Norwegian Lundehund

The Norwegian Lundehund is one of the rarest, most ancient and most anatomically extraordinary dog breeds in the world, a primitive spitz from the remote Arctic islands of northern Norway developed over centuries specifically for the purpose of hunting puffins - lundefugl in Norwegian, hence the breed name - on the sheer sea-cliff faces of islands in the Alesund archipelago, where the birds nested in tight rocky crevices inaccessible to human climbers. To perform this unique task, the Lundehund evolved a set of physical characteristics found in no other breed: six fully developed functional toes on each foot rather than the standard four or five; an extraordinary skeletal flexibility that allows the head to bend backwards to touch the spine, the forelegs to extend horizontally to the side at shoulder level, and the ear cartilages to close and seal the ear canal against water and debris. The breed was registered by the Kennel Club in the Hound Group.

The Norwegian Lundehund is a small, lightly built and agile spitz. The coat is dense, short and double, typically reddish-brown to tan with white markings and a darker saddle. The erect ears fold forward or backward in the characteristic manner. The extraordinary toe structure - six toes including two dewclaws on the hind feet - is visible and palpable. Adults typically stand 31 to 38 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 6 to 9 kilograms.

The breed nearly became extinct on two separate occasions in the twentieth century - following a distemper epidemic in the 1940s that reduced the population to six individuals, and a subsequent near-extinction in the 1960s. Recovery breeding programmes in Norway restored the breed to survival but the founding population bottleneck has left the entire breed with extremely low genetic diversity, which has significant ongoing health implications.

The most important of these health implications is Lundehund Gastrointestinal Syndrome (LGS), a serious digestive condition involving protein-losing enteropathy, lymphangiectasia and intestinal inflammation that affects the vast majority of Lundehunds to varying degrees. LGS causes malabsorption of nutrients, weight loss, oedema and, in severe cases, life-threatening protein deficiency. It is managed, not cured, through careful dietary management typically involving highly digestible, low-fat foods with supplementation. Every prospective Lundehund owner must research LGS thoroughly before acquiring the breed and must have veterinary support from a practice familiar with the condition.

The character is lively, curious, agile and affectionate with its own household. It is a natural explorer and forager, retaining the primitive instincts of its cliff-hunting heritage. It can be reserved with strangers. The independent character and foraging instinct mean recall requires dedicated training.

The extreme rarity of the breed in the United Kingdom means that sourcing a puppy will almost certainly require research and patience, and very likely importation from Scandinavia. The Norsk Lundehund Klubb in Norway is the primary global resource for breed information and responsible breeding contacts. Monthly running costs are above average given the dietary management requirements of LGS.

Lively, curious, alert and affectionate with its own people. Can be reserved or cautious with strangers - a natural watchfulness reflecting the primitive origin. Energetic and playful. The extraordinary physical flexibility is immediately apparent in movement and behaviour. A fascinating and unique breed for dedicated enthusiasts.

Intelligent and curious but retains the independent hunting-and-foraging character of a primitive working dog. Responds to positive reinforcement but is not naturally biddable. The breed is lively and engaging in training when appropriately motivated. Early socialisation is important. Recall requires particularly dedicated training.

Moderate exercise needs - the breed is agile and active but not a high-endurance animal. Daily walks and the opportunity to explore and use its remarkable agility are sufficient. The breed is curious and benefits from an enriched environment. Off-lead recall requires thorough training given the hunting and exploration instinct.

Lundehund Gastrointestinal Syndrome (LGS) is a serious chronic condition affecting the vast majority of Lundehunds to varying degrees. It causes protein-losing enteropathy, malabsorption and, if unmanaged, can be life-threatening. Dietary management is the primary treatment approach. All prospective owners must research LGS thoroughly before acquiring the breed. Hip Dysplasia and eye conditions have also been documented.

Lundehund Gastrointestinal Syndrome (LGS) affects the vast majority of individuals to varying degrees, causing protein-losing enteropathy and malabsorption. Dietary management is critical and typically requires a highly digestible, low-fat diet with careful supplementation. This is a specialist nutrition situation requiring veterinary dietetic guidance, not standard off-the-shelf feeding.

The dense double coat is relatively low-maintenance. Brushing two to three times weekly keeps it in good condition. Seasonal shedding is significant. The breed is clean and the coat has a natural tendency to shed dirt. No trimming required.

Purchase price is extremely variable given the breed's rarity - owners may need to source from Scandinavia and import. Ongoing costs are above average given the dietary management requirements of LGS. Monthly running costs: £100 to £200 or more depending on dietary needs.

Suitable only for highly experienced, committed owners with a specific interest in the breed. The extreme rarity and Lundehund Gastrointestinal Syndrome affecting most individuals make this unsuitable for the average dog owner. Requires specialist dietary management and veterinary awareness. Not a dog to acquire on impulse.