How to Identify a Norwegian Lundehund

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Last Updated: April 7, 2021 References

The Norwegian Lundehund is a small spitz-type breed and part of the non-sporting group.^{[1]
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Go to source} Originally bred to hunt puffins and the only breed to do so, they have many unique features that help them stand out from other dogs.^{[2]
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The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

Go to source} However, Lundehunds still share a few characteristics with other breeds. By spotting the breed's key traits, this wikiHow will help you identify a Norwegian Lundehund.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Viewing the Structure

Norwegian Lundehunds are one of the smaller spitz breeds. They weigh 20–30 pounds (9.1–13.6 kg), males standing at 13–15 inches (33–38 cm) and females having a height of 12–14 inches (30–36 cm).^{[3]
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A Lundehund's head is clean in cut and medium-wide. Resembling a wedge, it is rounded a small amount at the skull with a fairly pronounced stop.^{[4]
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Did you know? Norwegian Lundehunds are incredibly flexible, and their "elastic neck" allows their head to bend backward and rest on their back.^{[5]
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The eyes of a Norwegian Lundehund are shaped like almonds with dark rims. Usually light in color, they may be brown or yellow-brown and have a ring of brown surrounding the dog's pupils.^{[6]
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Lundehunds have highly mobile and flexible ears that can turn to the sides, forward, or backward, as well as folding or even closing shut. They appear as triangles with broad bases tapering to the tips, standing upright and erect. The ears are of a medium size.^{[7]
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A Norwegian Lundehund's muzzle is about 2/3 the skull's length, being medium-long and -wide. It is tapering to the end, adding to the wedge resemblance of the head. The teeth may meet in a scissors, reverse scissors, or level bite with black lips and a black nose.^{[8]
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The paws of a Lundehund are oval in shape, turning outward barely. Uniquely, each paw has at least six toes, not including dewclaws, and while the back paws have seven pads and the center pads are elongated, the front paws have eight. Though not every toe hits the ground or supports the weight of the dog, they all add to the appearance of strength.^{[9]
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A Norwegian Lundehund's tail is set on high and extends to a medium distance and length. It may be carried loosely over the back as an arch, touching the back with the tip slightly, trailing, or curved a small amount.^{[10]
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Lundehunds are rectangular, agile, uniquely structured, and athletic. They have a strong yet not thick neck, elastic shoulders which allow the front paws to face outward toward the sides, well-sprung ribs, somewhat of a tuckup, straight forelegs, a level back, and parallel hind legs. Their gait is notably wide and light, suggesting the dog's background of climbing and swift maneuvering with flexibility.^{[11]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Checking the Coat

Norwegian Lundehunds have double coats comprised of an outer coat that is rather harsh and an undercoat that is soft to the touch yet dense. On the front of the dog's legs and head, the coat appears shorter than on the back of the thighs and the dog's neck where it is also thicker. The coat on the neck forms a ruff, which tends to be more noticeable in male dogs. Though the tail is not profusely feathered, the coat on it is dense.^{[12]
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2
Identify the coat color. A Lundehund may be fallow, brown-red, or tan in color. They usually have black tipped hairs or other red or otherwise dark markings, as well has white marks. Older dogs may have more black tipped hair than younger dogs, so take age into account.^{[13]
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- A fallow coat may range from a pale fawn or cream color to yellow or reddish yellow.^{[14]
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Though their coat is a double coat, it needs little maintenance. Norwegian Lundehunds are seasonal shedders and only require brushing every week.^{[15]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Noticing Temperament

1
Check for alertness. Norwegian Lundehunds are incredibly observant and always aware of their surroundings. They are known to quickly bark out of protectiveness if any potential dangers are near.^{[16]
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- Their high levels or protectiveness make them typically untrusting of strangers, so they require a good deal of socialization.^{[17]
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2
Take note of energy. Though not as energetic as some other breeds, Lundehunds still need some activity. Their build is one of agility and makes them a swift breed, and they may try to use this to their advantage by jumping over fences to escape.^{[18]
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- They are rather mischievous and tend to hide toys or food and pounce on them in a cat-like manner.^{[19]
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Despite their lack of trust for strangers, once a Norwegian Lundehund bonds with their family, they become vastly loyal toward them. They will defend them if they find necessary and can learn to enjoy pleasing them.^{[20]
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Lundehunds are loyal to their families, but they are still notably independent-minded and are prone to acting manipulative. They are stubborn and thus require consistent, firm training and leadership.^{[21]
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Norwegian Lundehunds are overall intelligent dogs but in a way that correlates with their manipulative personality. Training them is notoriously difficult as though they are smart dogs, they choose to learn what they want rather than following commands.^{[22]
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Tips

Consider using a DNA test if you wish to know your own dog's breed. This will confirm if your dog is a Norwegian Lundehund.

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