Alternative Names: Norsk lundehund, Norwegian Puffin dog, puffin dog
Country of Origin: Norway
History: The lundehund is believed to be an ancient dog that was originally used to hunt puffin, which nest along rocky cliff faces. It was developed specifically for this task: it is very flexible, has the ability to fold its ears tightly shut, and has six toes, which allow it to grip cliff walls. In the 1940s, a distemper epidemic destroyed most of the remaining lundehunds but breeders brought the breed back, with the few breedable dogs that remained, some say as few as six. The breed is also able to throw out its arm dute to its fore shoulder joint and to turn its head upside down. It has a unique jaw that some believe can be traced to the ur dog before the Ice Age.
Physical Description: The lundehund is a small-size dog that is longer that it is tall. It has a wedge-shaped head; slanted, brown eyes; and erect, triangular ears. It is double coated with a tail that is carried over its back or hanging. It is sable and white with a white ruff around its neck and additional white markings on the legs, belly and face.
Height: 12.5 to 15 inches
Weight: 13.5 to 15.5 inches
Temperament: The lundehund is a cheerful and lively dog. It is devoted to family but wary of strangers. It gets along with most dogs but is unreliable with small animals. This breed is independent and strong minded, so training can be difficult. It will sometimes revert to primitive behaviors such as hunting and eliminating in the home.
Activity Level: Moderate
Best Owner: It is adaptable but will do best in a rural or suburban home. Its owner should be financially prepared for health problems.
Special Needs: Activities, exercise, medical care, socialization, training
Possible Health Concerns: Protein losing enteropathy and gastrointestinal disease. The lundehund is subject to serious disease called intestinal enteropathy, which substantially reduces the life of most dogs. Up to 90 percent of lundehunds are diagnosed with the disease, also called lundehund syndrome.
