The Norwegian Lundehund, also known as the Norwegian Puffin Dog, is truly an extraordinary dog. The reason lies in the fascinating history of this breed. The Lundehund was historically used for bird hunting, particularly puffins, which nest in the hard-to-reach crevices of cliffs. Therefore, it is very challenging to access them. The Lundehund, however, was up to the task, thanks to several anatomical peculiarities that enable it to move with exceptional agility.
Firstly, the number of toes is unique – while a normal dog has 4 toes and a dewclaw, the Lundehund has a functional 6 toes, lacking the dewclaw. The Lundehund also has a highly mobile head, capable of turning it all the way back to its spine. Additionally, the number of teeth does not align with other dogs; unlike the standard 42 teeth, the Lundehund has only "visible" 38 teeth.
But what truly matters to us is their temperament, and it is genuinely easygoing. Despite being cunning like a fox, the Lundehund is also friendly and curious. It adapts well to its environment and household routine, being inherently sociable. It is also a clean dog with a good relationship with children. If you are considering a dog that is amiable, resilient, and sociable, while also being extraordinary, consider this ancient breed.
NORWEGIAN LUNDEHUND (Norsk Lundehund)
TRANSLATION : Norsk Kennel Club.
ORIGIN : Norway.
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 12.03.1999.
UTILIZATION : By his anatomical peculiarities this dog is predestinated to puffin-hunting on the steep rocks around the fjords and along the shore.
CLASSIFICATION FCI : Group 5 Spitz and primitive types.
Section 2 Nordic Hunting Dogs.
Without working trial.
GENERAL APPEARANCE : Spitz type dog, small, rectangular, supple, rather lightly made; morphological characteristics different according to sex.
BEHAVIOUR /CHARACTER : Alert, energetic, lively.
HEAD : Clean-cut, medium width, wedge shaped.
CRANIAL REGION :
Skull : Slightly rounded with prominent superciliary arches.
Stop : Pronounced, but without excess.
FACIAL REGION :
Muzzle : Wedge shaped of medium length. Nasal bridge slightly convex.
Jaws / Teeth : Scissor bite preferred, but a pincer bite or a moderate prognathism of the lower jaw is permitted. The absence of premolars on both sides, in each jaw, is accepted.
Eye : Slightly sloping and not protruding; the iris is yellowish brown; the pupil is encircled by a dark halo.
Ears : Triangular ears of medium size, broad at the base, carried
erect and very mobile. The cartilage of the ear lobe has the faculty
of being able to retract itself so that the ear folds itself and flops
in a specific manner, either backwards or in right angle upwards, so as
to close the auditory passage.
NECK : Clean-cut, of medium length, quite strong with a relatively
well furnished collar.
BODY : Rectangular.
Topline : Straight.
Back : Strong.
Croup : Slightly sloping.
Chest : Long, of medium width, relatively well let down and spacious,
not barrel shaped.
Belly : Slightly drawn up.
TAIL : Set high, medium length, well covered with hair but without flag. Carried either in a ring or slightly rolled over onto the back, or hanging. The tip must not be too much over nor falling to one side.
LIMBS :
FOREQUARTERS :
General appearance : Moderately angulated.
Forearm : Straight.
Fore feet : Oval shaped, turning slightly outwards, with at least six toes - of which five must rest on the ground. Eight pads on each foot. The two inner toes, formed respectively by 3 and 2 phalanges and endowed with a ligamentary and muscular system, make the foot look solid.
HINDQUARTERS :
General appearance : The position of the hindquarters is somewhat close.
Upper thigh : Strong and muscular.
Stifles : Moderately angulated.
Lower thigh : Strong and muscular.
Hindfeet : Oval shaped, turned slightly outwards, with at least six toes - four of which must rest on the ground. Seven pads on each foot, the one in the middle, the most important one by its size, being attached to the inner pads corresponding to the two inner toes. When the dog is standing up on a flat surface, the weight of the body must be evenly distributed on the pads.
GAIT/MOVEMENT : Light and elastic. An external rotary action of the forelegs and somewhat close action behind is characteristic of the breed.
COAT
HAIR : Dense and rough, soft undercoat. Short on the head and the front of the legs, more abundant at the level of the neck, rear of the buttocks (thighs) and on the tail, but without flag.
COLOUR : Always combined with white : from red to fawn, coat more or less sprinkled with hairs with black tips; black; grey; white with dark patches. The adult usually has more marked black tips in the coat than the younger dog.
HEIGHT AND WEIGHT :
Height at withers : Male : 35 - 38 cm.
Female : 32 - 35 cm.
Weight : Male : about 7 kg.
Female : about 6 kg.
FAULTS : Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
ELIMINATING FAULT :
• Aggressiveness.
Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.
N.B. : Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.