Description

The Norwegian Lundehund is a rectangular spitz dog, small, comparatively light with distinct secondary sex characters. The Lundehund possesses some odd characteristics which other breeds do not. It has six toes on each foot including two dewclaws. It has joints in the nape of the neck, which other dogs do not have. It has extremely flexible shoulder joints. The medium sized erect ears have more mobility then the average dog. The eyes are brown and fairly deep-set. The head is small and wedge shaped. It has moderately muscled hindquarters suitable for agility rather than speed. The legs are strong. The tail is carried ring-shaped or slightly rolled over the top line, or hanging. It has a short, rough, stand-off coat. It's dense topcoat lies flat against the body. The coat can be reddish-brown to fallow with more or less black hair tips, or black, or grey, all with white markings, or white with dark markings. The full-grown dog usually has got more distinct black in the outer coat than the young dog.

Origin

The Lundehund is among the world's rarest of dogs. It is a member of the Spitz family. It originated in Vaerog and Rost in northern Norway. For centuries it was used to hunt puffins from nests on steep cliffs. Puffins, however, in the 1800's became a protected species and were no longer hunted. The dogs were no longer useful to the farmers and the breed numbers dwindled. However sometime after WWII the breed was saved from extinction through the friendship of two concerned Norwegians. The Lundehund was not recognized as a distinct breed until 1943.

Temperament

Lundehunds are friendly and love people. They are not aggressive and will snuggle with people or other dogs for hours. They love to play and will enjoy long sessions of it. Curious, they are ready to explore the world. This breed is intelligent and can be trained for agility. Because of the Lundehunds very unique characteristics, it makes an exceptional hunter. Its six toes on each foot, including two dewclaws, allow the dog to climb steep areas, the extra joints in the nape of the neck, allow the dog to turn its head at a 180-degree angle, it has extremely flexible shoulder joints and its ears have mobility which other dogs do not have. The Lundehund has a mind of its own and is stubborn. It can be obstinate and manipulative. Consistency is a must with this breed. You must show them that you mean what you say. It requires training in socialization to minimize fearfulness and distrust. It has a inbuilt distrust of anything new or different, which can result in excessive alarm barking. Although to some they can seem stubborn, enthusiasts say that it is the traditional training methods that are at fault, not the dog. Discipline will never work on these dogs, and if you can find someone who knows about or breeds Lundies, it shouldn't be much trouble at all to train them. The Lundehund is somewhat primitive and can be extremely difficult to housebreak. Consistent crate training is mandatory. A doggy door may have to be used. Some owners say they never do get their Norwegian Lundehunds housebroken. The key is thinking two steps ahead of a puppy who has to pee. From having many puppies in my house, I know that giving a puppy the run of the house is just asking for disaster. If you're not watching him, he's in his crate or outside. Crate training works well with this primitive breed, because they still have a strong den instinct. As soon as he comes out of the crate, as soon as he's done eating, as soon as he wakes up in the morning, he goes outside! Or somewhere where he is allowed to pee. A Lundie puppy will learn much better if he is never given the opportunity to do bad. The Lundehund is usually good with children. They don't mind having their ears or tails tugged, especially if it's by others in their pack. So long as they are introduced to each other in a positive environment, the Lundehund will grow into a great family dog. They are friendly with other dogs. Most love to meet others of their species, even if they are a little shy around people. Like all Norwegian dogs, aggressiveness is just not in them, even when challenged they will usually stay fairly calm. They are protective in that this breed usually prefers his own family to other people, and has a tendency to be shy of them, but typically not aggressive. This breed is usually good with other pets if raised with them. Lundies were bred to hunt, and hunt well. But their quarry was puffins, so unless you have a fish or water bird, it should be alright, especially if they are carefully introduced to them.

Height

Height: 12-15.5 inches (31-39 cm.)

Weight

Weight: 13-20 pounds (6-9 kg.)

Known Health Problems

Prone to Lundehund Syndrome (a series of digestive problems). This unique syndrome renders the lifespan of a particular dog almost unpredictable. This Syndrome is under research. If you do not have the money to pay for potential extensive vet bills, this breed is not for you.

Conditions for Living

The Lundehund would do best living in a house with at least a small fenced in yard.

Exercise Requirments

walk or jog. In addition, they will greatly enjoy sessions of play.

Life Expectancy

About 12 years

Grooming

The Lundehund is easy to groom. Comb and brush regularly with a firm, bristle brush, paying attention to the undercoat. Bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary. This breed is a heavy shedder.

Group

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