A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Norwegian Lundehund
The Norwegian Lundehund developed for puffin hunting on rocky coastal terrain and has unusual feet and physical flexibility. Learn about the individual dog's care history and discuss breed-specific questions with an experienced veterinarian.
An everyday routine
Plan a daily mix of walks, play, and rest. The amount that works for a particular dog depends on age, fitness, experience, and temperament.
Coat care to plan for
A relatively straightforward coat still needs routine checks, appropriate brushing, and attention to nails and teeth. Ask a groomer to demonstrate tools that suit this coat.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Norwegian Lundehund questions
Why do Norwegian Lundehunds have six toes?
For grip. Lundehunds have at least six fully developed toes on each foot, and the extra toes and long rear pads gave the dogs traction on slick, steep sea cliffs. These are true toes, not dewclaws.
What was the Norwegian Lundehund bred for?
Hunting puffins. "Lunde" is Norwegian for puffin, and the Lundehund is the only breed created for that job. The dogs climbed cliffs on the island of Vaeroy and squeezed into nesting burrows to bring the birds out. Puffins are now protected, so today's Lundehund is a companion.
How flexible is a Norwegian Lundehund?
Unusually so. The neck can bend backward until the head touches the spine, the shoulders are loose enough for the front legs to extend straight out to the sides, and the ears fold shut. Never show this off by force, because a dog that is not warm and relaxed could be hurt.
How big does a full-grown Norwegian Lundehund get?
Males stand 13 to 15 inches tall and weigh 15 to 18 pounds, and females stand 12 to 14 inches and weigh 12 to 15 pounds. Weight should be in proportion to height.
How rare is the Norwegian Lundehund?
Very. Distemper outbreaks left only six known dogs alive in 1963, and there are an estimated 2,500 worldwide today, with roughly 100 in North America. The breed has been recognized in the United States since December 2010, and it joined the Non-Sporting Group in 2011.
Do Norwegian Lundehunds shed?
Yes, moderately. The harsh outer coat and soft undercoat are shed twice a year. The coat is low maintenance, and weekly brushing is a good routine.
How long do Norwegian Lundehunds live, and what health questions come up?
Lundehunds usually live 12 to 15 years. Patellar luxation, eye disease and protein-losing enteropathy, a digestive condition, are among the breed's health concerns, and Lundehunds need regular blood work to keep an eye on protein levels. Ask a breeder about the digestive history of their dogs and plan the details with a vet who knows the breed.
Are Norwegian Lundehunds good family dogs?
With their own people, yes. They are very affectionate with family and more moderate with young children, and they are not expected to be outgoing with strangers. Lundies are playful and clever but aloof, and they get along with dogs and cats, though some have a prey drive that makes rabbits, rodents and birds a poor match.
