Norwegian Lundehund

This rare and unique Spitz breed was bred to hunt and retrieve Puffin birds until the birds became a protected species, leaving the K9s without 9-to-5s. 

The small and agile (to say the least) breed is equipped with at least six toes on each foot and flexibility that rivals a Cirque du Soleil contortionist. All that in addition to a playful personality, and it’s no wonder they’re Norway’s national treasure.

The Lundehund is a real looker. Their coat is pale-to-reddish brown-to-tan with black hair tips and white markings or white with red or dark markings. In terms of size, they are 12 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder, and weigh in at a less than scale-tipping 10 to 15 pounds.

What they lack in size, though, they make up in personality, as they are a truly loyal, alert, and energetic breed. Because they were originally hunters, they need daily exercise and play but after a good run they should settle down for sleep for a few hours.

With only about 250 dogs in the United States, the Norwegian Lundehund was AKC recognized in 2011, and is a member of the Non-Sporting Group.