Dogs

Norwegian Lundehund

Norwegian Lundehund
Alternative names
Norsk Lundehund Norwegian Puffin Dog Lundehund
Country of origin
Norway
Common nicknames
Classification and breed standards
FCI:	Group 5 Section 2 #269
AKC:	Non-sporting (FSS)
CKC:	Group 2 - Hounds
KC (UK):	Hound
UKC:	Northern Breeds
Not recognized by any major kennel club
This breed of dog is extinct
Notes

The Norwegian Lundehund (Norwegian: Norsk Lundehund (from Norsk (Norwegian), lunde (puffin) and hund (dog)) is a small dog breed originating from Norway and originally bred for hunting puffins.

Appearance

It is known for its great range of motion in its joints. It can swivel each ear 360 degrees. The Norwegian Lundehund has an extra toe (at least 6 total) on each foot and double dew claws on the forefeet, which helps with climbing cliffs when hunting puffins. The neck is double jointed and the legs can be bent to sides at 90º angles because of moveable shoulder-joints and are also capable of 180º rotation. The outercoat is dense and rough with a soft undercoat.

History

The breed has a long history. As far back as 1600 it was used for hunting puffins along the Norwegian coast. Interest for the breed declined when new methods for hunting puffins were invented. A dog tax also led to a decline in the dog population. The breed was nearly extinct around World War II—only 5 dogs survived. Due to careful breeding with strict guidelines, there are now around 1500-2000 dogs in the world, with around 1100 in Norway. Estimates show there are approx. 250 in the US.

External links

• Norwegian Lundehund Association of America, Inc. - Recognized by the AKC/FSS as the Breed Parent Club for the USA
• The International Web Page of the Norwegian Lundehund
• Norsk lundehund klubb (Norwegian-language site)
• lundehund.hallwass.net - The international Community (German-language site)

Home | Up | Neapolitan Mastiff | New Guinea Singing Dog | Newfoundland | Norrbottenspets | Norfolk Terrier | Norwegian Buhund | Norwegian Elkhound | Norwegian Lundehund | Norwich Terrier | Nova Scotia Duck - Tolling Retriever

Dogs, made by MultiMedia | Free content and software

This guide is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia.