9/26/08

NORSK LUNDEHUND - NORWEGIAN LUNDEHUND - NORSK LUNDEHUND - NORWEGIAN PUFFIN DOG - LUNDEHUND.




Country of Origin:Norway
Group:Hunting dog.
Size: Medium
Lifespan:13-15 years.
Exercise:High.
Grooming:Low
Trainability:Low.
Watchdog ability:High.
Protection ability:Medium.
Date of Origin:Ancient times.
Other Names:Norwegian Lundehund, Norsk Lundehund, Norwegian Puffin Dog, Lundehund

HISTORY.
The breed has a long history. The Norwegian Lundehound is an ancient breed dating back 4500 years. Fossilized dogs found in Lapland Russia have the same unique number of teeth as the Norwegian Lundehund (one less tooth on either side of the jaw.) Since the 15th century the breed was used to hunt the Lunde also called the Puffin along the Norwegian coast. The puffin is a razorbill bird that breeds in large colonies in caves, underground passages, rock walls and steep mountain hills. The Lundehund manipulates its body into narrow passages and is able to pull these Puffin out for his master. The Puffin were used for their valuable down and provided much needed income for the fishermen that hunted them during the 40 day breeding season. The Norwegian lundehund is a rare breed not only in population but also in unique genetic capabilities. The breed has at least 6 toes on each foot allowing it to have improved balance and traction. It can close its ear canals to protect against dirt and moisture. It can bend its head backwards over the shoulders all the way to its back. And the shoulder-joints enable both front legs to stretch straight out to the sides. The breed came close to extinction in the mid 20th century

SIZE.
The ideal shoulder height for dogs is 35-40cm (14-15.5 in).

GENERAL APPEARANCE.
Norsk Lundehund is an unusual breed. A small Spitz type dog with a head that is wedge shaped and is slightly rounded with a pronounced stop. It has six toes on each foot, four in the front and two in the back, all of them jointed and muscled. It has a great range of motion in its forelegs, much like human elbows, allowing it to contort them to fit into small spaces. It has joints in the neck which allows 180-degree rotation (the head can lay back against the spine). The head is small and wedge-shaped, the brown eyes are deep-set. The ears are pricked and can be folded either forward or backward. The legs are strong, the hindquarters well muscled for agility rather than speed. The tail can be either pendant or carried slightly rolled over the back.

TEMPERAMENT.
Norwegian Lundehunds are bright dogs, but they not Golden Retrievers. They are independent thinkers who can be obstinate and manipulative. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.
Lundehunds, if properly socialized, are a friendly breed, and love people and other pets. They also love to play. They are extremely agile, can climb easily, and love to play.

COLOURS.
Always combined with white : from red to fawn, coat more or less sprinkled with hairs with black tips; black; grey; white with dark patches. The adult usually has more marked black tips in the coat than the younger dog.

No comments: