The incredible Lundehund (the cliffhanger)

The Norwegian Lundehund, transliterated as the Norwegian Puffindog, is a natural canine breed that evolved to its present day form without the aid of human intervention. "Lunde" is the Norwegian word for puffin, as in puffin bird and "hund" is Norwegian for dog. The Lundehund's unique characteristics give us an insight on how it could fend for itself in its harsh island environment. Preservation of the Lundehund is now in the hands of man, but the Lundehund's characteristics must also be protected from being forever lost.

The Norwegian Lundehund originated from the Lofoten Islands off the northwest coast of Norway. It was used for hunting and catching puffin birds which nowadays is illegal. A skilled Lundehund was considered as valuable to its owner as a milk cow!

The Lundehund is the most interesting and unusual breed because of its unique characteristics. Lundehunds are a zoological rarity by having at least six fully developed toes on each foot. They can close their ear canals at will and are able to bend their head backwards over their shoulders. Their legs that are extremely flexible and can be stretched out to the side. The fore legs can be bent backwards into the same level as the back line. The hind legs can be bent forward behind the dog’s neck. Because of their extra toes and the flexibility in their legs the Lundehund has a special way of moving. They paddle with their fore legs, drawing big circles in the air.

There is a special connection between a Lundehund and it's owner. You can let your Lundehund loose without fear that it will run away. Lundehunds are naturally "programmed" always to stay by your side. They always keep you in sight or within earshot.

The Lundehund does not require very much grooming. You only need to brush them when their coat sheds, otherwise hardly at all. They do not need much bathing. Their coats seem to be resistant to dirt. Once or twice a year is enough. If you attend dog shows you can wash off the white parts a few days before the show.

Owning a Lundehund is like having a mixture of cat, just as lithe, fox, just as clever, and wolf, just as wild. They learn quickly and easily. You hardly have to teach them at all, they teach you!!! The golden rule is always to remember to work "WITH" your Lundehund, not against it!

Lundehunds love to be with their owners, they do not care much about other people or other dogs. They are extremely loyal and will pay you all of their attention and because of their small size they can easily accompany you wherever you go.

The Lundehund has lovely body language. They jump up and touch your finger tips with their nose while walking or bump into your calves with their chest just to say: "Hi, I’m here!". They rub their head and nose against your legs if they have got a delicious meal, just like a pleased cat.

They chase food or toys with their paws and toss them in the air just like a cat or a fox catching a mouse.

They make a special sound every once in a while when they are alert or have something to say. You can best notice it at morning walks. It sounds like cooling, it is like walking in a dovecote.

The Lundehund has 38 teeth, other dogs have 42 teeth. All bites are accepted at shows, except for heavy undershot.

More about Lundehund here