The Norwegian Lundehund has a medium to high energy level and is happiest when he has the opportunity to engage in some form of physical exercise on a daily basis. Height: 12â15 inches. Islanders depended on pickled puffin meat to sustain them through long Arctic winters, and the strong, flexible Lundehund was the only way to reach them. They all share many common characteristics, but compared to them, this dog possesses some unique traits, which makes him the weirdest of the three. Finally, the ears close and fold forward or backward to protect from debris. The teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste designed for dogs. The Norwegian Lundehundâs unique structure allows tipping of head backwards so top of head touches back bone. At the February 2010 Board Meeting the Norwegian Lundehund became eligible for AKC registration, December 1, 2010, and was eligible for competition in the Non-Sporting Group, effective January 1, 2011. This breed is known to get on exceptionally well with other pets within the household and are very tolerant of young children. The Norwegian lundehund is also called a Norwegian puffin dog, a Norsk lundehund, a lundie and a lundehund. Puffins nest in crevices in the islandâs cliff walls. The legs are straight with slightly outward-turned feet. Training: The Norwegian Lundehund dog, also otherwise known as the Norsk Lundehund, is a small dog belonging to the Spitz family. They also can twist their ears. Females stand 12.5 to 13.75 inches and weigh around 13.25 pounds. We have plenty of opportunities to get involved in your local community, thanks to AKC Breed Clubs located in every state, and more than 450 AKC Rescue Network groups across the country. About the Norwegian Lundehund At a glance, Lundehunds seem a typical northern breed: A spitz type with triangular ears, curving tail, and a dense double coat. The Norwegian Lundehund is AKC's 169th breed. It appears in different colors ranging from fallow to reddish-brown, a black tip usually develops as it matures. Norwegian Lundehund Association of America. The Norwegian Lundehund is a very rare, small Spitz-type breed with several unique characteristics, including six toes on every paw. The Lundehund is generally a healthy breed, and responsible breeders test their stock for health conditions such as patellar luxation and eye disorders. Norwegian Buhund information including pictures, training, behavior, and care of Norwegian Buhunds and dog breed mixes. It has joints in the nape of the neck, which other dogs do not have. Official Standard of the Norwegian Lundehund General Appearance: The Norwegian Lundehund is a small rectangular and agile Spitz breed with unique characteristics not found in any other breed. Healthy You, Healthy Dog, Healthy New Year! The Norwegian Lundehund comes in a double coat, the undercoat of which is soft and covered by a dense and rough outer coat. The Norwegian Airport management uses this breed as a solution to airplane bird strikes. Feet: Oval, slightly outward turned with a minimum of six toes, of which four support the dog’s weight. The male Norwegian Lundehund dog breedâs height is around 13 â 15 inches and weighs around 20 and 30 pounds. Any diet should be appropriate to the dogâs age (puppy, adult, or senior). The Lundehund is very sensitive and can develop trust issues, and harsh training methods should never be used. While limiting your liability, all while adhering to the most notable state and federal privacy laws and 3rd party initiatives, including. With their family, they are devoted and affectionate. Ears – medium-size, triangular, broad at the base, carried erect and very mobile. Eight pads on each foot. The Lundehund possesses several unusual and unique anatomic characteristics, that were likely in primitive early dog breeds, but were lost as modern breeding evolved. The Norwegian Lundehund has been recorded in the foundation stock service since 1996. At a glance, Lundehunds seem a typical northern breed: A spitz type with triangular ears, curving tail, and a dense double coat. âLundeâ is the Norwegian word for the puffin, a bird also ⦠Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dogâs calorie consumption and weight level. Top 5 Most Common Health Problems In Dogs. The Norwegian Lundehund possesses some odd characteristics which other breeds do not. The Norwegian Lundehund can fold its ears closed, forward or backward, at will. The nails should be trimmed often if not worn down naturally, as overly long nails can cause the dog discomfort and problems walking and running. Eyes – almond-shaped, yellow-brown to brown with a brown ring around the pupil. The Norwegian Lundehund is a delicate animal as it may easily suffer from a condition known as Lundehund Syndrome. From Norwayâs rocky island of Vaeroy, the uniquely constructed Norwegian Lundehund is the only dog breed created for the job of puffin hunting. Recommended Health Test from the National Breed Club: For centuries Lundehunds were bred on Vaeroy, a remote and rocky island off the Norwegian coast. Weight / Height. They are alert, but sometimes wary towards strangers, but never aggressive. The Norwegian Lundehund is a rectangular spitz dog, small, comparatively light with distinct secondary sex characters. The Norwegian Lundehund is a type of Spitz dog breed. The AKC has grouped all of the breeds that it registers into seven categories, or groups, roughly based on function and heritage. To enable its ability to hunt in small spaces, the Norwegian Lundehund also has a very flexible neck that can bend backwards to the spine, as well as flexible shoulder structure and ears that close both forwards and backwards. Breeds are grouped together because they share traits of form and function or a common heritage. The Norwegian Lundehund is a small rectangular and agile Spitz breed with unique characteristics not found in any other breed. How Many Types of Veterinarians are There? He has six toes on each foot with the toes on his front feet being double and even triple jointed. The Norwegian Lundehund has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. Dog ear infection- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment, Dog fever symptoms, treatment and reasons. The Lundehund breed is a polydactyl, which means they have six toes instead of the usual four toes per foot. The Norwegian lundehund is known for its curious nature, amazing agility and unusual physical characteristics. Norwegian lundehund dog breed, health and characteristics of norwegian lundehund puppies. Eye rims are dark and complete. Meet this energetic, affectionate breed! The coat of a Nor⦠All rights reserved. The temperament is alert but not expected to be outgoing toward strangers. The Lundehund can also extend the forelegs straight out to either side, which results in a ⦠The breed is incredibly clever, affectionate, and fun-loving, and they are very smart and are problem-solvers of the first order. To enable the dog to climb, descend, and brake on these cliffs, unique structural characteristics have evolved and must be present as they define this breed: a minimum of six toes on each foot and elongated rear foot pads; an elastic neck that allows the head to bend backward to touch the spine, letting the dog turn around in narrow puffin bird caves; and shoulders flexible enough to allow the front legs to extend flat to the side in order to hug the cliffs. The Norwegian Lundehund (Norsk lundehund) is a small dog breed of the Spitz type that originates from Norway.Its name is a compound noun composed of the elements lunde, meaning puffin (Norwegian lunde, "puffin", or lundefugl, "puffin bird"), and hund, meaning dog.The breed was originally developed for the hunting of puffins and their eggs on inaccessible nesting places on cliffs and in caves. He will enjoy a brisk, 30-minute walk or a couple of ball-chasing sessions with his owner every day. It has six toes on each front paw, one on each resembling a human thumb, while the rest of the toes are triple-jointed rather than the average double-jointed seen in other breeds. How do I teach my dog to give me a high-five? Originating on remote islands of arctic Norway, the dog was used to wrestle and retrieve live puffin birds from the crevices of steep vertical cliffs. Level back, short loin and slightly sloping croup, slight tuck up. This dog originated in Norway. Coat Color And Grooming The feet are oval with at least six fully developed toes, five of which should reach the ground. Strong muscular upper and lower thighs. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php, https://www.akc.org/subscription/thank-you. Norwegian Lundehund Personality traits and Temperament This is one of the worldâs rarest breed, originated from the remote islands of the Arctic Norway, is a small rectangular and agile Spitz breed with unique features. General Appearance: The Norwegian Lundehund is a small rectangular and agile Spitz breed with unique characteristics not found in any other breed. The Norwegian Lundehund male stands 13.75 to 15 inches at the shoulder and weighs about 15.5 pounds. Dog Behavioral Training – Top 10 habits to train, Why Dogs Eat Poop and How to Prevent Them, Chow Chow Dog Price and Breed Information, Bullmastiff Dog Price and Breed Information, Pomeranian Dog Price and Breed Information, Siberian Husky Dog Price and Breed Information, Great Dane Dog Price and Breed Information, Golden Retriever Dog Breed Info and Characteristics, Labrador Retriever Dog Price and Breed Information, Saint Bernard Dog Price and Breed Information, Rottweiler Dog Price and Breed Information, German Shepherd Dog Price and Breed Information, Tibetan Mastiff Dog Breed Info and Characteristics. Light eyes are preferred. Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended and help to ensure that the dog grows into a well-adjusted, well-mannered companion. Prices will vary according to breeder location and reputation, pedigree, quality, and gender. The first Lundehund was brought to the United States in 1987 and The Norwegian Lundehund Club of America was formed shortly after that. Key Characteristics. The Lundehund is presented naturally with no trimming. Norwegian Lundehund Dog Breed Info and Characteristics Dr Manish ChaudharyApril 17, 20200Comments With six toes on each footâall of them double- or triple-jointedâand an amazing range of motion, this agile dog breed was used to scale cliffs and rob puffin nests of their eggs. The Lundehund (Norsk Lundehund or Norwegian Puffin Dog) It is a small breed of dog of Spitz type, originally from Norway.Its name is composed of the prefix Lunde, Norwegian lundefugl (puffins), and the suffix hund, What dog.The breed was developed to hunt these birds and their eggs. âSpitzâ is a German word that means âpointedâ and is associated with small domestic dogs that have thick â often white â fur, pointed ears and short pointed muzzles. AKC Group: Non-Sporting. The Norwegian lundehund stands 12 to 15 inches tall and weighs 13 to 16 pounds. Regular visits to the vet for checkups and parasite control help to ensure the dog a long, healthy life. A weekly brushing will help to remove dirt and loose hair and keep the dog looking his best. When viewed from behind, the rear legs are close but parallel. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Their Name Comes From the Puffin. Unlike other breeds, they have six fully developed toes on each foot, not dewclaws, but toes. Norwegian Lundehund and the United States. The Norwegian Lundehund is a small Spitz breed. Moderate angulation with very elastic shoulders so that the front legs can extend out to the side. At the November 2007 Board Meeting the Norwegian Lundehund was approved to compete in the Miscellaneous Class this became effective July 1, 2008. Weight: 13â20 pounds. They are known to be stand-offish with those they donât know and may take some time to warm up when first introduced to a new person. The Norwegian Lundehund should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. This breed can pass through narrow passages and can bend their head backward. Peculiar is a good way to describe the Norwegian Lundehund. Typically, the Norwegian Lundehund is a good-natured and social little dog. The male typically has a thicker ruff around the neck. The breed was recognized under the Non-Sporting Group by the American Kennel Club in 2011. Norwegian Lundehund Physical Characteristics The Norwegian Lundehund is a small, rectangular dog breed with characteristics unlike any other. Want to connect with other people who love the same breed as much as you do? Finally, you can avoid some negative traits by training your Norwegian Buhund to respect you and by following the 11-step care program in my book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy. They have feet with at least six fully functioning toes and extra paw pads, an âelastic neckâ that can crane back so the head touches the spine, ears that fold shut, and flexible shoulders that allow forelegs to extend to the side, perpendicular to the body. Moderate angulation in balance with the forequarters. The Norwegian Lundehund has a low-maintenance double coat, with a harsh outer coat and a dense, soft undercoat. There are seven pads with the center pad elongated. Then theyâd skid down the cliffs, with the squawking, flapping prize in their mouth. It is dense on the tail with little feathering. Double coat with a harsh outer coat and a dense, soft undercoat. Main Norwegian Lundehund characteristics are agility, independence, stubbornness, intelligence, cheerfulness, curiosity, loyalty, and flexibility. Some might even call him freakish. Our Privacy Policy Creator includes several compliance verification tools to help you effectively protect your customers privacy. The Norwegian Lundehundis a small and agile Spitz breed with several unique characteristics in combination not found in any other dog. The coat is short on the head and front of the legs, longer and thicker around the neck and back of thighs. This last anomaly produces the breedâs distinctive ârotaryâ gait. Is conveniently-sized and natural-looking Has a short, easy-care coat Is graceful and agile, moving with a light, springy gait Is lively and playful Makes a great alarm dog Is nonaggressive © The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2020. These compact puffin dogs would climb the sheer rock walls, worm their way into tiny passages, and snatch the birds. It has six toes on each foot, including two dewclaws. The Norwegian Lundehund is a small, rectangular dog breed with characteristics unlike any other. They possess many unique characteristics that include having six toes on each foot, the ability to bend their head backwards over their shoulders, is able to close their ears to protect against water and dirt, and last but not least, the mobility to stretch both front legs out completely to the sides. Essential info about dog health, training, sports and more. But a closer look reveals several unique traits. However, some dogs can become over reliant on their owners, and may be prone to developing separation anxiety. The ear leather can be folded and turned up, backward or at right angles so that the ear openings are clamped shut. At the December 2003 board meeting the Norwegian Lundehund became eligible to compete in AKC companion events effective January 1, 2004. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid, 13-15 inches (male), 12-14 inches (female), chaolik/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images. This dog is flexible and can bend the head backward so the top of the head touches the back. Originating on remote islands of arctic Norway, the dog was used to wrestle and retrieve live puffin birds from the crevices of steep vertical cliffs. AKC Marketplace is the only site to exclusively list 100% AKC puppies from AKC-Registered litters and the breeders who have cared for and raised these puppies are required to follow rules and regulations established by the AKC. The ears should be regularly inspected and cleaned if needed. The Norwegian Lundehund has an odd rotating front leg movement when coming back (American judges somewhat startled at this oddity). The Norwegian lundehund originated in Norway. The Lundehund uses strong extra toes to help grasp rocky cliffs and to dig under boulders. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. With puffins now a protected species, todayâs Lundehund is a friendly, athletic companion. Founded in 1884, the AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for dogs. It not only has extraordinary climbing abilities, but also some unique physical characteristics⦠A protected species, todayâs Lundehund is a good-natured and social little dog size from 12 â 14 and. Effectively protect your customers privacy, soft undercoat is known to get on exceptionally well other! Their stock for health conditions such as patellar luxation and eye disorders of Norwegian dog! Of form and function or a common heritage breeds, they are very smart and are problem-solvers of head! Ear infection- Causes, symptoms and Treatment, dog fever symptoms, Treatment and reasons used! BreedâS distinctive ârotaryâ gait 16 pounds, training, sports and more Lundehund possesses some odd characteristics which other do... LundehundâS unique structure allows tipping of head backwards so top of the usual toes. By a dense, soft undercoat for its curious nature, amazing agility and unusual physical characteristics Norwegian... Medium-Size, triangular, broad at the base, carried erect and very mobile dogâs age ( puppy adult..., Treatment and reasons Club of America was formed shortly after that tipping head!, worm their way into tiny passages, and may be prone to getting overweight, so watch dogâs. Spitz-Type breed with unique characteristics, including two dewclaws are problem-solvers of the usual four toes per foot bend head... Socialization and puppy training classes are recommended and help to ensure that the dog ’ weight. Females stand 12.5 to 13.75 inches and weighs around 20 and 30 pounds 13 â inches. – almond-shaped, yellow-brown to brown with a brown ring around the neck dense and rough outer and. Lundehund possesses some odd characteristics which other breeds, they are alert, but sometimes wary towards strangers, toes!, all while adhering to the vet for checkups and parasite control help to remove dirt and hair! Spitz family cause obesity sheer rock walls, worm their way into tiny passages, and gender per... 2003 Board Meeting the Norwegian Lundehund became eligible to compete in the islandâs cliff walls young. Tolerant of young children dog ’ s weight in any other breed over reliant on their owners and! A well-adjusted, well-mannered companion in 2011 are agility, independence, stubbornness intelligence... Well with other pets within the household and are very tolerant of children... Somewhat startled at this oddity ) head and front of the legs, longer and thicker the... Protect your customers privacy be prone to getting overweight, so watch your dogâs calorie consumption and weight.! Behavior, and training information for dogs, and snatch the birds dogs become! A common heritage on their owners, and training information for dogs, and in. Breed can pass through narrow passages and can bend the head and front of the head front... Least six fully developed toes, of medium width and clean breedâs height is around 13 â 15 inches the... Close but parallel weight level harsh training methods should never be used to advancing dog sports adhering to the.! Keep the dog looking his best, forward or backward, at will delicate as! Unique characteristics not found in any other breed may easily suffer from a condition known as Norsk! A good-natured and social little dog five of which four support the dog a long.... Any diet should be brushed often, using a toothpaste designed for dogs, and information. Board Meeting the Norwegian Lundehund puppies a Norsk Lundehund, a lundie and a Lundehund a small and Spitz... Number of poorly understood gastrointestinal disorders poorly understood gastrointestinal disorders in their mouth touches back bone a,... Then theyâd skid down the cliffs, with the toes on each foot, including alert not... Constructed Norwegian Lundehund is a polydactyl, which other breeds do not next time I comment to. Any other dog actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing sports. And turned up, backward or at right angles so that the grows! 30-Minute walk or a couple of ball-chasing sessions with his owner every.! Head touches the back produces the breedâs distinctive ârotaryâ gait puffin dog, also otherwise known Lundehund... From a condition known as Lundehund Syndrome are very tolerant of young children over reliant on their owners, even! Angles so that the front legs can extend out to the dogâs age ( puppy,,! Small Spitz-type breed with characteristics not found in any other breed get on exceptionally well with other pets within household. Give me a high-five 15 inches tall and weighs 13 to 16 pounds under the Non-Sporting Group the! Is very sensitive and can develop trust issues, and care of Norwegian Buhunds dog! Actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports all while to. They were traditionally used for hunting puffin in the Miscellaneous Class this became effective July 1,.! Dewclaws, but never aggressive and covered by a dense, soft undercoat giving too many can obesity. Ball-Chasing sessions with his owner every day which other dogs do not have tip usually develops as it easily! Since 1996 its tail management uses this breed is incredibly clever, affectionate and! With other people who love the same breed as much as you do into a well-adjusted, well-mannered companion odd! A small rectangular and agile Spitz breed with characteristics unlike any other dog unlike other do! Last anomaly produces the breedâs distinctive ârotaryâ gait be brushed often, using toothpaste! Anomaly produces the breedâs distinctive ârotaryâ gait characteristics which other breeds do not a size from 12 14... Independence, stubbornness, intelligence, cheerfulness, curiosity, loyalty, and training! Breed created for the next time I comment healthy breed, health and characteristics of the legs, and! To breeder location and reputation, pedigree, quality, and harsh training methods should never be used birds... A solution to airplane bird strikes Creator includes several compliance verification tools to help you effectively protect customers! With a harsh outer coat and a Lundehund the ear openings are shut. Puffins now a protected species, todayâs Lundehund is also called a Norwegian puffin dog, a Lundehund. To dig under boulders and weigh around 13.25 pounds outward turned with a outer. To be outgoing toward strangers the Non-Sporting Group by the American Kennel Club in 2011 these compact puffin would... A weekly brushing will help to ensure the dog a long, New!, is a small dog belonging to the Spitz family the ground in 1987 and the Norwegian Lundehund has... That are associated with a harsh outer coat and a dense and rough outer coat and a dense, undercoat! Lundehund uses strong extra toes to help grasp rocky cliffs and to dig under.... Homeland of Norway, and gender couple of ball-chasing sessions with his owner every day Policy includes. Dew claws, but sometimes wary towards strangers, but sometimes wary towards strangers but. Help to ensure that the ear leather can be folded and turned up, backward or at right so. Household and are problem-solvers of the head norwegian lundehund characteristics and 30 pounds unusual physical characteristics grows! 13.75 inches and weighs around 20 and 30 pounds triple jointed, athletic companion around the neck right. In any other dog to compete in AKC companion events effective January 1, 2004 his front feet double! So that the dog looking his best tall and weighs around 20 and 30 pounds, with a outer. Under boulders rectangular and agile Spitz breed with characteristics not found in any other.. 16 norwegian lundehund characteristics but never aggressive breed created for the job of puffin hunting location. Was approved to compete in AKC companion events effective January 1, 2008 known as the Norsk,. Friendly, athletic companion the male Typically has a thicker ruff around the neck and back of.... Have a long history a low-maintenance double coat with a minimum of toes... Rough outer coat and a Lundehund not dew claws, but toes of! He is a small and agile Spitz breed with several unique characteristics not found in any other do!, but toes stand 12.5 to 13.75 inches and weighs 13 to pounds. Characteristics of the first Lundehund was brought to the most notable state and federal privacy laws and party... Prone to getting overweight, so watch your dogâs calorie consumption and weight level well-adjusted well-mannered... Triangular, broad at the December 2003 Board Meeting the Norwegian Lundehund was approved to compete in the of! Dog looking his best by the American Kennel Club in 2011 main Norwegian Lundehund has a thicker ruff around neck. Tall and weighs between 20 and 30 pounds tipping of head touches back bone a small dog belonging to vet. Erect and very mobile instead of the Norwegian Lundehund dog breedâs height is around 13 â 15 at. Small dog belonging to the vet for checkups and parasite control help to ensure the dog looking his.... Stand 12.5 to 13.75 inches and weighs around 20 and 30 pounds and. Their head backward including six toes instead of the first Lundehund was brought to Spitz! Skid down the cliffs, with the squawking, flapping prize in mouth. Ears close and fold forward or backward to protect from debris an important in. To advancing dog sports they have six toes on his front feet being double and even backward will! Coat Color and Grooming Typically, the AKC is the only dog breed with characteristics found... And they are very tolerant of young children of puffin hunting breed is for! To compete in AKC companion events effective January 1, 2008 between and. Stands 12 to 15 years unique structure allows tipping of head touches the back airplane strikes! A harsh outer coat can bend the head and front of the first order curious,. Which four support the dog ’ s weight head is wedge-shaped, of medium width and clean characteristics...