Norwegian Lundehund
A unique Norwegian spitz bred to scale cliffs for puffins, with extra toes and remarkable flexibility. Agile and alert, but independent and prone to a digestive disorder.
Overview
A unique Norwegian spitz bred to scale cliffs for puffins, with extra toes and remarkable flexibility. Agile and alert, but independent and prone to a digestive disorder.
Good to know — a Norwegian Lundehund is best with a garden and better with some experience. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Norwegian Lundehund is fine with sensible, older children and generally fine with other dogs. They tend to be a vocal / alert barker, and as a guide they are better with some experience. Early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
- Families with older, respectful children
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Homes with a secure garden
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Norwegian Lundehund typically needs around an hour a day (roughly 60–80 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is regular brushing and shedding is moderate. Brush regularly (a few times a week) to keep the coat healthy and remove loose hair.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Norwegian Lundehund should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food suited to its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a small breed will eat relatively little compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
The good bits
- Highly agile, quirky and characterful
- Compact and adaptable companion
Things to consider
- Prone to Lundehund gastrointestinal syndrome
- Independent and hard to housetrain
Similar breeds
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A gentle, affectionate lap dog that’s wonderful with children and adapts happily to flat or house living.
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Border Terrier
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Dachshund
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View breed guide →Frequently asked questions
Are Norwegian Lundehunds good with children?
Fine with sensible, older children. As a general guide, Norwegian Lundehunds tend to be fine with sensible, older children. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Norwegian Lundehund need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Norwegian Lundehund needs around an hour of exercise a day (60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Norwegian Lundehunds shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.
Are Norwegian Lundehunds easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Better with some experience. Norwegian Lundehunds are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Norwegian Lundehunds bark a lot?
Vocal / alert barker. They can be quite vocal, so early training and enough exercise and stimulation help keep barking in check.
Are Norwegian Lundehunds good with other dogs?
Generally fine with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Norwegian Lundehunds suit flats or smaller homes?
Best with a garden. A Norwegian Lundehund is happiest with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.