Breed History:

The Norwegian Lundehund originated along the rugged coastal islands of northern Norway, where it was developed centuries ago to hunt Atlantic puffins (Lunde in Norwegian) and collect their eggs from steep sea cliffs. The breed's name combines the Norwegian words "Lunde" (puffin) and "Hund" (dog), reflecting its unique purpose. To navigate narrow cliff ledges and rocky crevices, the Lundehund evolved several extraordinary physical adaptations, including six fully developed toes on each foot, highly flexible joints, and the ability to close its ears to keep out dirt and moisture.

When puffin hunting declined during the 19th and 20th centuries, the breed's numbers fell dramatically, and it came close to extinction. Dedicated breeders and conservation efforts, particularly on the island of Værøy, helped restore the population. Today, the Norwegian Lundehund is recognised as one of the world's rarest dog breeds and is admired for its remarkable agility, intelligence, and unique anatomy.

Today, the Norwegian Lundehund is valued as a loyal family companion, agile sporting dog, and rare Nordic breed known for its flexibility, intelligence, and fascinating history.

If you want to learn about other spitz breeds, check out our page "Different Spitz Dog Breeds".

Size – Small

Life Expectancy: 12–15 years

Breed Appearance:

The Norwegian Lundehund is a small, agile, and lightly built spitz-type dog with a distinctive fox-like appearance.

The breed commonly features:

• Wedge-shaped head
• Moderately pointed muzzle
• Amber to dark brown oval-shaped eyes
• Small, erect triangular ears that can fold shut
• Deep, flexible chest
• Strong, supple neck
• Straight, agile limbs
• Bushy tail carried in a loose curl or over the back

Its dense double coat consists of a harsh outer coat and a soft undercoat that protects it from cold and wet coastal conditions.

Common coat colours include:

• Reddish brown
• Fawn
• White
• Black-tipped sable
• Grey with white markings

The breed's most distinctive features are its six fully developed toes on each foot, exceptionally flexible shoulders that allow the forelegs to extend sideways, and a neck capable of bending backward so the head can touch the spine.

Breed Type – Hunting / Companion Dog:

The Norwegian Lundehund is an intelligent, agile, and curious hunting breed.

It is known for being:

• Loyal
• Intelligent
• Alert
• Curious
• Agile
• Independent

The breed forms close bonds with its family and is generally friendly with children and other pets when properly socialised. It tends to be reserved with strangers but is rarely aggressive.

Training:

The Norwegian Lundehund is intelligent but can be independent and sensitive.

Training should focus on:

• Early socialisation
• Positive reinforcement methods
• Basic obedience training
• Recall training
• Interactive games
• Mental enrichment activities

The breed excels in:

• Agility
• Obedience
• Nose work
• Trick training
• Hiking

Short, reward-based sessions work best, as the breed can lose interest with repetitive training.

Health & Care:

The Norwegian Lundehund is generally healthy but is known for a breed-specific digestive disorder called Lundehund Syndrome, which affects nutrient absorption. Other potential health concerns include:

• Lundehund Syndrome (protein-losing enteropathy)
• Patellar luxation
• Eye disorders
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Arthritis in older dogs

Routine veterinary care, responsible breeding, careful dietary management, and regular exercise are important for maintaining long-term health.

Living Conditions:

The Norwegian Lundehund adapts well to a variety of living environments provided it receives regular exercise and companionship.

Ideal environments include:

• Apartments with sufficient daily exercise
• Houses with securely fenced yards
• Active families
• Individuals seeking an active companion
• Cooler or temperate climates

The breed prefers living indoors with its family and should not be left alone for extended periods.

Exercise:

The Norwegian Lundehund has moderate exercise requirements.

Recommended activities include:

• Daily walks
• Hiking
• Interactive games
• Agility
• Puzzle toys
• Mental enrichment activities

Around 45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise helps keep the breed physically fit and mentally stimulated.

Grooming:

The dense double coat requires moderate maintenance.

• Brushing one to two times per week
• More frequent brushing during seasonal shedding
• Occasional bathing
• Nail trimming
• Regular ear cleaning
• Routine dental care

The breed sheds moderately throughout the year, with heavier shedding during seasonal coat changes.

Advantages:

• Loyal and affectionate family companion
• Unique anatomy with remarkable agility and flexibility
• Intelligent and quick learner
• Adaptable to apartment and family living
• Generally quiet and clean indoors
• Rare breed with fascinating history

Disadvantages:

• Prone to Lundehund Syndrome and other digestive disorders
• Can be independent and stubborn during training
• Moderate seasonal shedding
• May be reserved with strangers
• Requires mental stimulation to prevent boredom
• Rare breed, making responsible breeders difficult to find