The Canine Chronicles Directory
Norwegian Lundehund
The Norwegian Lundehund is an extremely physically unique breed. It has a double
coat with a rough, dense outer coat and a soft undercoat. The coat color ranges
from reddish-brown, fallow or white with black, grey or white markings. Mature dogs
usually have more black markings on their coat. The deep-set eyes should be brown.
The medium sized ears are erect and are placed high upon the head. The small, wedge-shaped
head is connected to an extraordinarily flexible neck which can be bent backward
along their spine and upside down. The ears are triangle-shaped and broad at the
base. The ear lobes have the ability to retract themselves so that the ear folds
either forward or backward in order to seal out water. The shoulder joints are also
flexible. The legs are muscular with forelegs that can bend outward from their bodies,
like humans. Norwegian Lundehunds have polydactyl toes, meaning they have more than
the usual amount. The tail is carried over the back.
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Temperament
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Norwegian Lundehunds are friendly, loving, and affectionate. They have strong den
instincts and enjoy snuggling with people or other dogs. This breed is curious and
will explore everything in their environment. This breed is excellent with children
and do not mind having their ears or tails tugged on. They are slightly wary of
strangers; however, they are friendly around other dogs. Norwegian Lundehunds are
also protective of their families, although they are not an aggressive breed. This
breed may sometimes resort to primitive hunting skills within the house. Training
may be difficult as they can be independent and strong-minded. They are not to be
trusted with small animals. Norwegian Lundehunds, once trained, make great agility
dogs.
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Height, Weight
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Height: 12-15" ; Weight: 13-16 lbs.
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Health Problems
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Norwegian Lundehunds are fairly healthy although they are prone to Lundehund Syndrome,
which is a disease of the intestinal tract which disallows the body to absorb nutrients
from food. There is no cure for this disease but not all dogs are affected by it,
and it can be managed.
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Living Conditions
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The Lundehund is an adaptable breed and will do fine with apartment living as long
as it gets enough exercise. A special diet may be necessary with this breed.
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Exercise
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This breed needs plenty of exercise. A daily walk is a good source of exercise as
well.
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Life Expectancy
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Less than 12 years due to their frequency of being diagnosed with Lundehund Syndrome,
which causes them to have a substantial reduction of their average life span.
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Grooming
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The Lundehund is easy to groom. Brushing regularly will keep them neat as well as
remove dead hair. They shed heavily twice a year.
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Origin
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Named as the world's rarest canine breed, the Norwegian Lundehund originated from
Vaerog and Rost in northern Norway. From the 1600s to the 1800s, this breed was
used to hunt puffins along the Norwegian coast and was known as the Norwegian Puffin
Dog. Puffins eventually became a protected species and illegal to hunt. This and
a dog tax led to a significant decline in the breed's population. In the 1900s,
the breed was found in the isolated village of Mostad in Lofoten, Norway. During
World War II, the breed was almost eliminated with only 6 surviving dogs. Strict
breeding guidelines were carefully established resulting in the 1500-2000 dogs in
existence today. This breed is considered a National Treasure in Norway and has
appeared on Norwegian postage stamps. The Norwegian Lundehund is recognized by the AKC, UKC and the FCI.
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Group
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AKC Non-Sporting, UKC Northern
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