The Norwegian Lundehund is a truly unique breed with ancient roots tracing back to remote islands off the coast of Norway. Developed to hunt puffins on steep, rocky cliffs, the breed's name literally translates to "puffin dog" (“lunde” means puffin, and “hund” means dog in Norwegian).
For centuries, Lundehunds worked with fishermen and hunters to retrieve puffins and their eggs from inaccessible cliffside nests. Their specialized physical traits made them perfect for this job. However, with changes in hunting practices and the rise of new technologies, the need for puffin dogs declined dramatically, nearly leading to the breed’s extinction.
By the mid-20th century, only a handful of Lundehunds remained. Thanks to focused preservation efforts—especially in Norway—the breed survived, though it remains extremely rare even today.
This breed is prized more for its uniqueness than widespread appeal. With only a few thousand individuals in existence globally, the Norwegian Lundehund is considered a national treasure in Norway and a conversation piece for enthusiasts elsewhere.
Its rarity, combined with its distinct physical abilities and independent personality, attracts dedicated dog lovers and breed preservationists. In 2011, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the Lundehund in its Non-Sporting Group.
This small, spitz-type dog may look like a typical northern breed at first glance, but up close it reveals a set of remarkable evolutionary adaptations.
Coat:
Short to medium length, dense, and weather-resistant with a soft undercoat.
Color:
Reddish-brown to fawn with black-tipped hairs, often with white markings. Tricolor patterns are also common.
Size:
• Height: 12–15 inches (30–38 cm)
• Weight: 13–15 lbs (6–7 kg)
Build:
Light, agile, and flexible, perfectly suited to climbing and maneuvering through rocky crevices.
Head & Expression:
Wedge-shaped head with a slightly rounded skull and a keen, alert expression.
Ears:
Medium-sized, triangular, and incredibly flexible—they can fold forward, backward, or sideways to protect against dirt and water.
Tail:
Curled or carried in a loose sickle shape over the back.
The Lundehund boasts several one-of-a-kind traits that distinguish it from every other dog breed:
• Six toes per foot (fully formed and functional), providing extra grip on rocky surfaces.
• Extra cervical vertebra, allowing the dog to bend its head backward until it touches its spine.
• Extreme joint flexibility, enabling it to spread its legs sideways like a cat.
These features evolved specifically to help the dog scale cliffs and retrieve prey in the narrow puffin nests of Norway’s islands.
Bred for independence and agility, the Lundehund is a lively, alert, and curious dog with a sometimes catlike personality.
Independent:
They often prefer doing things their own way, a trait developed from centuries of working without direct human guidance on remote cliffs.
Alert and Watchful:
Keen senses and a quick reaction time make them vigilant companions, though not aggressive.
Reserved with Strangers:
Can be cautious or aloof with unfamiliar people, though usually not aggressive.
Playful and Lively:
Energetic and full of character, especially with people they know and trust.
Stubborn Yet Clever:
Not always eager to please, but very capable when training is made fun and engaging.
• A Living Fossil:
Owning a Lundehund is like owning a piece of natural history—it’s one of the world’s rarest and most unique breeds.
• Compact and Agile:
Small size makes it great for indoor living, as long as it gets enough mental and physical activity.
• Fascinating Conversation Starter:
Perfect for dog lovers who enjoy rare breeds and breed education.
• Gentle With Family:
Form deep bonds with their people and can be affectionate and even cuddly.
Training:
Patience is key—Lundehunds can be stubborn and don’t always respond well to traditional obedience styles. Use positive reinforcement, games, and short training sessions.
Exercise:
Moderate needs. A few brisk walks a day and some climbing or interactive play keep them happy.
Mental Stimulation:
Puzzle toys, scent work, and problem-solving tasks are great. They’re curious and need mental engagement.
Grooming:
Low-maintenance coat—weekly brushing usually suffices. Seasonal shedding occurs, especially in spring and fall.
Nutrition:
Some Lundehunds suffer from a rare condition called Lundehund Syndrome, a digestive disorder. Work closely with a vet to develop a well-tolerated diet if needed.
The biggest health concern for this breed is Lundehund Syndrome, a complex gastrointestinal condition involving protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), intestinal lymphangiectasia, and malabsorption.
Other concerns include:
• Allergies
• Joint flexibility issues (rarely problematic)
• Dental issues
Breeders are working to reduce the prevalence of Lundehund Syndrome through responsible breeding.
Compared to the Shiba Inu:
Both are small, spitz-type breeds with independent natures. The Lundehund is more flexible and less bold than the Shiba.
Compared to the Basenji:
Both breeds are quiet and catlike in behavior. The Lundehund is generally less aloof and has more unusual physical traits.
Choose this breed if:
• You’re passionate about rare and unique dog breeds
• You enjoy quirky, independent pets with strong personalities
• You’re willing to work with possible health challenges
• You can provide mental enrichment and gentle training
Not Ideal For:
• First-time dog owners
• Homes seeking a biddable or traditional obedience dog
• Families who want a social, outgoing breed for all situations
At United Pet Club, we’re here to help you learn about, locate, and care for one of the world’s most unusual breeds. Whether you’re a breed preservationist or simply fascinated by canine history, the Norwegian Lundehund is sure to capture your heart and mind.