Norwegian Lundehund

The Perfect Owner & Home

Norwegian Lundehunds are difficult to come by with commonly just three dogs to a litter, but if you can score one, the breed’s good and playful demeanor makes them a loyal companion dog, suitable for a committed first-time owner. 

“The breed is very adaptable and does well both in a house and in the yard," says Harvey Sanderson, a breeder and Treasurer of the Norwegian Lundehund Association of America. "They have exquisite hearing and are great mousers."

Lisa Peterson, AKC Director of Communications, urges potential dog owners to research the breeds before taking a dog home. 

“Each person has their own activity level, needs and desires, so you have to do your homework to make sure that the breed you’re picking fits your lifestyle.”

For tips on how to be a responsible dog owner, visit the AKC's website.

Appearance & Grooming

Appearance

Size: 12 - 15 inches tall at the shoulder.

The Lundehund is a real looker. The AKC standard coat is pale-to-reddish brown-to-tan with black hair tips and white markings or white with red or dark markings.

“But, structurally speaking, the breed has all kinds of interesting things going on,” says Mr. Sanderson.

“They’re built funny,” Mrs. Sanderson, East Coast Regional Director of NLAA, chimes in.

She’s right! They have at least six toes on each foot, ears that fold up, and they can tip their heads all the way back; attributes that helped them to climb steep cliffs and retrieve Puffins hiding in crevices.

Weight: 10 - 15 pounds

Who is the Norwegian Lundehund’s doppelganger? The American Red Fox but with a Spitz tail and warm eyes.

Grooming

With a double-coat and seasonal, moderate shedding, they’re a natural, as is, wash and wear dog. 

“Regular brushing will do. They don’t require any more grooming than that, but you do have to cut a lot of toenails,” says Sanderson. “And it’s the only dog you know that can give you a high-six!”

Wendy Weinand, Petco’s National Grooming Operations Specialist, estimates the cost for grooming the Lundehund to be approximately $30, which includes a bath, nails, and ear cleaning.

Personality, Temperament, & Exercise Needs

Who would the Norwegian Lundehund be at a party? The table hopper.

This loyal, alert and energetic breed has a tendency to be assertive but not threatening as puppies.

“In the morning, each one goes out with bark, bark, bark.  I’m here, I’m tough, I’m a little dog but I’m tough,” says Sanderson.  “But they aren’t tough. They’re very playful.”

Because they were bred to hunt, they need daily exercise and play but after a good run they should settle down for sleep for a few hours.

Socialization & Training Needs

The Norwegian Lundehund can be a little aloof around strangers, incessant barkers, or downright bossy, so it’s imperative to socialize and train the breed early.

“They’re trainable and very smart, but they’re no Labrador,” says Sanderson. “You really have to work on housebreaking. Don’t expect to say ‘No’ to the dog twice and expect it to get it. These dogs are a little more independent.”

Health Concerns

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

“Hypothyroidism is the number one endocrine disorder in any dog, and it can manifest in a number of ways, i.e. your dog might be a little anemic, have high cholesterol, poor hair re-growth, coat issues, or skin infections,” says Ann E. Hohenhaus, DVM, Animal Medical Center. “So you want to be on the lookout for that.”

Every breed has a Web site with a health section that talks about the concerns in the breed and what the club is doing to help address them. There are also tests that can help assure prospective owners that they’re getting a healthy dog.  

Hohenhaus urges potential owners to ask questions. How many generations back has this dog been OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) or PennHIP certified (University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program)? If there have been several, then you know there’s a history of good hips. There’s also CERF (Canine Eye Registry Foundation) for inherited eye abnormalities. 

Ask breeders if they participate in the breed club and how they’re contributing (not dollar-wise necessarily) to advancing the breed’s health concerns. If they’re proactive, then you’ve got a breeder who really cares.

“The Lundehund is a very uncommon breed,” adds Hohenhaus. “I don’t think we have a good handle yet on what their issues might be.”

However, the Lundehund is prone to PLE (Protein Losing Enteropathy) AKA Leaky Gut Syndrome, an intestinal track issue resulting in diarrhea and protein loss. One common belief is that all Lundehunds carry a gene that makes them susceptible to GI problems. While breeders may say you shouldn’t feed the dogs anything with grain in it, according to Hohenhaus there is currently no specific treatment for it other than symptomatic treatment for diarrhea and trying diets until you find one that works.

All dogs should have an annual exam, but owners may want to seek out a specialist if they know their dog is prone to a particular disease.  There may be preventative procedures to conduct early on in the dog’s life.

Owners Guide written by Gail Eisenberg.

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.

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.

-Gail Eisenberg