Overview
Six-toed Norwegian puffin hunter — astonishingly flexible.
The Norwegian Lundehund is a small breed in the Non-Sporting group, typically standing 12.5–15 in and weighing 20–30 lbs. Expect a lifespan of 12–15 years with good preventive care. Personality is best described as alert, loyal, energetic.
Breed history & origin
The Norwegian Lundehund traces its origins to Multiple regions historically. Its original purpose — varied — companion, working, and historical roles — shaped almost every physical and temperamental trait still visible in the breed today.
As a small member of the Non-Sporting group, the Norwegian Lundehund was selectively bred for independent decision-making, high stamina, and working drive. Modern owners describe them as alert, loyal, energetic — qualities deeply rooted in that working heritage.
The breed is recognised by all major kennel clubs in the Non-Sporting group, with a written standard codifying its silhouette, gait, and temperament.
Today the Norwegian Lundehund thrives as a companion. It remains one of the more recognisable breeds at North American dog shows and in homes across Canada and the United States, where its combination of alert and family-suitability continues to draw new owners every year.
Like every purebred, the Norwegian Lundehund carries genetic risks tied to its small founding gene pool. Conscientious modern breeders screen for the conditions listed in the health section below and breed for longevity, structural soundness, and stable temperament — the three pillars of a responsibly preserved breed.
- Country of origin
- Multiple regions historically
- Era
- Historic
- Original purpose
- Varied — companion, working, and historical roles
- Modern purpose
- Companion
Breed timeline
- HistoricNorwegian Lundehund develops in Multiple regions historically
- 20th centuryFormal kennel club recognition in the Non-Sporting group
- TodayEstablished as a companion
Appearance
- Coat length
- Medium
- Coat texture
- Smooth or wiry single coat
- Undercoat
- Light undercoat
- Body
- Compact, agile build
Temperament
Norwegian Lundehunds are alert, loyal, energetic. With early socialization and positive-reinforcement training in the critical 8–16 week window, they grow into well-adjusted adults that fit a wide range of households.
Exercise & activity
Adult Norwegian Lundehunds need 60–90 minutes/day, split between leashed walks and off-leash play. Under-exercised dogs of this breed are the #1 source of behaviour complaints — chewing, barking, and pulling.
Grooming & shedding
Brush 2–3 times a week and bathe monthly. Most owners can do basic upkeep at home.
Moderate shedder. Regular brushing controls it; a vacuum-shedding tool helps in spring and fall.
Nutrition guide
Feed a high-quality small-breed puppy formula with calorie-dense kibble in tiny pieces. Norwegian Lundehund puppies thrive on 3 measured meals per day until 6 months, then 2 meals. Look for AAFCO statements naming "growth" or "all life stages," and skip filler-heavy grocery brands.
Feed an AAFCO-approved small-breed puppy formula. 3 meals/day until 6 months, then 2/day.
Adult Norwegian Lundehunds do well on a high-quality kibble (≥ 25% protein, ≤ 15% fat) split into two meals. Free-feeding is the #1 cause of obesity in this breed.
From age 8, transition to a senior formula with glucosamine/chondroitin and reduced calories.
350–600 kcal/day
Common allergies: Most common triggers in this breed: chicken, beef, dairy, wheat. A novel-protein diet (duck, salmon, venison) helps if itching or GI issues persist.
- • Grapes & raisins
- • Chocolate
- • Onions & garlic
- • Xylitol (peanut butter labels!)
- • Cooked bones
- • Macadamia nuts
Training guide
Crate-train from day 1. Norwegian Lundehund puppies can hold their bladder roughly (age in months) hours — set a timer and take them out after every nap, meal, and play session.
Use a crate just large enough to stand and turn around. Never use it as punishment. Most Norwegian Lundehunds accept the crate within 2 weeks with kong-and-meal pairing.
Norwegian Lundehunds have an independent streak. Keep sessions ≤ 5 minutes, very high-value rewards, and end on a win.
Critical window is 8–16 weeks. Aim for 100 new people, 50 new dogs, and 25 new environments before 4 months — vaccinated, controlled, positive exposures only.
Focus on rock-solid basics first; advanced sports work best from 18+ months with this breed.
- ×Skipping puppy class because the dog ‘seems fine’
- ×Using punishment for fear-based behaviour (escalates it)
- ×Repeating the cue word — say it once, then enforce
- ×Free-feeding (kills food motivation for training)
Health database
Lifespan: 12–15 years. Below are the conditions vets most commonly screen for in this breed — for education only, always consult your veterinarian.
Lower than average
Low
Standard screening recommended
Average
Elevated — small breeds prone to crowding and tartar
$400–$700 CAD
Common health concerns
- ▸Dental disease
- ▸Obesity (over-feeding)
- ▸Patellar luxation
Recommended screening
- ▸Patella evaluation
- ▸CERF / OFA eye exam
- ▸Cardiac auscultation
- ▸Annual blood panel
Educational only — always consult your veterinarian.
Living requirements
- Apartment
- Workable
- House
- Yes — ideal
- Urban
- Strong
- Rural / farm
- Strong
- Cold weather
- Average — needs a jacket below freezing
- Hot weather
- Tolerant
- Barking level
- Above average
- Separation anxiety
- Above average — bred for human company
- Escape risk
- Average
- Space
- Apartment-friendly
Cost of ownership (Canada)
Reputable Canadian breeders typically charge $1,500–$2,800 for a Norwegian Lundehund puppy. Plan for $1,600–$2,600 in annual cost of ownership covering food, vet visits, insurance, training, and grooming.
$1,500–$2,800
$1,600–$2,600
$45–$90 / month CAD
Pros & cons
- +Excellent with children and other family pets
- +Great hiking, running, and adventure companion
- +Travel-friendly size; fits under airline seats and in small homes
- −Requires the time and commitment any puppy demands
Ideal owner profile
Fun facts
- 1.Norwegian Lundehunds live 12–15 years on average with good preventive care.
- 2.Adults stand 12.5–15 in and weigh 20–30 lbs.
- 3.Daily exercise needs: 60–90 minutes/day.
- 4.Classified in the Non-Sporting group.
Norwegian Lundehund vs popular breeds
| Trait | Norwegian Lundehund | Labrador Retriever | Golden Retriever | German Shepherd | French Bulldog | Poodle (Standard) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Large | Large | Large | Small | Large |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years | 11–13 years | 10–12 years | 9–13 years | 10–12 years | 10–18 years |
| Energy | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Trainability | 3/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Family-friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Apartment | 3/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Shedding | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Exercise | 60–90 minutes/day | 60–90 minutes/day | 60–90 minutes/day | 60–90 minutes/day | 20–40 minutes/day | 60–90 minutes/day |
