistance and laminitis. Their strength and cleverness mean they need consistent ground manners. By contrast, fjords gain weight easily and are prone to insulin resistance and laminitis on good pasture. Their mane is traditionally kept trimmed upright, which takes regular work.