Apartment fit
The Lundehund can live in an apartment when barking, exercise, and safe containment are handled, but health management remains the bigger issue.
Non-SportingSmall
Norway
NorwayNorwegian Lundehund
Weight
20-30 lb
Height
12-15 in
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Coat
Double Medium
The Norwegian Lundehund is a small Norwegian spitz bred for puffin hunting, famous for extra toes, flexible joints, and a unique digestive health risk.
Norwegian puffin-hunting spitzExtra toes and unusual flexibilitySmall, agile, and alertModerate coat care
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
Norsk LundehundNorwegian Puffin Dog
AlertAgileIndependentPlayfulCuriousSensitive
Weight
20-30 lb
Height
12-15 in
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Coat
Double Medium
At A Glance
Daily living snapshot
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
Moderate
Barking
Moderate
Drooling
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming
2/5
First-time owner
No
Overview
The Norwegian Lundehund is one of the most unusual dog breeds. It was developed on Norwegian islands to climb cliffs and hunt puffins, a job that shaped its extra toes, flexible shoulders, mobile ears, and ability to bend its head back farther than most dogs.
Adults are small, typically around 12 to 15 inches tall. The double coat is dense and weather-resistant, commonly reddish-brown to fallow with white markings and darker hair tips. Its body is light, agile, and built for climbing rather than power.
The Lundehund can be alert, playful, and affectionate, but it is also primitive, independent, and medically special. Lundehund syndrome, an intestinal disorder associated with protein loss and digestive problems, is a major breed concern. Owners should choose breeders carefully and have a veterinarian familiar with the breed's health risks.
Temperament & Personality
AlertAgileIndependentPlayfulCuriousSensitive
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a alert, agile, independent companion, with daily rhythms shaped by moderate energy, moderate barking, and low drooling.
Coat type
Double
Coat length
Medium
Shedding
Moderate
Colors
Reddish Brown and White, Fallow and White, Tan and White
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly3/5
Good with Kids3/5
Good with Dogs3/5
Good with Strangers3/5
Apartment Friendly3/5
Exercise Needs3/5
Grooming Needs2/5
Trainability2/5
Good fit if you want
- A breed chosen for specific lifestyle fit
- Room for routine exercise
- Confidence handling structure and training
Plan ahead for
- 3/5 exercise needs
- moderate shedding and coat upkeep
- moderate barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- owners fascinated by rare primitive breeds
- homes prepared for special veterinary care
- people who can manage curious climbing behavior
- owners who prefer patient, low-pressure training
Not ideal for
- owners wanting a predictable easy starter dog
- homes unwilling to manage digestive health closely
- people expecting high obedience reliability
- unsafe spaces where a flexible climber can get into trouble
Common challenges
- digestive disease
- independent training style
- curiosity and climbing
- extra toe and nail care
Barking & behavior
Expect alert spitz behavior. Reward quiet observation and give safe exploration outlets.
Training style
Use patient rewards and low-pressure consistency. The breed is clever but not always eager to repeat drills.
Grooming & shedding
Brush weekly, manage seasonal shedding, and inspect every toe and nail carefully.
Care Guide
Exercise
Provide daily walks, climbing-safe enrichment, training games, and exploration. Avoid unsafe jumping or situations where flexibility tempts the dog into risky places.
Grooming
Brush weekly and more during shedding. Check the extra toes and nails carefully because the feet are unusual and easy to overlook.
Training
Use patient reward-based training and careful socialization. Lundehunds can be independent and sensitive, so pressure-based training is a poor fit.
Nutrition
Work with a veterinarian on diet because Lundehund syndrome and digestive sensitivity are major breed concerns. Monitor weight, stool quality, appetite, and energy closely.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
Moderate
Barking level
Moderate
Drooling level
Low
Watchdog ability
3/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather4/5
Heat tolerance2/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Lundehund syndromeProtein-losing enteropathyDigestive sensitivityPatellar luxationEye disorders
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Norwegian Lundehund have extra toes?
The extra toes helped the breed climb and grip steep coastal cliffs while hunting puffins in Norway.
What is Lundehund syndrome?
Lundehund syndrome is a serious digestive disorder associated with intestinal disease and protein loss. Owners should work closely with a veterinarian familiar with the breed.
Is the Norwegian Lundehund good for first-time owners?
Usually no. Its primitive temperament and special digestive health risks make it better for prepared, research-driven owners.
Can a Norwegian Lundehund live in an apartment?
Yes, some can, if exercise, barking, and enrichment are managed. Safe containment matters because the breed is agile and curious.
Does the Norwegian Lundehund shed?
Yes. The double coat sheds moderately and more during seasonal changes.
How much exercise does a Norwegian Lundehund need?
Most need moderate daily exercise, training games, and safe exploration rather than intense endurance work.
What is the biggest challenge of owning this breed?
The biggest challenge is managing the breed's rare health risks, especially digestive disease, along with independent spitz behavior.
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