At a glance the quick version
FCI gives about 7 kg for males and 6 kg for females; Wikipedia gives 7-8 kg and 5-6 kg.
Coat and looks how to spot one
rough double coat
A small, rectangular spitz with a dense, harsh outer coat and soft undercoat. Its body is built for climbing: at least six toes on each foot, extra pads, a very bendy neck and shoulders, and ears that can fold shut.13
Personality what they are like
A lively, alert little dog that is loyal and watchful with its family. It can be reserved with strangers but is not unfriendly, and makes a good family companion when well socialised.132
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High for its size. It needs plenty of daily exercise and enjoys climbing and exploring.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The weather-resistant double coat needs only regular brushing, more during seasonal shedding.13
Home where they are happiest
Adapts to family homes with daily outings; enjoys varied terrain where it can use its agility.2
Company who they like around
Bonds closely with its family and tends to get on with children when socialised early.2
The story where it all began
For more than 400 years these dogs climbed Norway's coastal cliffs to fetch puffins and eggs from narrow crevices, with written records going back to 1591. When nets replaced dogs for puffin hunting the breed dwindled until it survived only around the Lofoten village of Mostad. Dedicated breeders, notably the Christie family working with people on Værøy, rebuilt it from a handful of dogs.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It has at least six toes on each front foot, with five touching the ground, and extra pads that help it grip rock.1
- 2
Its neck is flexible enough for the head to bend back until it touches the spine.3
- 3
Its front legs can stretch out to the sides at about 90 degrees, a bit like human arms.2
- 4
It can close its ears to keep out dirt and water.1
- 5
Lundehunds have been trialled at Tromsø airport to sniff out bird eggs and help prevent bird strikes.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 265, Group 5 Spitz and primitive types, Section 2 Nordic Hunting Dogs; standard published 10.11.2011, country of origin Norway.1
- AKC
- Has an AKC standard, effective 1 July 2008.3
How many About 1,500 dogs worldwide, around 900 of them in Norway2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Norwegian Lundehund. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard N° 265 Norsk Lundehund fci.beused for recognition, height, weight, coat, colours, special features, history
- Wikipedia: Norwegian Lundehund en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, weight, history, population, fun facts
- AKC Official Standard of the Norwegian Lundehund images.akc.orgused for height, temperament, flexibility, colours
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.