This agile Spitz-type dog has many unique characteristics not normally found in other dogs. For starters, it has six toes on each foot; it can tip its head backward until it reaches the backbone. The prick ears of this dog fold and close backward and forward at will. With an amazing motion range, this breed was bred to scale mountains and raid puffin nests for eggs. Their knack for digging and barking makes them difficult to house train.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: Norway
Used for: Hunting, companion
Average Life Span: 10-12 years
Color: Tan to reddish brown, black and white markings or white and red markings
Coat: Medium-length, dense and harsh
Average Height: 12-15 inches
Average Weight: 13-20 pounds
Group: Non-Sporting
History and Domestication
The Norwegian Lundehund originated in the arctic Norway where it would wrestle and retrieve puffins and their eggs from steep mountains. The breed has also found itself mentioned in writings that date back to 1500s. However, it dwindled when the puffin bird became a protected species in 1800s and it no longer remained useful to the famers. Even though it was somehow saved from extinction after World War II, the numbers are still limited.
Standard Physical Characteristics
This is medium-sized, Spitz-type rectangular dog with quite some eccentricities of its own. These dogs have six toes on each foot including two declaws. Unlike other dogs, joints are present in the nape along with extra flexible shoulder joints. Even the prick ears are more mobile than those of an ordinary dog and seem to have a mind of their own. The small head is wedge shaped and the brown eyes are deep-set.
Care, Grooming and Health
Grooming them doesn’t require much except regular brushing and combing with a firm bristle brush. Bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary. The Norwegian Lundehund sheds heavily and special attention is required during that period.
Apart from daily brisk and long walks, these dogs will enjoy regular sessions of play. This breed is prone to Gut and Lundehund syndrome where the lifespan of the dog is rendered unpredictable if not fed properly. In this, the dog is unable to digest any kind of grains and hence the diet must be devoid of grains in order to keep him healthy.
Living Conditions
This dog does well in a house with a small and fenced-in yard.
Temperament
Also known as the Puffin dog, the Norwegian Lundehund is a cheerful, inquisitive and mischievous dog. This dog needs to be supervised closely or it might get itself into some trouble. Though it’s a pretty cool idea to have a dog that can bend its head backwards and splay its front legs to side but what comes along is a lot of barking and digging and difficulty in housetraining. This is a playful companion and loves people and can snuggle you for hours. They love playing and love to explore. Early socialization is required to avoid shyness and sensitivity. Definitely not meant for bird lovers!
