Skip to content 
Norwegian Lundehund Dog Breed Introduction
Norwegian Lundehund is a small dog derived from Norway and is a Spitz-type dog. They are also known as Norsk Lundehund and Norwegian Puffin Dog. Norwegian puffins are mostly known by their nickname Lundehunds. This is a rare and unique dog that possesses six functional toes on each paw. They are mostly based in Norway and are around 1,500 in number globally. Norwegian Puffins were initially designed to hunt puffins and their eggs in unreachable nesting places like caves and cliffs.
These breed of dogs have existed for more than 400 years since 1591 and are popularly known for their flexibility and ability to stretch their forelegs to the side. They are also active dogs that need enough daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation through vigorous play, walks, hiking, and jogging. Norwegian Puffins are athletic dogs that make them recommendable for dog sports and were recognized in 2011 by the American Kennel Club as a breed.
They were mostly kept for hunting purposes but later declined in number when bird nets started replacing them and the introduction of dog tax. Norwegian Puffins’ dog breed was attacked by the distemper virus around World War II nearly wiping off the whole breed in the 1960s.
Origin | History
This breed originated from Norway and was first recorded in 1591, when a bailiff wrote of his visit to Værøy Island in Nordland county, Norway. Norwegian Puffins are mostly known for hunting puffin birds in caves and on cliffs while nesting. However, this breed began declining when dog tax was introduced as well as new hunting methods like the use of nets to hunt puffins. They were only found in the secluded village of Mostad, Lofoten around 1900.
Their number decreased drastically in 1960 when they were attacked by a canine distemper virus during World War II leaving only two dogs of this breed. Norwegian Puffins were then killed by a second distemper virus outbreak in 1963 leaving only six dogs. Currently, there are roughly 1,500 Norwegian Puffins globally due to careful breeding under strict guidelines. Around 900 Norwegian Puffins are found in Norway.
Lifespan | Life Span
A Norwegian Puffin can live between 11 – 15 years without any serious health issues.
Grooming
Brush your dog at least once every week using a bristle brush on normal days to promote a healthy and shiny coat and to prevent mats and tangles. During shedding season, brush daily or at least 5 times a week to get rid of excess hair and keep shedding at bay. Clean your Norwegian Puffin’s ears at least once a week using a suitable clear cleanser or dog wipes and check for any wax buildup, pests, debris, and irritation.
Brush your dog’s teeth daily if possible at least 5 – 6 times a week using a suitable canine toothpaste and toothbrush. Frequent brushing helps to promote your dog’s dental health, prevents tartar accumulation, and removes plaque. Bath your Norwegian Puffin once a month using a designated canine shampoo and conditioner if desired to remove odor and dirt. Ensure that you trim their nails once every month using suitable nail trimmers and clippers.
Norwegian Lundehund Shedding
This dog breed is a moderate shedder and tends to shed more in Spring and fall.
Coat | Coat Type
Norwegian Puffins possess a double coat that has a soft, dense undercoat and a harsh outer coat. This type of coat helps to keep them warm by providing insulation during winter and maintaining a cool temperature during summer. Their top coat also repels moisture and dirt which helps to keep them clean.
Hypoallergenic
The Norwegian Puffin is not a hypoallergenic dog breed and is not recommended for people with dog allergies. They produce dander and drool which are the main culprits for triggering dog allergic reactions in people like runny nose, puffy eyes, and sneezing. Their urine also triggers allergic reactions. However, there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs since they all shed either heavily, moderately, or minimally.
Training
To ensure your dog grows to be well-adjusted and good-mannered, start socializing and training your Norwegian Puffin from a young age. You should never use a harsh tone or harsh training methods when training this type of dog breed because of their sensitivity. Exposure is also important for your dog, introduce your Norwegian Puffin to other dogs, pets, sounds, smells, and people from an early age. Training sessions should not exceed 15 minutes to keep the dog interested and to avoid boredom. Positive reinforcements such as treats, rewards, and praise work well for them.
Keep your dog eager and motivated to learn by rewarding them when they follow a command. Also, alternate the rewards with praise and treats. Use simple commands like drop it, come, quiet, off, go lie down, stay, and don’t touch. Be consistent in training to ensure your dog knows and understands the commands and to show them you mean what you say. Housebreaking can be difficult for this type of dog breed hence consistent crate training and potty training is a must. Having a doggy door for your Norwegian Puffin is crucial. Also, creating a feeding schedule for housebreaking and potty training outside is important.
Norwegian Lundehund Characteristics | Temperament | Traits
– Energetic.
– Active.
– Intelligent.
– Friendly.
– Playful.
– Affectionate.
– Energetic.
– Happy.
– Problem Solvers.
– Sensitive.
– Clever.
– Fun-loving.
– Smart.
Exercise
Norwegian Puffins are quite energetic dogs that require at least 30 minutes of exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation and to promote their general health. They enjoy activities such as jogging, vigorous play, hiking, and walking. They can also have several ball-chasing sessions with their owner or a 30-minute walk every day.
Norwegian Lundehund Barking | Growling
This type of dog breed has the potential of barking and growling since they are regularly too quick to sound the alarm at every new sound and sight. The owner should also be equally quick to stop them. Norwegian Puffins can also be watchful to strangers.
Height
A male Norwegian Puffin has a height of 13 – 16 in ( Approx. 33 – 40 cm ) while a female has a height of 12 – 15 in ( Approx. 30 – 38 cm ).
Apart from Norwegian Puffin, other dog breeds include:
Norwegian Lundehund Weight
Female Norwegian Puffins weigh between 12 – 16 lbs ( Approx. 5 – 7 kg ) and males weigh between 14 – 18 lbs ( Approx. 6 – 8 kg ).
Norwegian Lundehund Size
Male Norwegian Puffins weigh between 14 – 18 lbs ( Approx. 6 – 8 kg ) while females weigh between 12 – 16 lbs ( Approx. 5 – 7 kg ). Female Norwegian Puffins have a height of 12 – 15 in ( Approx. 30 – 38 cm ) and males are 13 – 16 in ( Approx. 33 – 40 cm ) tall.
Norwegian Lundehund Chihuahua Mix
Norwegian Puffin Chihuahua Mix is a type of dog breed achieved by breeding a Chihuahua and a Norwegian Puffin. These dogs are mostly friendly although their temperaments are not the same.
Norwegian Lundehund Husky Mix
This is a crossbreed between a Norwegian Puffin and a Siberian Husky. The Norwegian Puffin Husky Mix can possess either of its parents the Siberian Husky or Norwegian Puffin mix traits, looks, and colors.
Dog Norwegian Lundehund | Norwegian Lundehund Dog | Norwegian Lundehund Mix
This is a pure dog breed between Norwegian Puffins, however, due to their declining number, they have been undergoing an outcross project where they are cross-bred with other breeds.
Norwegian Lundehund Flexibility
This is a very flexible dog breed. Norwegian Puffins have flexible shoulders and can stretch their forelegs at a 90-degree angle to the side. Their neck can also move back to where their head touches their spine. Also, a Norwegian Puffin can fold shut its ears to protect the ear canal from trapping grime and dirt.
Norwegian Lundehund Health Issues
Norwegian Puffins have the possibility of having health issues like:
– Eye Problems.
– Patellar Luxation.
– Gastrointestinal problems.
– Fertility Issues.
– Cataracts.
Norwegian Lundehund Name | Names
A Norwegian Puffin parent can also give his/her dog other names like:
– Scamp.
– Snowy.
– Tony.
– Violet.
– Trick.
– Waldo.
– Zip.
– Winter.
– Tyler.
– Shadow.
– Skittle.
– Sniper.
– Sansa.
Norwegian Lundehund Puppy | Puppies
A Norwegian Puffin can have between 1 – 5 puppies.
Feeding | Food
Raw foods are the most recommended for Norwegian Puffins since they contain a natural whole-food diet, keep your dog happy, and help to prevent health issues like joint, obesity, digestive issues, and dental problems. Some of these raw foods include offal, meat, and bones that contain high protein. Feed your Norwegian Puffin a balanced diet with a combination of healthy fats, minerals, high-quality protein, vitamins, fiber from berries and vegetables, and minerals.
The amount of food your Norwegian Puffin takes depends on its size, age, level of activity, and calorie intake. Your dog will need an average of 260.9 calories every day. Your Norwegian Puffin will need to feed one cup in the morning and one cup in the evening to get the energy required to carry out activities.
Norwegian Lundehund Neck
Norwegian Puffins have a flexible neck that can crane back to a point where their head can touch their spine. Their neck is mostly referred to as an electric neck because of their ability to crane back.
Norwegian Lundehund Coat Colors | Colors
Norwegian Puffins mostly have white, reddish brown, Fallow, sable & white, and tan. This dog breed also has black markings, black tips, white markings, and red markings on their coat.
Norwegian Lundehund Ears
Norwegian Puffins have upright and prickled ears that can fold shut forward or backward forming a near-tight seal. Their ears protect your Norwegian Puffin ear canal from parasites and catching dirt.
Norwegian Lundehund Feet | Paws | 6 Toes
A Norwegian Puffin is described as a polydactyl since it has six functional toes that are all muscled, fully formed, and jointed. In addition, they also have extra paw pads that help them climb, balance, and run on the rocky cliffs of Norway while hunting.
Norwegian Lundehund Price | Cost
Norwegian Puffins are quite a rare pure breed and cost around $2000 – $2,400.
How Much Is A Norwegian Lundehund | How Much Does A Norwegian Lundehund Cost
A Norwegian Puffin costs around $2000 – $2,400.
Why Do Norwegian Lundehunds Have Extra Toes | Why Do Lundehunds Have 6 Toes
Norwegian Puffins have six toes and extra paws to help them climb, balance, and run on the rocky cliffs of Norway while hunting.
Why Is The Norwegian Lundehund So Rare
Norwegian Puffins are a rare dog breed since their number declined in 1960 and 1963 due to the canine distemper virus outbreak leaving only two dogs and five dogs. Currently, there are roughly 1500 Norwegian Puffins worldwide with a third of them found in Norway.
Norwegian Lundehund Quick Facts
- There are roughly 1500 Norwegian Puffin dogs globally with a third of them based in Norway.
- Norwegian Puffins are purebreed dogs.
- They are sensitive dogs and can shut down if harsh training conditions are used.
- Norwegian Puffins can prove difficult to housebreak hence consistent crate training is a must for this dog breed.
