Norwegian Lundehund
Non-Sporting Small
Originally bred in Norway, the Norwegian Lundehund has become one of the world's most recognizable small breeds, sitting at #96 in AKC popularity. A living anatomical marvel with six toes and joints that bend in ways no other dog can achieve, the Lundehund is a primitive, quirky companion who remains one of the world's rarest breeds.
Quick Stats
Characteristics
| Family Friendly | |
| Energy Level | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Good with Kids | |
| Good with Dogs | |
| Apartment Friendly | |
| Grooming Needs | |
| Barking Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Intelligence |
About the Norwegian Lundehund
A living anatomical marvel with six toes and joints that bend in ways no other dog can achieve, the Lundehund is a primitive, quirky companion who remains one of the world's rarest breeds.. Originally from Norway, this non-sporting breed is the #96 most popular dog in America according to the AKC.
Weighing 13–15 pounds and standing 12–15 inches tall, the Norwegian Lundehund falls into the small size category. Used to crawl into narrow puffin nesting caves on steep cliffs to retrieve live birds and eggs. Their unique anatomical features evolved specifically for this dangerous task.
The breed nearly went extinct twice: once when puffin hunting was banned and again during World War II when distemper devastated the population. Only five dogs survived to rebuild the breed..
Lifespan Overview
The Norwegian Lundehund typically lives 12–15 years. Learn more about Norwegian Lundehund lifespan →
Price Overview
Expect to pay $1500–$2500 from a reputable breeder. See full price breakdown →
Weight & Growth
Adult Norwegian Lundehunds weigh 13–15 lbs. View growth chart →
Temperament
A living anatomical marvel with six toes and joints that bend in ways no other dog can achieve, the Lundehund is a primitive, quirky companion who remains one of the world's rarest breeds.: trainability 2/5, energy 4/5. Full temperament guide →
History
The breed nearly went extinct twice: once when puffin hunting was banned and again during World War II when distemper devastated the population. Only five dogs survived to rebuild the breed.. Used to crawl into narrow puffin nesting caves on steep cliffs to retrieve live birds and eggs. Their unique anatomical features evolved specifically for this dangerous task..
The breed gained AKC recognition and currently sits at #96 in popularity. Rare companion breed prized by enthusiasts who appreciate their unique anatomy and history. They no longer hunt puffins, which are now a protected species in Norway..
Common Health Issues
| Condition | Frequency | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Lundehund Syndrome (Intestinal Lymphangiectasia) | Very Common | Critical |
| Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth | Very Common | High |
| Inflammatory Bowel Disease | Common | High |
| Gastric Cancer | Moderate | Critical |
Compare Norwegian Lundehund
Is the Norwegian Lundehund Right for You?
Choosing the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a future owner can make. The Norwegian Lundehund is a small-sized breed belonging to the Non-Sporting group, which shapes much of its daily behavior and needs. Here is an honest assessment based on key traits to help you decide if this breed fits your lifestyle.
Energy and exercise: The Norwegian Lundehund has high energy levels and requires substantial daily activity - at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise including walks, runs, or active play sessions. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle or work very long hours, this breed may become destructive without adequate physical outlets.
Living space: The Norwegian Lundehund can live in an apartment with some effort, though a home with a yard is preferable. They score 3/5 for apartment friendliness, meaning they need intentional daily outings to compensate for limited indoor space.
Children and family: The Norwegian Lundehund rates 3/5 with children - acceptable but not exceptional. They do well with older children who understand how to interact respectfully with dogs. Close supervision with toddlers and young children is important, and teaching both the child and dog appropriate boundaries is essential.
Grooming commitment: The Norwegian Lundehund is relatively low-maintenance in grooming with a rating of 2/5. Weekly brushing and occasional baths are typically sufficient. This makes the breed a good choice for owners who prefer minimal grooming routines, with costs around $64–68/month.
Ownership Cost Summary
Before bringing a Norwegian Lundehund home, it is critical to understand the full financial commitment over their 12–15 year lifespan. The initial purchase price of $1500–$2500 is only the beginning.
The first year is the most expensive, totaling approximately $4,490. This includes the purchase price, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, supplies (crate, bed, bowls, leash), and early training classes. Many owners underestimate this initial outlay and find themselves financially stressed within the first few months.
Ongoing monthly costs average $122, broken down as follows: food ($37–60/mo), grooming ($64–68/mo), insurance ($34–85/mo), with annual costs for veterinary care ($426–614/yr) and supplies ($201–553/yr). As a small breed, the Norwegian Lundehund is relatively economical on food and supplies, though veterinary and dental costs remain consistent regardless of size.
Over a full 12–15 year lifespan, total ownership costs typically reach $15,000–$30,000+ depending on health, not including emergency veterinary care which can add $2,000–$10,000 over the dog's lifetime. Pet insurance at $34–85/month is strongly recommended to manage unexpected health expenses.
Hidden costs often overlooked: Many prospective Norwegian Lundehund owners fail to budget for training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75/night), dog-proofing the home ($100–$300), replacement of chewed items during puppyhood, and potential property damage. Additionally, renters may face pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75). Factor these real-world costs into your decision to ensure the Norwegian Lundehund fits your financial situation comfortably without requiring sacrifices in the quality of care you can provide.
Breed Traits Explained
The Norwegian Lundehund belongs to the Non-Sporting group, which historically means this is a diverse group of breeds that don't fit neatly into other categories. Non-sporting breeds vary widely in appearance, size, and personality. Each breed in this group has unique characteristics that prospective owners should research individually.
With a family friendliness score of 3/5, intelligence at 3/5, and shedding rated 4/5, the Norwegian Lundehund presents a specific profile that works best for owners who understand and appreciate these characteristics. Their exercise needs (3/5) and barking tendency (4/5) should factor heavily into your decision, especially if you live in close proximity to neighbors or have limited outdoor space.
Intelligence and engagement: With moderate intelligence (3/5), the Norwegian Lundehund learns at a reasonable pace and responds well to consistent training without requiring constant mental stimulation. They benefit from regular training sessions but are less likely to get into trouble from boredom compared to highly intelligent breeds.
Shedding and home cleanliness: Be prepared for significant hair throughout your home - the Norwegian Lundehund rates 4/5 for shedding. Daily brushing helps manage loose fur, but you will need a quality vacuum and should expect hair on furniture, clothing, and floors year-round with heavier shedding during seasonal coat changes.
Norwegian Lundehund Quick Decision Guide
Making an informed decision about the Norwegian Lundehund requires weighing all factors together. Here is a consolidated assessment to help you decide confidently whether this breed matches your situation.
You will love the Norwegian Lundehund if: You enjoy an active lifestyle with daily outdoor activities, can provide consistent training and appropriate supervision with visitors, have adequate space with outdoor access, and prefer lower-maintenance coat care. The Norwegian Lundehund's non-sporting heritage brings specific qualities that dedicated owners find deeply rewarding.
Consider a different breed if: You cannot commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, are highly sensitive to pet hair in your home cannot tolerate frequent vocalization, or if your living situation cannot accommodate a small breed comfortably. Being honest about these factors prevents rehoming situations that are stressful for both dog and owner.
Next steps: If the Norwegian Lundehund seems like a good match, explore our detailed sub-pages on lifespan, cost, temperament, and health for deeper information. Connect with Norwegian Lundehund owners through breed clubs and online communities to hear firsthand experiences. If possible, spend time with Norwegian Lundehunds before committing - attending dog shows, visiting breed-specific meetups, or fostering through a rescue organization. Use our Puppy Weight Calculator and Dog Age Calculator for practical planning, and review our expert guides for training, nutrition, and health care advice tailored to all breeds and life stages.