Lundehund

The Lundehund has existed for centuries on two islands off the coast of northern Norway but is little known outside Scandinavia. For many years it was impossible to export a breed member and this may still be the case. The breed is derived from the Miniature Elkhound.

Origin and history

The Lundehund, or Puffin Dog, is a Spitz variety that received recognition in Scandinavia in 1943 Its job in life is to locate puffins' nests in rocks and crevices and to retrieve the eggs and birds, the puffin being a welcome addition to the islanders' meal table. Puffinhunting is an art that has existed in Scandinavia for at least 400 years.

This dog has five functional toes on each foot (normally there are four); and in the up_er part of the ears, the cartilage ends meet and can shut when the ears are partly raised. It is thought that this may prevent water penetrating and damaging the ear.

Lundehund Puppies

Good points

Alert
Active
Excellent hunter
Faithful companion

Take heed

No drawbacks known

Size

Weight approximately 13-141b (5.9-6.4kg). Height: dog 12V2-14in (31.5-35.5cm); bitch 12-13V2in (30-34cm).

Exercise

This little dog is a hunter skilful at scaling rocks and precipes. Kept as a pet, it IS happiest if exercised freely.

Lundehund Information

This breed is recognized in the United Kingdom but not in the United States. It is a small variety of Spitz.

Colours

Black, grey and various shades of brown with white.

Coat

The coat is rather rough, dense and close to the body, and the tail, which is set on rather high, has a short dense coat, but no flag.

Lundehund Feeding & Grooming

Grooming

Regular brushing with a stiff-bristled brush should be sufficient.

Feeding

Six-130z (170-369g) of a branded, meaty product with biscuit added in equal part by volume, or 3/4-1V2 cupfuls of a dry, complete food, mixed in the proportion of 1 cup of feed to V2 cup of hot or cold water.