Discover Everything About Norwegian Lundehund
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
Breed Profile
The Norwegian Lundehund is a small to medium-sized dog with a light and lithe build that allows it to move with skill and nimbleness. He belongs to FCI group 5, the top and original dogs. Its proportions are particularly striking: the head is small and wedge-shaped, the ears are triangular and stand upright, and the torso is slightly rectangular. One of the Lundehund's most notable features is its polydactyl paws, meaning it has more toes than most other dog breeds - usually six on each paw. Equally fascinating is the exceptional mobility of this breed; the Lundehund can bend its head back to its back and extend its legs to the sides, similar to human arms.
| Height | 32 - 35 cm (Female), 35 - 38 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 5 - 7 kg (Female), 6 - 8 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 14 years |
| Character | Intelligent, lively, independent |
| Coat | Double coat, rough, short to medium length, dense undercoat |
| Coat Color | Often fawn with white markings or vice versa, also black and white or various shades of sable and red |
| Price | 1800 - 3000 € € |
History
The Norwegian Lundehund has a long history dating back to the 16th century, although some theories suggest this breed may be even older. Its origins lie in Norway, where it was bred specifically to hunt puffins (Norwegian: lunde) and their eggs on the steep cliffs of the Norwegian coast. The breed evolved with unique characteristics such as polydactyl paws and incredible agility to adapt to the challenges of hunting in the harsh terrain. While the Lundehund was widespread on the remote Norwegian islands such as V"r"y and Lofoten, the decline in the puffin population and the introduction of nets for bird hunting meant that the Lundehunde were less needed. The breed was almost forgotten and was threatened with extinction. Fortunately, rescue efforts were made in the 1930s and 1940s. The Norwegian Lundehund was recognized as a separate breed in 1943.
The Norwegian Lundehund was bred to hunt puffins in rocky areas that are difficult to access.
Norway
1600
Character & Temperament
Are you wondering whether the Norwegian Lundehund has the right temperament for you? Well, the nature of the Lundehund is an exciting mix of intelligence, liveliness and independence. They are curious dogs who love to explore their surroundings and still have the hunter instinct that makes them fabulous observers. While the Lundehund can be a little reserved around strangers at first, he develops a close bond with his family and enjoys being in company. If you let a Lundehund into your life, you will find that he can be quite playful and a happy companion. Since the Lundehund was originally a working dog that had to make decisions independently, it often shows an independent character. This means that he can be a little stubborn at times and doesn't always respond to commands straight away. It is important to understand that this is part of his nature and patience is required in the relationship. Another aspect you should keep in mind is that Lundehunds tend to exhibit strong hunting or prey-catching behavior. This means that they sometimes tend to prey on birds or small animals. It is advisable to play with them in a fenced area and to be attentive during walks. A Lundehund can learn to stay alone, but it is important to teach him from the start that this is a normal routine. Because they form a close bond with their family, it may be difficult for them to stay alone at first, but with patience and training this can be achieved. The Norwegian Lundehund is also a very alert dog. He will alert you if something is wrong around him or if visitors come. This makes him a good watchdog, but it is important to be careful that this does not lead to excessive barking.
| Trainability | |
| Watchfulness | |
| Openness to Strangers | |
| Hunting or Herding Drive |
Did you know that the Norwegian Lundehund has six toes on each foot? These extra toes helped them climb better in Norway's harsh landscape when they were used to hunt puffins.
Fun Fact!
What Awaits You
The uniquely built Norwegian Lundehund from the Norwegian rocky island of Vaeroy is the only dog breed created for puffin hunting. Since puffins are now a protected species, the Lundehund is now a friendly, sporty companion.
Housing & Care
The Lundehund is an active and agile dog that does best in an environment with plenty of space to run around and explore. He can be kept in the city if he gets enough exercise, but a house with a garden would be ideal. He generally gets along well with children, but due to his energy, it is advisable to monitor interactions with very young children. Lundehunds can also get along with cats and other pets if properly socialized.
| Family Friendly | |
| Child Friendly | |
| Dog Friendly | |
| City Friendly |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
The Norwegian Lundehund is intelligent, but also stubborn. Consistent but gentle training is key. This breed brings hunting instincts, so it's important to provide alternatives, such as nose work, to engage their senses. Frustration tolerance and impulse control are particularly important for Lundehunds to avoid overexcitement. Becoming a ball junkie is entirely possible with this breed, so it is important to make sure that the dog is sufficiently challenged mentally and not just physically.
Nutrition & Care
The Lundehund needs a balanced diet with high-quality proteins, fats and a good balance of vitamins and minerals. Especially because of Lundehund syndrome, it is important to keep an eye on digestion and adjust your diet if necessary. When it comes to grooming, the Lundehund is quite easy to care for. He has a double coat with a soft undercoat and a harsher upper coat. He sheds moderately, but regular brushing can help keep the coat clean and tangle-free. The breed is adapted to the harsh climate of Norway and copes well with the German climate.
| Care Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Shedding | |
| Trainability |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
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