Norwegian Lundehund Background & History

The Norwegian Lundehund originated in Norway back in the 1500’s where they were used for hunting puffins along the country’s treacherous coastline. Due to their impressive agility, these dogs were able to climb along dangerous rocky terrain that the local Norwegians could not access on their own.

Although they were very popular during this time, they would eventually lead to a period of near extinction. Throughout the next 500 years, the Norwegian Lundehund suffered a major blow when the local puffin population declined and they were no longer needed by Norwegian locals.

It wasn’t until the 1970’s that the Norwegian Lundehund finally expanded beyond their homeland borders. They had made it to nearby countries such as Sweden, Germany, Denmark, and England before finally making it to the United States in 1989.

Norwegian Lundehund Personality

Protective and loyal, the Norwegian Lundehund is known to be an excellent watchdog and family companion. However, just because they are wary of strangers doesn’t mean they are aggressive in any way. Once they feel comfortable around you, they will be a loving and cheerful friend.

They also tend to have a mind of their own, which can make training efforts quite difficult. That’s why it’s important to establish your authority from the very beginning when owning a Norwegian Lundehund.

Norwegian Lundehund Training

Due to their independent personalities, the Norwegian Lundehund can be a difficult dog breed to train. Naturally, they love to bark and dig, which can be hard behaviors to break.

The best thing you can do as a Norwegian Lundehund dog owner is to start the training process as early on as possible. Make sure to introduce your dog to different people, places, sounds, and experiences so he can learn how to properly behave like a household pet.

Norwegian Lundehund Exercise Needs

These spunky little guys can be very energetic and adventurous so it’s important that they get plenty of exercise outdoors on a regular basis. Whether it’s a run around the block or hike in the mountains, as long as the Norwegian Lundehund gets to be outside they will stay both happy and healthy throughout their life.

This is especially important because Norwegian Lundehunds tend to develop behavioral issues like barking, digging, or escaping if they do not get the exercise and attention they require.

Lifespan of Norwegian Lundehunds

The average lifespan for the Norwegian Lundehund breed is between 12 to 14 years old.

Norwegian Lundehund Breed Popularity

Since the Norwegian Lundehund remained isolated for most of their existence, they have gained little popularity around the world, especially in the United States. As of today, the Norwegian Lundehund is the 188th most popular dog out of 202 registered breeds by the AKC.

Norwegian Lundehund Feeding Requirements

When it comes to feeding your Norwegian Lundehund, it’s important to find a dog food that contains all-natural and nutritious ingredients. Try to stay away from any products that list preservatives, by-products, or fillers.

Also, keep in mind that all dogs are unique and have different feeding requirements. When creating your pet’s specific feeding regimen, make sure to consider his size, weight, metabolism, and activity level.

Norwegian Lundehund Grooming

The Norwegian Lundehund is a shedder, which means they should be brushed on a daily basis with a firm bristle brush to lessen its severity. Aside from their canine coat grooming, check their ears and eyes regularly and brush their teeth at least once a week.

Brushing their teeth is extremely important considering most dogs will develop dental disease at some point in their life. Finally, if your pet does not wear down his nails naturally, make sure to trim them down every couple of weeks to avoid breakage or cracking.

Are Norwegian Lundehunds Good with Kids?

The Norwegian Lundehund is playful and protective, making them a perfect companion for children of all ages. However, it’s important to note that these dogs should be raised with children in order to understand how to interact with them.

As long as they have no behavioral issues and are not overly protective, a Norwegian Lundehund can be a great addition to any family.

Norwegian Lundehund Health Problems

Just like with all dogs, the Norwegian Lundehund is susceptible to several canine health complications. These health problems may include:

Lundehund Syndrome: Lundehund Syndrome is a common health problem that inflicts the Norwegian Lundehund dog breed. This occurs when the digestive tract does not operate how it should, and the dog is unable to absorb necessary nutrients they need in order to stay healthy.

Patellar Luxation: Patellar Luxation in dogs occurs when the kneecap becomes dislocated from its normal positioning.

Eye disease: Eye problems are very common among the Norwegian Lundehund breed. Some eye diseases that may occur include canine cataracts, entropion, red-eye, and conjunctivitis.

Other Resources

National Breed Website: The Norwegian Lundehund Club of America, Inc.