Norwegian Lundehund

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The Norwegian Lundehund is among the world's rarest of dogs. It is a member of the Spitz family. It originated in Vaerog and Rost in northern Norway. For centuries it was used to hunt puffins from nests on steep cliffs.

Puffins, however, in the 1800s, became a protected species and were no longer hunted. The dogs were no longer useful to the farmers and the breed numbers dwindled. However, sometime after WWII the breed was saved from extinction through the friendship of two concerned Norwegians. The Norwegian Lundehund was not recognized as a distinct breed until 1943.

The Norwegian Lundehund is a rectangular spitz dog, small, comparatively light with distinct secondary sex characters. The Norwegian Lundehund possesses some odd characteristics which other breeds do not. It has six toes on each foot, including two dewclaws. It has joints in the nape of the neck, which other dogs do not have. It has extremely flexible shoulder joints.

The medium-sized erect ears have more mobility than the average dog. The eyes are brown and fairly deep-set. The head is small and wedge shaped. It has moderately muscled hindquarters suitable for agility rather than speed.

The legs are strong. The tail is carried ring-shaped, or slightly rolled over the top line, or hanging. It has a short, rough, stand-off coat. Its dense topcoat lies flat against the body.

Temperament: Alert, Energetic, Loyal, Protective

Health Problems: Generally healthy breed.