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Norwegian Lundehund breed guide
American Kennel Club (AKC) calls the Norwegian Lundehund the uniquely constructed dog of Norway's rocky island of Vaeroy, the only breed created for puffin hunting and now a friendly, athletic companion since puffins are protected.
At a glance it seems a typical northern spitz with triangular ears, a curving tail and a dense double coat.
- Height
- 13 to 15 inches male, 12 to 14 inches female
- Weight
- 15 to 18 pounds male, 12 to 15 pounds female
- AKC group
- Non-Sporting Group
- Distinct traits
- Six functioning toes, an elastic neck and ears that fold shut
Norwegian Lundehund temperament
The Norwegian Lundehund is very sensitive and may develop trust issues, so harsh training methods should never be used. AKC calls the breed incredibly clever and early socialization is recommended.
Medium to high in energy, it is happiest with some form of daily physical exercise.
Norwegian Lundehund lifespan
Norwegian Lundehunds live 12 to 15 years. AKC says breeders test for patellar luxation and eye disorders.
Norwegian Lundehund care
A low-maintenance double coat of harsh outer hair and dense, soft undercoat needs only a weekly brushing. Nails should be trimmed often if not worn down naturally.
A brisk 30-minute walk or a couple of ball-chasing sessions with the owner each day suit the Norwegian Lundehund.
Norwegian Lundehund history
For centuries Norwegian Lundehunds were bred on Vaeroy, a remote island off the Norwegian coast, where puffins nest in crevices in the cliff walls and islanders depended on pickled puffin meat through long Arctic winters.
The strong, flexible Lundehund was the only way to reach them: it climbed the sheer rock walls, wormed into tiny passages and snatched the birds, then skidded down the cliffs with the squawking prize in its mouth.
AKC trait ratings
| Trait | AKC rating | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Level | 3 of 5 | Couch Potato to High Energy |
| Trainability Level | 3 of 5 | Self-Willed to Eager to Please |
| Shedding Level | 3 of 5 | No Shedding to Hair Everywhere |
| Barking Level | 4 of 5 | Only To Alert to Very Vocal |
| Adaptability Level | 3 of 5 | Lives For Routine to Highly Adaptable |
| Good With Young Children | 3 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Children |
| Good With Other Dogs | 3 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Other Dogs |
| Watchdog/Protective Nature | 3 of 5 | What's Mine Is Yours to Vigilant |
More Non-Sporting Group guides
Sources
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Norwegian Lundehund by Pets Adviser from Brooklyn, USA, CC BY 2.0
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