NORWEGIAN LUNDEHUND

Apartment Living

Good for 1st Time Owners

Tolerance Levels

Affection for Family

Kid Friendliness

Stranger Friendliness

Ease of Grooming

General Health

Trainability

Prey Drive

Exercise Needs

Energy Level

History

The Norwegian Lundehund is an ancient breed which has been there since the last Ice Age. Some claim that the Lundehunds are descendants of a primaeval dog. This breed was used as a hunting dog to hunt the Puffin fish. Around 1900, only a few of these dogs were seen in an isolated village in Norway. They nearly got extinct during the World War II, but with careful breeding and strict norms, they are now restored, and their numbers have increased to an estimated 1400 dogs at present.

Interesting Facts

The Norwegian Airport management uses this breed as a solution to airplane bird strikes.
This breed can pass through narrow passages and can bend their head backward.
The Lundehund breed is a polydactyl, which means they have six toes instead of the usual four toes per foot. They also can twist their ears.

Temperament & Personality

The Lundehund is exceptionally adaptable to its surroundings. This breed is easy to handle once they finish their initial training. The first time owners may have some issues as they are highly sensitive and independent thinking creature.

These dogs panic when left alone for an extended period. Some of them may have a habit of hiding stuff in their den which is quite amusing for their owner. They get along well with other pets if socialized early. They are not a good choice for apartment life as they need a lot of open space.

Care

Exercise

The Lundie will love daily activities where it will keep up its owner in a brisk walk or a game of catch. Play sessions with other dogs are also advised to help it socialize with other dogs.

Grooming

This Splitz type breed has an undercoat that sheds twice a year heavily. The owner should brush the coat once a week to keep it clean. Daily brushing helps a lot during the spring season when they shed heavily. Trimming the nails every two weeks will prevent them from growing too long. Brushing the teeth with a proper Vet approved toothpaste is recommended.

Health Problems

Lundehund syndrome can attack the dog which is a collective term used for a group of intestinal diseases. The owner should consult Debby Morris, the health director of The Lundehund Club Of America in case the dog gets a significant health issue. A potential buyer of this breed should inquire and choose a breeder who participates in the Canine Health Centre Information(CHCI) which is a health database.

Training

Some experts say that a Lundehund is challenging to train. Training should start as early as in their puppy stage. This breed needs positive reinforcement techniques to control their independent strive. The dog will give responses to firm vocal tones combined with food rewards and praises.

The trainer should be consistent, and training sessions should be short and fun. If possible, the owner should enroll the puppy in a puppy kindergarten class. Training should start after having a consultation with the breeder.