Norwegian Lundehund

                                                                        

Other Names:Norsk Lundehund, Norwegian Puffin Dog
Origin:Norway
Height:30-40cm (12-16in)
Weight:6-7kg (13-15lb)
Life Expectancy:12 years
Grooming:This dog is easy to groom as long as they are brushed regularly.Heavy shedder.

                                                                           

The Norwegian Lundehund also known as the Norwegian Puffin Dog is a small Spitz type dog that originated from, as the name suggests, Norway. This breed was originally developed to hunt puffins and their eggs.

                                                                        

History

As far back as the 1600s the Norwegian Lundehund was used for hunting puffins along the Norwegian coastline. The flexibility of it's muscles as well as the extra toes were perfect for hunting the birds in their nests on cliffs and in caves. When new methods were found to hunt puffins the need for the breed declined and around 1900s there were only a few remaining in an isolated village called Mostad, Lofoten. During World War II Canine Distemper threatened to drive the breed to distinction and almost suceeded. With only six dogs surviving (five of which were siblings).
After very careful breeding that was controlled by strict guidelines there are now around 1,500 and 2,000 dogs around the World.

                                                                            

Appearance

The Lundehund is a small, rectangular dog with great joint motion assisting the breed with fitting into and removing itself from narrow places. This dog can also bend it's head back against it's own spine and turn their forelegs to the side at 90 degree horizontal angle to their body just like human arms. Their perky, upright ears can fold shut to form a seal by folding forward or backwards. This unusual breed is also polydactyl (has six toes instead of four) and all of these toes are fully formed and work.
The outercoat is thick and rough with a soft undercoat which lays flat against the body to protect it from the elements and the cliff terrain it would have hunted in. The coat colour ranges between reddish brown to fallow with black hair tips which can differ between dogs. Black, grey and white markings are also very common. The full grown dog usually has more black in the outercoat than a younger dog. They are also very light in weight and the differences between the two sexes are very distinct.
The tail is often carried in a ring shape like the Siberian husky or resting against their back.

                                                                                 

Temperament

The Norwegian Lundehund is extremely friendly and loves to be around people. They are not aggressive and are happy to snuggle up with people and other dogs for hours at a time. They enjoy play and are easy to train for agility.
Because this breed is quite wild it may take a while to housetrain and crate training would be a great idea, the denning instinct means as soon as they are taken out of the crate in the morning they will need to be taken outside to toilet.
This is a family orientated dog and can by shy around strangers, they are prone to developing Little Dog Syndrome and should be treated like a dog and not a human.

                                                                                 

Health Problems and Living Conditions

This breed does best in a busy household where they can be exercised daily and enjoy some sessions of play where they can run around.
The Lundehund is prone to Leaky Gut Syndrome (Lymphagetasia/Lundehund Syndrome) which is a digestive issue. The unique syndrome means the lifespan of the breed can be unpredictable if not fed correctly. It is said the issue is caused because the breed cannot digest grain so should be fed on a grainless diet.

((Well guys and girls, I hope you enjoyed the new breed. I chose a rare breed for a change Remember the images used are infact people's deviations so feel free to browse. Next installment is a CAT BREED so feel free to suggest! Much love ))