Introduction
The Norwegian Lundehund is a petite Spitz-type dog breed, typically weighing between 12 and 18 pounds and standing 12 to 15 inches tall. Hailing from Norway, these charming dogs are affectionately known as Lundies or Puffin dogs—a nod to their fascinating history as skilled Puffin retrievers assisting Norwegian hunters.
At first glance, you’ll likely be struck by their fox-like visage, yet their physical uniqueness extends far beyond this.
Petscarelab experts describe Norwegian Lundies as possessing extraordinary features unmatched by any other breed: six fully formed toes on each paw, an extraordinarily agile spine and shoulder structure, and ears that can fold completely shut. These remarkable adaptations, especially their multi-toed feet, once gave them an edge while expertly navigating steep cliffs and narrow caves in pursuit of puffins.
Caring for a Norwegian Lundehund
Due to their compact size, Norwegian Lundehunds adapt wonderfully to apartment living or houses. Nevertheless, they thrive on consistent exercise to burn off their abundant energy and engage their clever minds. Their playful, loyal natures make them a delightful addition to families looking for a lively companion.
Grooming is generally low-maintenance for this breed, but owners should be vigilant about their diet, as Norwegian Lundies are prone to certain gastrointestinal sensitivities. With attentive care, their lifespan commonly spans 12 to 15 years.
Norwegian Lundehund Health Issues
While Norwegian Lundehunds typically enjoy good health, they do tend to experience digestive system challenges. Investing in pet insurance is highly advisable to cover treatments related to gastrointestinal problems, as well as routine blood work for ongoing health monitoring, notes a seasoned Norwegian Lundehund breeder and retired veterinarian associated with Petscarelab.
Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE)
Also called intestinal protein loss, PLE arises when excessive protein leaks into the intestines, with common causes including:
- Intestinal lymphangiectasia
- Cancer
- Allergic reactions
- Infections
- Inflammatory bowel disease
Symptoms often include diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss. Managing PLE requires addressing the specific underlying cause detected through veterinary diagnosis.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD involves chronic inflammation within the intestines, hampering nutrient absorption and resulting in symptoms such as:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Limb swelling
- In severe instances, blood clots
Low blood albumin and anemia often accompany this condition, which is why routine blood screenings for Norwegian Lundehunds are recommended. Diagnosis involves imaging techniques such as ultrasounds or intestinal biopsy. Though incurable, IBD can be effectively managed with tailored medications and dietary plans.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Norwegian Lundehunds’ predisposition to intestinal protein loss makes SIBO a frequent concern. This occurs when harmful bacteria multiply excessively by feeding on undigested nutrients in the intestines. The primary treatment is oral antibiotics. Dogs with SIBO often suffer from persistent diarrhea lasting weeks or even months.
What To Feed a Norwegian Lundehund
Like all canine companions, Norwegian Lundehunds benefit greatly from a high-quality diet that aligns with the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Nonetheless, consulting your veterinarian for personalized dietary advice is especially important if your dog has intestinal sensitivities.
How To Feed a Norwegian Lundehund
Feeding should consist of two balanced meals daily, tailored to your Lundie’s life stage—puppy, adult, or senior. Puppies, in particular, may require more frequent feedings, sometimes up to four small meals daily.
Given their delicate digestive systems, adherence to your veterinarian’s recommendations regarding food types and portion sizes is critical to maintaining health.
How Much Should You Feed a Norwegian Lundehund?
A healthy Norwegian Lundehund needs sufficient calories to support their active lifestyle. Following the feeding guidelines on your chosen dog food or your vet’s advice is best. Signs like lethargy or weight loss are often red flags for underlying gastrointestinal issues and should prompt an immediate vet visit rather than simply increasing food quantity.
Nutritional Tips for Norwegian Lundehunds
Your veterinarian can guide you on which supplements may benefit your Norwegian Lundehund. For example, probiotics can help sustain healthy gut bacteria, a valuable aid given the breed’s susceptibility to SIBO. If blood tests reveal low vitamin B12 levels due to digestive problems, your vet might recommend B12 injections.
Always consult your vet before introducing any new supplement.
Norwegian Lundehund Personality and Temperament
Norwegian Lundehunds are alert, curious, and delightfully independent. Known for their energy, they excel as hiking and walking companions yet are equally content relaxing indoors. Well-socialized Lundies display a playful disposition and usually get along well with children and other pets. They tend to be reserved and cautious around strangers.
Norwegian Lundehund Behavior
This breed typically exhibits a balanced temperament—neither overly excitable nor overly timid. While they enjoy spending quality time with their owners, they aren’t generally the type to seek constant cuddles or lap time. They are alert and will bark to signal unfamiliar sights or sounds, though they rarely develop nuisance barking if their mental and physical needs are met.
Norwegian Lundehund Training
Due to their intelligent and independent streak, training requires patience, adaptability, and a consistent approach with positive reinforcement. These dogs learn quickly, but can challenge owners by questioning “why,” so keeping them motivated with treats, toys, praise, or affection is essential.
Because elders at Petscarelab note that Norwegian Lundehunds can be slower to potty and leash train compared to other breeds, short, consistent training sessions filled with encouragement are best. These traits mean that Lundies may not be the ideal choice for novice dog owners, but experienced trainers can facilitate smooth socialization and obedience.
Fun Activities for Norwegian Lundehunds
- Agility courses
- Lure coursing
- Hiking adventures
- Energetic games of fetch
Norwegian Lundehund Grooming Guide
Norwegian Lundehunds possess a short, dense double coat that is both weather-resistant and moderately shedding. Their fur usually appears in shades from pale brown (fallow) to tan or reddish-brown with black-tipped hairs that deepen in color as they mature.
Skin Care
Their durable double coat naturally repels dirt and guards their skin, so specialized skin care isn’t necessary. Occasional baths may be needed, particularly after muddy or outdoor play sessions.
Coat Care
Brushing two or three times weekly helps distribute natural oils, enhance shine, reduce shedding, and lift dander. Twice annually—during fall and spring—they experience heavier shedding, which means more frequent brushing sessions to keep the coat healthy.
Eye Care
Norwegian Lundehunds rarely require special eye care; however, regular checks for cloudiness, irritation, or discharge are important. If you observe any abnormalities in your dog’s eyes, contact your veterinarian promptly.
Ear Care
One of this breed’s signature traits is their ears that fold flat against the head, but no particular ear care routine is necessary. Regular inspection during grooming will help spot any signs of irritation or infection. After baths or water exposure, clean the ears with veterinarian-approved solutions to prevent problems.
Considerations for Pet Parents
The Norwegian Lundehund’s distinctive features, curious nature, and compact size make them an intriguing choice for dog lovers seeking a unique companion. However, potential owners should thoughtfully weigh the breed’s temperament and specialized care requirements before bringing one home.
Experienced dog guardians recognize that Norwegian Lundies can be challenging to house train and require handling of their gastrointestinal health issues with care. Because of this, they might not be the ideal match for first-time dog owners or anyone unsettled by managing breed-specific health concerns.
Why is the Norwegian Lundehund so rare?
This breed’s rarity stems from its limited population in Norway. Once treasured for their puffin-hunting skills, Norwegian Lundehunds declined in numbers after puffins became protected and hunting was banned, causing a drop in demand for these fascinating dogs.
What is special about a Norwegian Lundehund?
Norwegian Lundehunds boast an extraordinary set of physical traits unseen in other breeds—a sturdy build with six toes per foot, extraordinary flexibility in neck and shoulder joints, and ears that can close completely on command. These features once enabled them to traverse tight spaces and slippery rocky cliffs during their puffin hunts.
How much does a Norwegian Lundehund cost?
Prices for Norwegian Lundehunds can vary widely depending on the breeder. Finding reputable breeders can be a challenge due to their scarcity. In the U.S., very few breeders exist, and serious enthusiasts often import puppies from Europe. When available, expect to invest around $1,000 or more for a Lundie puppy.
