Just stumbled on this dog and I had no idea there was a puffin dog!
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/norwegian-lundehund/Home Dog Breeds Norwegian Lundehund
Norwegian Lundehund
OVERVIEW
PUPPIES
BREED STANDARD
Temperament:
Loyal, Energetic, Alert
AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 191 of 193
Height: 13-15 inches (male), 12-14 inches (female)
Weight: 20-30 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Group: Non-Sporting Group
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From Norway’s rocky island of Vaeroy, the uniquely constructed Norwegian Lundehund is the only dog breed created for the job of puffin hunting. With puffins now a protected species, today’s Lundehund is a friendly, athletic companion.
ABOUT
AKC PUPPYFINDER
CARE
HISTORY
DID YOU KNOW?
BREED STANDARD
OTHER BREEDS TO EXPLORE
About the Norwegian Lundehund
At a glance, Lundehunds seem a typical northern breed: A spitz type with triangular ears, curving tail, and a dense double coat. But a closer look reveals several unique traits. They have feet with at least six fully functioning toes and extra paw pads, an “elastic neck” that can crane back so the head touches the spine, ears that fold shut, and flexible shoulders that allow forelegs to extend to the side, perpendicular to the body. This last anomaly produces the breed’s distinctive “rotary” gait.
National Breed Clubs and Rescue
Want to connect with other people who love the same breed as much as you do? We have plenty of opportunities to get involved in your local community, thanks to AKC Breed Clubs located in every state, and more than 450 AKC Rescue Network groups across the country.
NORWEGIAN LUNDEHUND ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA RESCUE LINK
Tools
Care
NUTRITION
GROOMING
EXERCISE
TRAINING
HEALTH
The Norwegian Lundehund should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
Norwegian Lundehund
History
For centuries Lundehunds were bred on Vaeroy, a remote and rocky island off the Norwegian coast. Puffins nest in crevices in the island’s cliff walls. Islanders depended on pickled puffin meat to sustain them through long Arctic winters, and the strong, flexible Lundehund was the only way to reach them. These compact puffin dogs would climb the sheer rock walls, worm their way into tiny passages, and snatch the birds. Then they’d skid down the cliffs, with the squawking, flapping prize in their mouth.
The Breed Standard
GENERAL APPEARANCE
The Norwegian Lundehund is a small rectangular and agile Spitz breed with unique characteristics not found in any other breed. Originating on remote islands of arctic Norway, the dog was used to wrestle and retrieve live puffin birds from the crevices of steep vertical cliffs. To enable the dog to climb, descend, and brake on these cliffs, unique structural characteristics have evolved and must be present as they define this breed: a minimum of six toes on each foot and elongated rear foot pads; an elastic neck that allows the head to bend backward to touch the spine, letting the dog turn around in narrow puffin bird caves; and shoulders flexible enough to allow the front legs to extend flat to the side in order to hug the cliffs. This shoulder structure produces a peculiar rotary movement. Finally, the ears close and fold forward or backward to protect from debris. The temperament is alert but not expected to be outgoing toward strangers.
FULL BREED STANDARD
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Colors & Markings
Colors
DESCRIPTION STANDARD COLORS REGISTRATION CODE
Black
Check Mark For Standard Color
007
Gray
Check Mark For Standard Color
100
Reddish Brown
Check Mark For Standard Color
159
White
Check Mark For Standard Color
199
Yellow
Check Mark For Standard Color
232
Sable & White 165
Markings
DESCRIPTION STANDARD MARKINGS REGISTRATION CODE
Black Markings
Check Mark For Standard Mark
002
Black Tips
Check Mark For Standard Mark
053
Gray Markings
Check Mark For Standard Mark
028
White Markings
Check Mark For Standard Mark
014
