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Norwegian Lundehund
Toy Breed Dogs
Small Breed Dogs




What you MUST Know Before Getting a Puppy
Forget about the normal list that everyone writes about..."puppy proof your home", "choose the right breed".  The information you must know, goes MUCH deeper than that. This is insider information that no one talks about, the behind-the-scenes info you really must know before you make your choice....Click to Read More
Average Weight: (AKC unspecified) 13.2-15.4 lbs (5.98-6.98 kg)
 Average Height  Males: 13-15 inches (33.02-38.1 cm)
Average Height  Females: 12-14 -inches (30.48 -35.56 cm)
Pronounced: Nor·we·gian  Lund hoond
Group:  Miscellaneous
Life Span: 14 Years
Average Litter:3
Origin: Norway

Appearance

This is an extremely rare dog. The Norwegian Lundehund is also known as the Norwegian Puffin dog, is commonly misspelled Norwegan Lundhound  or Norwegian Lundhound.  This is a very unique small breed dog.

This is a Spitz type dog who has a clean cut, wedge shaped head and a wedge shaped muzzle with a slightly convex nasal bridge. The eyes are slightly sloping and not protruding; they have a yellowish brown iris and the pupil is encircled by a dark halo.  The absence of premolars on each side of the jaw is permitted in conformation.

The triangle ears are another special feature of this small breed dog.  They are carried erect and are very mobile, the cartilage of the ear lobe allowing it to fold itself so that it flops either backwards or at a right angle.  This is indeed a dog of incredible feats, as the neck is very strong and can bend back 180 degrees. 

The front legs are also incredibly flexible and the thighs strong and muscular.  The tail is high set and is either in a ring, slightly rolled over onto the back, or hanging.

The feet may be the one element that stands out the most for this small dog.  The front paws are oval shaped, have 8 pads on each paw and at least 6 toes (5 touch the ground).  The hind paws have 7 pads and 6 toes (4 touch the ground).  The middle toe on the hind paws is attached to the inner pads of the 2 inner toes.

This dog has a double coat, with the top coat being thick and rough with a soft undercoat.

Color

With most purebred Norwegian Lundehund dogs, the majority of the coat is white.  Other colors which will be present are:  Black, gray, reddish brown, sable, white, yellow and sable.  Markings are Black, gray or white and the dog may have black tipping.

Norwegian Lundehund puppies have less marked black tips than older dogs.

Personality

 In the past being a hunter, this dog is now a true companion who is very loyal, playful and virtually non-aggressive to people and to other dogs, even when challenged. Alert, energetic and lively, this small dog generally has a delightful personality and an even disposition.  Along with its small size, this makes this breed an ideal, easy-to-live with canine companion.  This can be a vocal dog, some bark at everything that moves.

This dog gets along well with children and other dogs; however an owner would not want to have a bird in the home due to this breed's instinct to hunt birds.

Origin & History

This is an ancient and rare breed with an intriguing history.  Its name is a combination of the Norwegian words "Lunde" the Puffin fird and "hund" meaning dog. Originally this dog was bred by farmers, centuries ago, to hunt and retrieve the Puffin, both for meat and feathers.  Those farmers lived on the islands off the west coast of Norway.  There are written references to the breed dating back to the 1400's.  The Puffin became a protected species in the 1800's and for this reason, the Norwegian Lundehund were barely bred.

After WWII, the breed was saved from near extinction.  However, even today there are only approximately 1000 of these dogs. 

Health

The Lundehund is prone to various forms of gastrointestinal problems with include:
  • Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE)
  • Intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL)
  • small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
  • Intestinal bowel disease (IBD)
The level of affliction is as varied as the conditions themselves.  some will show signs of just one disease while others present with multiple problems.  It is believed that all Norwegian Lundehund dogs carry a gene that causes them to be prone to GI issues.  Breed enthusiasts are keeping careful track of this inherited disorder in this wonderful breed; it has been found that a high protein, low fat diet can help control many of the problems.

Exercise

This is a lively small breed dog who enjoys a good amount of exercise.  A daily walk of roughly 30 minutes is usually needed and a good play in the yard every so often.

Grooming

Baths only need to be given as needed, if the dog is not dirty a bath every couple of months will do.  Brushing, however, should be done as often as possible, at least every other day as shedding is moderate to heavy. Careful trimming of nails must be done due to the extra toes and the way in which they are connected to the paws.

Shedding

This small breed dog does shed quite a bit.  This can be controlled with good brushings over the entire coat.

Care & Training

While very friendly and a great family pet, this is one of the top 10 dogs who are the hardest to house train.  An owner must set firm guidelines, be consistent, patient.  Owners usually find that having a doggie door greatly helps. This dog does best if they are given an ouside, enclosed area in which to run around and play.     Owners - Click Here For More Detailed Information




                      
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