Pet Guide: Norwegian Lundehund

Here comes a breed of Spitz dog that is really friendly and loves to be with people so much that it doesn't mind having its ears and/or tails pulled in a lighthearted manner. A Norwegian Lundehund's small, light and rectangular appearance makes one think that this dog loves to play. This breed of dog however has got distinguishing, and even odd characteristics and appearance. One of these is its six toes on each foot which includes two dewclaws, allowing it to climb rather precipitous areas. This breed is an ideal hunting partner too due to its medium sized erect ears that have more mobility then the average dog. It also has extremely lithe shoulder joints, strong legs, and fairly muscled hindquarters for dexterity and alertness. The dog's brown and fairly deep-set eyes prove of its curiosity and readiness to explore the world. It even boasts of extra joints in the nape of the neck that allows it to turn its head at 180-degree angle in order to aid it in its curious explorations.

With a Norwegian Lundehund, consistency is a must. Meaning, the owner must mean what he says or else the dog will grow stubborn and adamant. One would surely enjoy this breed though, not only because it is one of the rarest breeds, but also because of its remarkable and unusual characteristics.

History

The Norwegian Lundehund took its name from the word lunde, which means puffin, since the dog was initially used for hunting puffins along the Norwegian seaboards. The breed, which originated in Vaerog and Rost in Northern Norway has a rather extensive history which can be traced as far back as the 1600s. It was even believed that the Norwegian Lundehund is a descendant of an Ur hund, the breed of dogs that outlived the third Ice Age.

Looking at the geographic impression of its homeland, one can really see how and why this breed was built the way it is. With the so many distinguishing characteristics and physical irregularities that go hand-in-hand with surviving the environment, it was believed that the Norwegian Lundehund is a creation of natural progression, not man's breeding. The growth of this breed however declined when innovative techniques in puffin-hunting are invented. During the 1900s, the breed was only found in the isolated village of Mostad, Lofoten and was practically wiped out around the Second World War. Today, there's just an estimate of 1500-2000 Norwegian Lundehunds in the world, making them amongst the world's rarest dogs.

Thus, it is but great to own one. One must only make sure that the dog is provided with plenty of early socialization to thwart coyness and noise sensitivity. And if the owner has got an affinity for birds, he must always keep in mind the Norwegian Lundehund' original purpose and target.

Personality and Temperament attributes

1. Playfulness

Norwegian Lundehunds are friendly and love people that they tend to snuggle with people or other dogs for hours. This breed loves to play, even beg for a game, and enjoy long sessions of it.

2. Affection

This breed is generally good with children. The dog thinks that having his ears or tails tugged means affection and/or games; the Lundehund has got bigger chances of growing into a great family dog.

3. Ease of training (learning rate)

This breed has got the tendency to be stubborn, due to traditional training methods. It needs discipline, but one shouldn't be harsh. Consistency is a must in training.

4. Watchdog ability

A Lundehund is very alert, receptive and diffident towards new things, its watchdog' barks will never fail to prove it.

5. Protection ability

A Lundehund's protection ability however is low since it is a friendly breed of dog, not showing a great deal of aggression towards strangers.

6. Dominance

A Norwegian Lundehund's dominant trait is its strength, speed and agility.

7. Friendliness toward dogs

A Lundehund is friendly with other dogs. Most Lundehunds love to meet other breeds of dogs as they love to play with peers.

8. Friendliness toward other pets

The Lundehunds are sociable with other pets as well but proper introduction must be done. Small animals must however avoid this breed as it is bound to use its hunting skills no matter what.

9. Friendliness toward stranger

A Lundehund typically favors/chooses his own family than other people. This breed has a tendency to be shy of strangers, but not really aggressive.

10. Good with children

This breed is customarily good with children. They love to play with children even if they get their ears and tails tugged affectionately.

Care & Maintenance

1. Energy level

A Norwegian Lundehund has a high energy level. This is just expected since this breed of dogs loves to play, and finds it easy to climb things.

2. Exercise needs

This breed needs to be exercised every day through a long daily walk or a trot. This must be supplemented further with sessions of games since it enjoys playing very much.

3. One owner loyalty

Its affectionate and playful nature tends to make them dedicated to its owner.

4. Cold weather

This breed is not vulnerable to cold since it has double coating making its cold tolerance high.

5. Hot weather

A Norwegian Lundehund can easily adapt to a hot weather since it is a recurrent intense shedder.

6. Coat length

The Lundehund is a double coat breed. The outer coat is short, dense, and rough but more abundant around the neck, the tail, and back of thighs. Its under coat however is thick and soft.

7. Shedding

A Norwegian Lundehund breed is a seasonal heavy shedder.

8. Grooming

Since its outer coating is short and thick, a Norwegian Lundehund requires regular bathing to stay clean and healthy.

9. Prone to health issues

This breed is prone to Lundehund Syndrome (a chain of digestive problems). This distinctive syndrome causes the lifespan of a specific dog almost erratic.

10. Living environment

A Norwegian Lundehund would do best living in a house with at least a small fence in the yard where it can play.

11. Barking

This breed has a tendency to become an obsessive barker as it tries to tell its owner what it wants especially while playing.

12. Drooling

A Norwegian Lundehund rates low in the drool department.