Norwegian Lundehund — breed guide
The puffin dog: six toes on each foot, shoulders that rotate out flat and a neck that bends back to its spine — all of it for climbing cliffs after puffins.
At a glance
- Group
- non-sporting
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 6–9 kg (13–20 lb)
- Life span
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Dense, rough double coat
Living with a Norwegian Lundehund
- Moderate energy — a proper walk every day.
- Regular grooming — brushing a few times a week.
- Moderate shedding.
- Trainable with consistency.
- Vocal when there is a reason.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Can live with a cat, with a slow introduction and an escape route for the cat.
- Suits apartment living, given its daily walks.
- Better with previous experience behind you.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Handles cold well.
Temperament
Quirky · Alert · Agile · Independent
Health to watch
- Lundehund syndrome (intestinal)
- Patellar luxation
- Hereditary eye problems
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Did you know
Nearly every living Lundehund descends from just six dogs, which is why the breed carries a near-universal gut disorder.
Questions people ask
Is a Norwegian Lundehund good with kids?
Generally yes. Norwegian Lundehunds are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Norwegian Lundehund good with cats?
It can work, with management. Introduce them gradually, feed them apart, and make sure the cat has vertical space the dog cannot reach. Plan to manage it rather than assume it.
How much exercise does a Norwegian Lundehund need?
A real walk every day, around 30–60 minutes.
Can a Norwegian Lundehund handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Norwegian Lundehund's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.