Image Source: AI Image Generator

Dog Breed

Norwegian Lundehund

Breed Overview

Breed Name: Norwegian Lundehund

Origin: Norway

Breed Group: Non-Sporting

Physical Characteristics

Size: Small

Height: Male: 13–15 inches (33–38 cm), Female: 12–14 inches (30–36 cm)

Weight: Male: 15–20 lbs (7–9 kg), Female: 13–18 lbs (6–8 kg)

Coat Type: Short to medium-length double coat

Coat Colors: Reddish-brown to tan with black-tipped hairs, often with white markings

Grooming Needs: Low (weekly brushing)

Shedding: Moderate (seasonal)

Behavioral Traits

Temperament: Alert, curious, affectionate, independent, agile

Intelligence Level: Moderate

Energy Level: Moderate

Health Information

Lifespan: 12–15 years

Common Health Issues: Lundehund Syndrome (digestive disorder), patellar luxation

Care

Nutrition Needs: Special attention to digestive health; may require tailored diet

Exercise Needs: Moderate – enjoys walks, climbing, and light play

Space Requirements: Adaptable to apartments or houses with enough mental and physical stimulation

Noise Sensitivity: Moderate (can be vocal)

Socialization and Training

Socialization Needs: High

Socialization Tips: Intelligent but independent; best trained with patience and positive reinforcement

Good with Children: Yes, typically friendly

Good with Other Dogs: Yes, typically friendly

Good with Other Pets: Yes, when properly socialized

Training: Intelligent but independent; best trained with patience and positive reinforcement

Description

The Norwegian Lundehund is a truly unique and ancient breed, originally developed on Norway’s rocky coasts to climb cliffs and retrieve puffins and their eggs. They are agile and highly flexible, with six toes on each foot, extra joints, and the ability to bend their head backward to touch their spine!

Lundehunds are alert, curious, and very independent, making them a joy for experienced owners who appreciate quirky and rare breeds. Their short, dense coat is easy to maintain but sheds heavily, especially during seasonal changes. While smart, their independence can make training a bit challenging, so it’s best to use positive reinforcement and variety to keep things interesting.

AI Image Generator

History

Origin: The Norwegian Lundehund, also known as the Puffin Dog (Norsk Lundehund), originated in the Lofoten Islands of Norway, north of the Arctic Circle. This ancient breed was developed to hunt puffins and their eggs in steep cliffs and narrow crevices, a task it excelled at due to its unique physical features. These include six fully functional toes on each foot, flexible joints, and the ability to fold its ears closed to protect against debris. The breed's history dates back at least 400 years, with written records from 1591 describing its use in puffin hunting. Some scientists speculate that the Lundehund may be linked to the "urhund," a primitive dog that survived the Last Ice Age in this region.
Development: The Lundehund played a vital role in the economy of coastal Norway for centuries, as puffins were a source of food and down. However, with the advent of alternative hunting methods and the introduction of a dog tax, the breed's numbers began to decline. By the early 20th century, it was confined to remote villages like Måstad on Værøy Island. World War II and outbreaks of canine distemper nearly drove the breed to extinction; by 1960, only six purebred Lundehunds were left—five on Værøy and one on Lovunden. Breeders like Eleanor Christie and Monrad Mikalsen initiated efforts to save the breed, supported by geneticists who devised strict breeding plans to counteract its limited gene pool.
Recognition: The Norwegian Lundehund was officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1943 and by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2008. It is classified in the Non-Sporting Group by the AKC. Despite its recognition, it remains one of the rarest dog breeds globally, with an estimated population of only 1,500 dogs as of 2022, most of which are in Norway.
Today, the Norwegian Lundehund is celebrated for its unique anatomy and historical significance. It is a small, agile dog with a curious and independent nature, making it suitable for active families who can meet its exercise and mental stimulation needs. While affectionate with family members, it can be reserved with strangers and retains a strong prey drive due to its hunting heritage. The breed requires early socialization and training. Its rarity and limited genetic diversity mean that breeders must carefully manage health issues like Lundehund Syndrome, which affects digestion. The Lundehund remains a living piece of Norwegian cultural heritage and a testament to its resilience through centuries of change.

Ideal Owner

Dog lovers interested in rare breeds who can accommodate unique needs and enjoy quirky, agile companions

Similar Breeds

Shiba Inu, Basenji, Schipperke, Icelandic Sheepdog