meet the...Norwegian Lundehund
Breed Summary
Breed Group Group 2: Spitz and Nordic Breeds
Sub-group :
Origin Country Norway
Weight Males: 14-16 pounds. Females: 12-14 pounds.
Height Males: 13-15 inches. Females: 12-14 inches.
Other Name(s) Lundehund, Norsk Lundehund, Norwegian Puffin Dog
Breed Type Pure
click here for FULL BREED STANDARD
Origins
The Norwegian Lundehund breed is an interesting and peculiar little dog. For centuries, they were used as a hunting companion in Norway. Their unique physical traits allowed them to scale coastal cliffs to retrieve live seabirds, such as puffins, and bring them back to their handler. This was the primary way that puffin birds were hunted until the mid-1800s, when the dogs were largely replaced by nets.
However, a small, isolated working population persisted on an island in Lofoten. Dogs from this population were obtained by the Norwegian Christie family around the 1930s. The majority of the remaining population in Lofoten was decimated by distemper, which reached Hamar by the 1950s, where the Christie family lived, wiping out many of their dogs as well. However, in the 1960s, five dogs were recovered and sent to Eleanor Christie: a dam and five of her offspring, all littermates. From these dogs, Eleanor Christie struggled to find more dogs and save the breed.
Unfortunately, after dwindling down to five breeding dogs, all closely related, the breed has suffered a major population bottleneck. However, the Norwegian Lundehund Club, in conjunction with the Norwegian Kennel Club, has approved an outcross project, allowing strategically planned matings to some of the other similar and related, yet more genetically diverse Norwegian breeds, to bring in fresh genetics, widen the gene pool, and improve overall breed health.
The Norwegian Lundehund breed’s unique physiology includes polydactylism, meaning instead of the standard four toes on each paw, they have six toes. The five of the front toes exhibit three joints, while the one exhibits two. On the rear feet, four of the toes are triple-jointed, with one split digit being double-jointed. In addition to being polydactyl, the Norwegian Lundehund is also extremely flexible, capable of flexing their head back to their spine, and can splay their front legs outward at a 90-degree angle. They also exhibit unique ear mobility.Breed Characteristics
Head: The mesaticephalic skull type is moderate in size, wedge-shaped, and in proportion to the rest of the body. The topskull is fairly slightly arched with fairly prominent superciliary arches. It is broader between the ears, giving the head breadth and tapering towards the muzzle. The head is smooth, clean-cut, and without excess skin, substance, or wrinkles.
Eyes: Moderate in size, open oval to somewhat round in shape, and preferably amber to light brown or dark brown in color, circled by darkly pigmented and well-fitted eyelids and rims. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.
Ears: Moderate in size and triangular in shape with a broad base and pointed tips. When alert, the ears should be mobile and firmly erect. The ears are never long, overly large, or broken. The Norwegian Lundehund has a unique capability with his ears. When in repose, in addition to being held back, as with most dogs, the Norwegian Lundhund can fold or pinch the ears shut.
Muzzle: The muzzle is full, deep, broad at the base, and tapering slightly toward the nose. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight or just slightly convex. The upper and lower jaws are well developed, approximately equal in length, and have good bone substance, never appearing snipy or weak.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black. The nostrils are well opened.
Neck: Moderate length allows for a good head carriage. It is strongly muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut and without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.
Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.
Body: Compact, short-coupled, lithe, but of good substance. The body is never racy or refined. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Feet: May be straight or slightly oriented outward. The feet are oval to round and compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads. The Norwegian Lundehund is one of a few polydactyl breeds. Each foot should have at least six complete toes. On the front foot, five of the six toes must rest on the ground; on the rear foot, at least four of the six toes should rest on the ground. All toes should be complete structures, with fully formed toe pads, at least two joints, and phalange bone with a proper ligamental and muscular system.
Tail: Set moderately high on the croup. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried in a loose ring over the back, with the tip touching the center or barely off to one side or the other or hanging in a neutral position, never tucked. The tail is of a moderate length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down, although the tail may not be completely straightened.
Movement: Smooth, effortless, and efficient, the characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.
Temperament: Independent, fearless, intelligent, energetic, and loyal, the Norwegian Lundehund breed is even-tempered and level-headed, although they can also be fiercely protective and aloof with strangers due to their strong guarding instincts. They are also high in prey drive and hunting instincts. A combination of these attributes makes early puppy training and socialization (to people and other animals) imperative. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
Breed Standard
BREED GROUP 2: Spitz and Nordic Breeds
Proportions: Somewhat off-square to slightly rectangular with the length of the body, measured from the point of the forechest to the point of the rump, being equal to or just slightly greater than the height at the withers. The length-to-height ratio is between 10:9 and 5:4. Females may be slightly longer. A small, spitz-type dog, the Lundehund is light and lithe but not racy. The body is well put together, with sturdy substance and medium bone. Males should appear masculine, being slightly more substantial in size and mass, while females should appear more feminine and slightly less substantial. Neither should lack overall type. The weight of males or females is always in proportion to height.
Head
General Appearance: The mesaticephalic skull type is moderate in size, wedge-shaped, and in proportion to the rest of the body. The topskull is fairly slightly arched with fairly prominent superciliary arches. It is broader between the ears, giving the head breadth and tapering towards the muzzle. The head is smooth, clean-cut, and without excess skin, substance, or wrinkles.
Expression: Intelligent, watchful, and confident.
Stop: The stop is marked and distinct but not abrupt or overly pronounced.
Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is 1:1, with the topskull being equal to the muzzle.
The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis is parallel.
Muzzle: The muzzle is full, deep, broad at the base, and tapering slightly toward the nose. The plane, or bridge of the muzzle, is straight or just slightly convex. The upper and lower jaws are well developed, approximately equal in length, and have good bone substance, never appearing snipy or weak.
Lips or Flews: The lips are clean and fit tightly over the teeth and jaws.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black. The nostrils are well opened.
Cheeks: The cheeks are smoothly muscled. The cheeks should not appear chiseled or coarse.
Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, and white teeth. The bite may be level, scissor, or reverse-scissor. Contact must be made between the top and bottom incisors. Missing or broken teeth due to routine work are not to be penalized.
Eyes: Moderate in size, open oval to somewhat round in shape, and preferably amber to light brown or dark brown in color, circled by darkly pigmented and well-fitted eyelids and rims. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.
Ears: Moderate in size and triangular in shape with a broad base and pointed tips. When alert, the ears should be mobile and firmly erect. The ears are never long, overly large, or broken. The Norwegian Lundehund has a unique capability with his ears. When in repose, in addition to being held back, as with most dogs, the Norwegian Lundhund can fold or pinch the ears shut.
Body and Tail
General Description: Compact, short-coupled, lithe, but of good substance. The body is never racy or refined. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Neck: Moderate length allows for a good head carriage. It is strongly muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut and without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap.
Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.
Topline: Level from slightly prominent withers to croup. The back is broad, strongly muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is taut and may be flat and level or slightly arched yet supportive. The back is never long, swayed, or roached.
Croup: Broad and gently sloped.
Underline: A slight to moderate tuck-up is present. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight.
Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back, and oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided.
Tail: Set moderately high on the croup. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. The tail is carried in a loose ring over the back, with the tip touching the center or barely off to one side or the other or hanging in a neutral position, never tucked. The tail is of a moderate length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down, although the tail may not be completely straightened.
Forequarters and Hindquarters
Forequarters: The forequarters are always balanced with the hindquarters and well-angulated with well-laid-back shoulder blades. The shoulder blades are approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm.
Elbows: The elbows are close to the body. The point of the elbows is approximately half the dog’s height at the withers.
Forelegs: Frontal View: Straight, of good muscle, of moderate bone, and parallel to one another.
Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns.
Pasterns: Never weak or broken.
Hindquarters: The upper and lower thighs are equal in length, strong, sturdy, moderate bone, and well-muscled.
Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another.
Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump or within one to two paw-lengths behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another.
Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns.
Angulations: The angulation of the hindquarters is always in balance with the angulation of the forequarters.
Feet: May be straight or slightly oriented outward. The feet are oval to round and compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads. The Norwegian Lundehund is one of a few polydactyl breeds. Each foot should have at least six complete toes. On the front foot, five of the six toes must rest on the ground; on the rear foot, at least four of the six toes should rest on the ground. All toes should be complete structures, with fully formed toe pads, at least two joints, and phalange bone with a proper ligamental and muscular system.
Coat
Skin: Well-fitted, yet supple. The skin should never obstruct the outline of the dog.
Coat Type: The Norwegian Lundehund comes in two coat varieties: the plush gray and the flat-coated black.
Gray coat variety: Thick, dense, coarse, abundant, medium-length outer coat. The coat is smooth on the face, head, and front of legs and longest and thickest on the neck, thighs, back of forelegs, and tail. There is an abundant ruff. The undercoat is soft and dense.
Black-coat variety: Dense, coarse, and close-lying medium to somewhat longer length outer coat. The coat is smooth on the face, head, and front of legs and longer on the neck, thighs, back of forelegs, and tail. There is an abundant ruff. The undercoat is soft and dense.
Coat Color or Pattern: CKC recognizes three color varieties of the Norwegian Lundehund breed: the standard gray, the standard black, and the nonstandard. Both standard color varieties permit a small amount of white hairs on the chest and feet.
Gray coat color variety: Various shades of gray that is comprised of the agouti coat pattern, all with a black mask that extends to darkened ears.
Black coat color variety: Jet black.
Nonstandard coat color variety: Liver, cream, soot, all standard or nonstandard colors with large amounts of white on the feet, legs, chest, tail, or head, any color other than gray agouti or black.
Movement
Smooth, effortless, and efficient, the characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.
Temperament
Independent, fearless, intelligent, energetic, and loyal, the Norwegian Lundehund breed is even-tempered and level-headed, although they can also be fiercely protective and aloof with strangers due to their strong guarding instincts. They are also high in prey drive and hunting instincts. A combination of these attributes makes early puppy training and socialization (to people and other animals) imperative. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
Faults
All dogs should be in proper, healthy condition, free from disease or defect. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles.
