Norwegian Lundehund

A small-sized spitz breed originating from Norway. It has six toes on each foot to provide better grip and balance on rocky cliffs. They can close their ear canals and rotate their head 180 degrees.

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Norwegian Lundehund Breed overview

The Norwegian Lundehund is a lively and vigorous breed that possesses strong hunting instincts. Though their strong-willed nature can present challenges in training, a dedicated owner will be rewarded with a loyal and affectionate companion. They have a moderate level of health issues but are generally low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. The breed requires sufficient exercise and a stable environment to keep them at their happiest. Novice owners must be willing to invest time and effort into properly training and socializing their Norwegian Lundehund. The breed has a moderate-energy level and can live in apartments but will require an adequate amount of exercise to remain healthy. They are sensitive to their environment but possess an excellent level of mental stimulation, making them perfect playmates for owners who enjoy an equally intelligent dog.

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What To Expect When Caring For a Norwegian Lundehund

Nutrition

The Norwegian Lundehund should be fed a high-quality diet that meets their nutritional needs according to their life stage and activity level

Feeding a breed-appropriate diet can also help prevent common health conditions, such as obesity and digestive issues

Free-feeding should be avoided, and portion control should be monitored to maintain a healthy weight.

Training

The Norwegian Lundehund is an intelligent breed that responds well to positive reinforcement training methods

They can be independent and stubborn at times, but early socialization and training can help prevent behavioral issues

Training sessions should be kept short and engaging to keep their attention and prevent boredom.

Health

The Norwegian Lundehund is generally a healthy breed, but like all dog breeds, it may be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems

The breed is known to have a high prevalence of Lundehund Syndrome, which is a digestive disorder that affects the breed more than any other.

It's essential to feed the Lundehund a high-quality diet and provide regular exercise to prevent obesity and other related health issues.

Exercise

The Norwegian Lundehund is a very active breed that requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behaviors

They enjoy brisk walks, hiking, running, and playing fetch or other games with their owners

Interactive toys and puzzle feeders are also great activities to keep them entertained.

Grooming

The Norwegian Lundehund has a thick, double-layered coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling

They shed moderately during the year, and their coat requires a more thorough grooming during the shedding season

Lundehunds have naturally clean ears, but regular cleaning is still recommended to avoid ear infections.

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Norwegian Lundehund Traits & Characteristics

The Lundehund is a small breed, measuring up to 38 cm (15 inches) in height and weighing up to 7 kg (15 pounds)

It has a very flexible body that allows it to turn its head backward to the point where its spine touches the head

The breed was initially developed for the purpose of hunting puffins and their eggs from crevices in the Norwegian coastal cliffs, and due to its unique features, it was a popular breed among the fishermen in the area.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

Norwegian Lundehund is a very loyal and affectionate breed to its family, achieving high marks in this attribute. This breed loves spending time with its owners and is always willing to give a warm welcome to its family members. They become very attached to their human caregivers and show deep love and loyalty towards them.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

This breed can show affection towards children, but it might have some difficulty getting adjusted initially. There is a risk that if the child is rough with the dog, a nippy response may be provoked. Supervision is necessary for children and dogs to interact. Socialization training early on will help this breed develop good habits around children.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

Norwegian Lundehunds might have difficulty initially around other dogs, especially those of the same sex. Proper socialization training will help develop good behavior around fellow canines, but this breed is prone to territorial instincts and can be quick to start arguments. A supervision training can be a good way to introduce a new dog.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

This breed can be reserved around strangers, and socialization is crucial. Early positive interactions with strangers will help your dog become more comfortable in new environments easily. When this breed is socialized appropriately, he can be a very outgoing, friendly dog, enjoying meeting and interacting with new people.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

Norwegian Lundehunds are highly active dogs and crave stimulation, scoring high in playfulness. They can be taught various tricks and enjoy playing with their owners. If the owners can’t provide this breed with enough exercises, he might become bored, resulting in adverse behaviors such as barking or becoming destructive.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

High levels of alertness and awareness are characteristic traits for a Norwegian Lundehund. This breed needs to be kept mentally and physically exercised to fulfill a sense of purpose and maintain mental well-being. These dogs are incredibly observant, and nothing misses their attention.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

Norwegian Lundehunds are adaptable creatures, scoring well in adaptability. They can adjust to different environments, whether it is city or country living, but extra supervision is recommended to prevent wandering due to their wandering trait.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

Norwegian Lundehund shed more than the average dog. Daily grooming is recommended to keep the shedding under control but still may be problematic for people with allergies or sensitive to hair. This breed has a double coat, with a soft and dense undercoat that keeps him warm in cold weather. Even though he sheds more than the average dog, he requires less maintenance than most breeds regarding grooming.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

The Lundehund is relatively easy to groom since he needs little attention besides occasional nail trims and baths when they are dirty or smelly. This breed has the unusual characteristic of being able to shut its own ear canals to prevent dirt and debris from getting inside during hunting expeditions. The ears of a Lundehund should be inspected regularly, though, since they can sometimes lead to infections or earwax buildup.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

Fortunately, this breed is not a heavy drooler, earning high marks in this category. However, they do have a tendency to lick their owners, so if saliva is troublesome to you, this breed might not be for you.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

Norwegian Lundehunds fall in the medium size category, ranking moderate in the size category. They are longer than most dogs, but they are also sturdy, strong, and sturdy and agile, making them unique and adaptable to most environments.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

Norwegian Lundehunds are highly energetic, ranking high in energy. Owners should stay adequately prepared to provide sufficient opportunities for exercise and play. Playing fetch, going for walks, and engaging in agility exercises is an excellent way to get this breed the required amount of exercise.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

High levels of exercise are necessary for the physical health of a Norwegian Lundehund, ranking well in this category. Strong preparation is necessary to provide sufficient opportunities. Playing fetch, going on walks, and participating in agility exercises are excellent ways to keep this breed in good shape.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

Norwegian Lundehunds are bred to hunt, ranking high in the working category. They have a high prey drive and love to hunt small animals. As a result, they make excellent hunting or search and rescue animals. They have excellent stamina and can work in aggressive outdoor environments for long periods.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

Norwegian Lundehunds are dedicated hunters, ranking high in the hunting category in purebred evaluations. Because of their hunting skills, they are terrific at tracking, retrieving, and flushing birds from their hiding spots. Their small size and agility make them ideal for hunting and tracking small prey, such as rodents.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

Norwegian Lundehunds are robust dogs in good physical condition, having an excellent capacity for physical activity and endurance. This is due to their long-standing history in hunting and performing other tasks, making them a valuable pet to have around the house and an excellent animal for exercise partners.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

Norwegian Lundehunds are generally a healthy breed, scoring well in health overall. However, they do have a high incidence of Lundehund Syndrome, a gastrointestinal disorder resulting from an unhealthy food regimen or poor immune system. Owners should ensure their diet's nutritional quality and look for potential allergies or diseases early on.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

Norwegian Lundehunds are prone to obesity if they receive an inadequate amount of exercise, scoring well in obesity proneness. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can prevent obesity, which can lead to joint, mobility, and even respiratory issues.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

Norwegian Lundehunds do well in the cold weather due to their thicker fur, scoring high in cold tolerance. This breed is very adaptable to activities in the snow or on ice and is closely associated with Nordic culture. It is not advisable, however, to leave any dog out in the cold for extended periods of time without proper shelter or insulation feeling.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

Norwegian Lundehunds can tolerate heat but are better suited to colder climates since they have a thicker coat. Owners must be careful not to push the limits of their heat tolerance. Hydration and shade should always be provided when the weather is warm.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

Norwegian Lundehund can do well in small living spaces as long as the owners provide the required amount of exercise. Apartment living suits this breed because they love being around their owners, which leads to them being highly devoted and loyal animals.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

Norwegian Lundehunds love to wander, which is commendable since they combine their wanderlust with impressive intelligence. They love exploring the environment, but this breed requires supervision when not in a fenced-in area, considering its wandering nature.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

Norwegian Lundehunds possess a level of sensitivity to the atmosphere around them, ranking moderately in the sensitivity category. This breed is reserved when strangers visit, requiring proper socialization to remediate this sensitivity. Owners should provide a relaxed environment for them by avoiding loud noises or other stress-inducing factors.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

Norwegian Lundehunds might experience stress when separated from their owners. The breed is not well-suited for people who are going to be gone for long periods as they hate to be left alone. Separation anxiety can be remediated from an early age with training, but it's strongly encouraged not to overdo it.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

Norwegian Lundehunds possess a desire to bark; they’re very confident and quick to show their territorial nature with barking. This breed’s barking increases when there’s an unknown person in the house. The breed can be trained to reduce barking with proper training and socialization.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

Mental exercise is crucial to the health and happiness of a Norwegian Lundehund. This breed enjoys learning new tricks and solving puzzles, ranking high in “mental” stimulation. Activities such as puzzle toys or hide and seek games are great for keeping their minds sharp and occupied

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Novice owners will require strong patience and persistence with the serious training regimen that Norwegian Lundehunds require. Early socialization during puppy-hood and consistent reinforcement will help develop good habits and avoid inappropriate behaviors around people and other animals. Having a socialization training during the initial ownership can make novice ownership easier.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

Among the hardest breeds to train, the stubbornness of the Norwegian Lundehund adds obstacles to the training process. Consistency, positivity, and reinforced short training sessions are necessary when training this breed. Early socialization will also help in its training.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

Norwegian Lundehund is a very loyal and affectionate breed to its family, achieving high marks in this attribute. This breed loves spending time with its owners and is always willing to give a warm welcome to its family members. They become very attached to their human caregivers and show deep love and loyalty towards them.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

This breed can show affection towards children, but it might have some difficulty getting adjusted initially. There is a risk that if the child is rough with the dog, a nippy response may be provoked. Supervision is necessary for children and dogs to interact. Socialization training early on will help this breed develop good habits around children.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

Norwegian Lundehunds might have difficulty initially around other dogs, especially those of the same sex. Proper socialization training will help develop good behavior around fellow canines, but this breed is prone to territorial instincts and can be quick to start arguments. A supervision training can be a good way to introduce a new dog.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

This breed can be reserved around strangers, and socialization is crucial. Early positive interactions with strangers will help your dog become more comfortable in new environments easily. When this breed is socialized appropriately, he can be a very outgoing, friendly dog, enjoying meeting and interacting with new people.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

Norwegian Lundehunds are highly active dogs and crave stimulation, scoring high in playfulness. They can be taught various tricks and enjoy playing with their owners. If the owners can’t provide this breed with enough exercises, he might become bored, resulting in adverse behaviors such as barking or becoming destructive.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

High levels of alertness and awareness are characteristic traits for a Norwegian Lundehund. This breed needs to be kept mentally and physically exercised to fulfill a sense of purpose and maintain mental well-being. These dogs are incredibly observant, and nothing misses their attention.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

Norwegian Lundehunds are adaptable creatures, scoring well in adaptability. They can adjust to different environments, whether it is city or country living, but extra supervision is recommended to prevent wandering due to their wandering trait.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

Norwegian Lundehund shed more than the average dog. Daily grooming is recommended to keep the shedding under control but still may be problematic for people with allergies or sensitive to hair. This breed has a double coat, with a soft and dense undercoat that keeps him warm in cold weather. Even though he sheds more than the average dog, he requires less maintenance than most breeds regarding grooming.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

The Lundehund is relatively easy to groom since he needs little attention besides occasional nail trims and baths when they are dirty or smelly. This breed has the unusual characteristic of being able to shut its own ear canals to prevent dirt and debris from getting inside during hunting expeditions. The ears of a Lundehund should be inspected regularly, though, since they can sometimes lead to infections or earwax buildup.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

Fortunately, this breed is not a heavy drooler, earning high marks in this category. However, they do have a tendency to lick their owners, so if saliva is troublesome to you, this breed might not be for you.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

Norwegian Lundehunds fall in the medium size category, ranking moderate in the size category. They are longer than most dogs, but they are also sturdy, strong, and sturdy and agile, making them unique and adaptable to most environments.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

Norwegian Lundehunds are highly energetic, ranking high in energy. Owners should stay adequately prepared to provide sufficient opportunities for exercise and play. Playing fetch, going for walks, and engaging in agility exercises is an excellent way to get this breed the required amount of exercise.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

High levels of exercise are necessary for the physical health of a Norwegian Lundehund, ranking well in this category. Strong preparation is necessary to provide sufficient opportunities. Playing fetch, going on walks, and participating in agility exercises are excellent ways to keep this breed in good shape.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

Norwegian Lundehunds are bred to hunt, ranking high in the working category. They have a high prey drive and love to hunt small animals. As a result, they make excellent hunting or search and rescue animals. They have excellent stamina and can work in aggressive outdoor environments for long periods.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

Norwegian Lundehunds are dedicated hunters, ranking high in the hunting category in purebred evaluations. Because of their hunting skills, they are terrific at tracking, retrieving, and flushing birds from their hiding spots. Their small size and agility make them ideal for hunting and tracking small prey, such as rodents.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

Norwegian Lundehunds are robust dogs in good physical condition, having an excellent capacity for physical activity and endurance. This is due to their long-standing history in hunting and performing other tasks, making them a valuable pet to have around the house and an excellent animal for exercise partners.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

Norwegian Lundehunds are generally a healthy breed, scoring well in health overall. However, they do have a high incidence of Lundehund Syndrome, a gastrointestinal disorder resulting from an unhealthy food regimen or poor immune system. Owners should ensure their diet's nutritional quality and look for potential allergies or diseases early on.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

Norwegian Lundehunds are prone to obesity if they receive an inadequate amount of exercise, scoring well in obesity proneness. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can prevent obesity, which can lead to joint, mobility, and even respiratory issues.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

Norwegian Lundehunds do well in the cold weather due to their thicker fur, scoring high in cold tolerance. This breed is very adaptable to activities in the snow or on ice and is closely associated with Nordic culture. It is not advisable, however, to leave any dog out in the cold for extended periods of time without proper shelter or insulation feeling.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

Norwegian Lundehunds can tolerate heat but are better suited to colder climates since they have a thicker coat. Owners must be careful not to push the limits of their heat tolerance. Hydration and shade should always be provided when the weather is warm.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

Norwegian Lundehund can do well in small living spaces as long as the owners provide the required amount of exercise. Apartment living suits this breed because they love being around their owners, which leads to them being highly devoted and loyal animals.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

Norwegian Lundehunds love to wander, which is commendable since they combine their wanderlust with impressive intelligence. They love exploring the environment, but this breed requires supervision when not in a fenced-in area, considering its wandering nature.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

Norwegian Lundehunds possess a level of sensitivity to the atmosphere around them, ranking moderately in the sensitivity category. This breed is reserved when strangers visit, requiring proper socialization to remediate this sensitivity. Owners should provide a relaxed environment for them by avoiding loud noises or other stress-inducing factors.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

Norwegian Lundehunds might experience stress when separated from their owners. The breed is not well-suited for people who are going to be gone for long periods as they hate to be left alone. Separation anxiety can be remediated from an early age with training, but it's strongly encouraged not to overdo it.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

Norwegian Lundehunds possess a desire to bark; they’re very confident and quick to show their territorial nature with barking. This breed’s barking increases when there’s an unknown person in the house. The breed can be trained to reduce barking with proper training and socialization.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

Mental exercise is crucial to the health and happiness of a Norwegian Lundehund. This breed enjoys learning new tricks and solving puzzles, ranking high in “mental” stimulation. Activities such as puzzle toys or hide and seek games are great for keeping their minds sharp and occupied

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

Novice owners will require strong patience and persistence with the serious training regimen that Norwegian Lundehunds require. Early socialization during puppy-hood and consistent reinforcement will help develop good habits and avoid inappropriate behaviors around people and other animals. Having a socialization training during the initial ownership can make novice ownership easier.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

Among the hardest breeds to train, the stubbornness of the Norwegian Lundehund adds obstacles to the training process. Consistency, positivity, and reinforced short training sessions are necessary when training this breed. Early socialization will also help in its training.

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History of the Norwegian Lundehund

The Norwegian Lundehund has been present in Norway for at least 1,000 years and was initially bred for hunting puffins, which were considered a delicacy by the Norwegians

In the 19th century, the breed almost became extinct due to outbreaks of distemper and changes in hunting methods, but its numbers were later revived due to the efforts of a few dedicated breeders

Today, the breed is recognized by the AKC and is popular among enthusiasts for its unique characteristics.

Norwegian Lundehund Puppies

Norwegian Lundehund puppies are lively, curious and active

They require a lot of socialization and training from an early age to become well-behaved adult dogs

Lundehund puppies are born with dewclaws on their front and hind legs, which is a unique feature of the breed.