Photo: Karen Elise Dahlmo · CC BY-SA 3.0 dog breed · 927 on Animalso
Norwegian Lundehund
- Animal
- Dog
- Origin
- Norway
- Height
- 32 cm
- Weight
- 6 kg
The Norwegian Lundehund is a small Spitz-type dog from Norway. It was developed to hunt puffins and their eggs in hard-to-reach caves and on cliffs. Its name combines Norwegian words for puffin and dog. The breed was close to extinction in the 1960s, and preservation work followed.
What it is
The Norwegian Lundehund is a small dog of the Spitz type from Norway. It was bred to reach puffins and their eggs in caves and on cliffs.
Getting to know the breed
Its name joins words meaning “puffin” and “dog.” The breed’s recorded roots are in Norway; see dog breeds from Norway for related origins.
What stands out
This breed has a clearly documented working purpose: hunting puffins and their eggs in inaccessible nesting places. It is also identified as a small Spitz-type dog.
Points to consider
The Norwegian Lundehund was close to extinction in the 1960s. Preservation efforts have continued since then. Its historical work was specialized for caves and cliffs.
Pricing
Not applicable. The Norwegian Lundehund is a dog breed, not software, and no purchase price is provided here.
Who should look elsewhere
Readers seeking a breed developed for a different job or a larger dog should compare other dog breeds rather than assume this small, puffin-hunting breed fits.
Verdict
Choose the Norwegian Lundehund if its Norwegian origin, small Spitz form, and puffin-hunting history match what you want to learn about. Its history includes work in caves and on cliffs, followed by preservation efforts. The available record does not describe a lifespan or other ownership traits, so use this page as an identification and origin guide rather than a complete ownership profile.
What stands out
- Origin and history are clearly tied to Norway.
- Bred for puffin and egg hunting in caves and on cliffs.
- Recognized as a small Spitz-type dog.
Worth knowing
- The breed was close to extinction in the 1960s.
- Its original work was highly specialized for cliffs and caves.
- The available record gives limited ownership information.
Suits
- Readers tracing Norwegian dog breeds and working origins
- People interested in small Spitz-type breeds
Think twice if
- You want a breed developed for work other than puffin hunting
- You are looking for a larger dog
In short
The Norwegian Lundehund is a distinctive Norwegian dog with a narrow historical purpose. It is a small Spitz-type dog developed to hunt puffins and their eggs. The breed’s near-extinction in the 1960s is an important part of its modern story. Someone researching Norwegian dogs or breeds shaped by difficult terrain will find a clear starting point here. Anyone choosing a companion should seek additional information before deciding, since the available facts cover origin, work, and size but not everyday ownership details.
Questions
Where does the Norwegian Lundehund come from?
It originates in Norway.
What was the Norwegian Lundehund bred to do?
It was developed to hunt puffins and their eggs in caves and on cliffs.
What type of dog is it?
It is a small dog of the Spitz type.
What does the name Norwegian Lundehund mean?
The name combines words meaning “puffin” and “dog.”
How tall is the Norwegian Lundehund?
Its recorded height is 32.
How much does it weigh?
Its recorded weight is 6.
Was the breed ever at risk?
It was close to extinction in the 1960s, followed by preservation efforts.
More dog breeds from Norway
Photo credits7 photographs on this page
- Norwegian Lundehund — Karen Elise Dahlmo · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Black Norwegian Elkhound — Rvenes · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Dunker — Wikimedia Commons contributor · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Halden Hound — Sabine on · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Hygen Hound — Bjørn Konestabo · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Norwegian Buhund — Wikimedia Commons contributor · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Norwegian Elkhound — Sannse · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under the licence each one names. How Animalso credits photographs.