The Norwegian Lundehund is one of the rarest dogs in the world. It was developed on Norway's remote coast to climb sea cliffs and hunt puffins in narrow rock crevices. To do that job it evolved some truly unusual features: six toes on each foot, extra flexibility in the shoulders and neck, and ears that can fold shut. The breed is small, around 6 to 7 kg, with a fox-like face and a thick double coat.
Today the Lundehund is a rare companion breed, with a small gene pool and a reputation for being alert, lively and vocal. It tends to be reserved with strangers, quick to sound the alarm, and very agile, so it can climb and squeeze through places you would not expect. It is also known for a digestive condition sometimes called Lundehund syndrome, so feeding and veterinary care deserve careful attention from the start.
For an owner, the Lundehund is a clever, lively dog that rewards patience. Training works best with short, upbeat, reward-based sessions, steady socialization, and a plan for the barking and the climbing. It is not a breed for owners who want a quiet, hands-off dog, but it can be an entertaining and affectionate companion.
At a glance:
- Trainability: 5/10, intelligent and agile but independent
- Biggest risk factor: barking and climbing out of enclosures
- Social note: often reserved with strangers, needs early socialization
- Health note: known digestive condition, discuss diet with your vet
- Not for: owners wanting a quiet, low-activity dog
What Makes Training a Norwegian Lundehund Different
1. It is an escape artist. A Lundehund can climb, squeeze and wriggle, so fences and gates need checking. Treat containment as part of training.
2. It is vocal. Alert barking is part of the breed's make-up. Teach a quiet cue early and reward silence.
3. It can be wary of strangers. Careful, positive socialization matters from puppyhood so reserve does not become fear.
4. It needs thoughtful feeding. The breed is prone to digestive problems, so work with your vet on diet and avoid sudden changes.
Week-by-Week Training Plan for Your Norwegian Lundehund
Weeks 1 and 2 : Foundation and Safety
Set up a secure space and start gentle handling.
- Check fences, gates and window screens for gaps.
- Begin short, rewarded handling of paws, ears and mouth.
- Introduce the crate or pen as a calm place.
- Keep feeding consistent and discuss diet with your vet.
Weeks 3 and 4 : Core Commands
Sit, down and name response come quickly with the right reward.
- Teach sit and down with food lures.
- Reward eye contact and name response.
- Keep sessions to a few minutes.
- End each session on an easy success.
Weeks 5 and 6 : Quiet and Calm
Install a quiet cue before barking becomes a habit.
- Reward silence after a first alert bark.
- Teach a place cue for visitors.
- Practise short alone times.
- Avoid shouting, which can feed the barking.
Weeks 7 and 8 : Recall and Leash
Build recall in a secure area.
- Use a long line and high-value rewards.
- Practise loose-leash walking in short outings.
- Use a well-fitted harness, since the breed is flexible.
- Never rely on a fence alone.
Weeks 9 and 10 : Socialization and Agility Play
Expose your dog to new people and places in a controlled way.
- Visit calm places and let your dog watch from a distance.
- Add safe climbing and balance games.
- Reward relaxed behavior around strangers.
- Keep encounters short and positive.
Weeks 11 and 12 : Proofing
Consolidate the basics with distractions.
- Proof recall and quiet cues at home and outside.
- Practise calm greetings.
- Keep up daily exercise and mental games.
- Plan routine vet care for the digestive condition.
A Typical Daily Routine
A Lundehund does well with a predictable day. In the morning, offer a short walk on a secure lead followed by breakfast and a few minutes of training. Midday is a good time for a scent game or puzzle feeder, since the breed enjoys using its nose and paws. In the evening, add a second outing and some play, then a calm period on its bed. Because the breed can climb and squeeze through gaps, outdoor time in a fenced area should always be supervised. Keep routines consistent so the dog knows what to expect, and use calm greetings to avoid excitement barking.
Health and Care Basics
The Lundehund is known for a digestive condition sometimes called Lundehund syndrome, which can cause poor nutrient absorption and stomach problems. Tell your vet that you have the breed, ask about monitoring and diet, and avoid sudden food changes. The thick double coat needs regular brushing, especially during shedding periods. Check the ears, which can fold closed, and trim nails regularly, since the extra toes need care. Choose a reputable breeder or rescue and ask about health screening, because the gene pool is small.
Common Norwegian Lundehund Training Mistakes
Mistake 1 : Trusting a fence. The Lundehund can climb and squeeze through surprising gaps. Check boundaries and supervise.
Mistake 2 : Ignoring the barking. Reward quiet from day one so alert barking does not become constant.
Mistake 3 : Skipping socialization. A reserved breed needs positive exposure early.
Mistake 4 : Changing food suddenly. The breed is prone to digestive upsets, so make any diet change gradually and ask your vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Norwegian Lundehunds easy to train? They are intelligent and can learn quickly, but they are independent, so patient, reward-based training works best.
How much exercise does a Lundehund need? Daily walks plus play and mental games. It is agile and curious, so safe climbing and scent games help.
Are Lundehunds good family dogs? They can be affectionate, but they are lively and vocal, so they suit active, patient households.
Are Lundehunds good in apartments? Barking can be a challenge in an apartment unless it is managed with training and exercise.
Are Lundehunds rare? Yes, very. The breed has a small population, so finding one may take research.
Do Lundehunds have health problems? The breed is known for a digestive condition, so ask your vet about diet and monitoring.
How long do Lundehunds live? Many live well into their teens with good care, but individual health varies.
Why TailorPup Was Built for Norwegian Lundehunds
A generic plan does not address the Lundehund's agility, its vocal nature or its unusual health needs. TailorPup's Lundehund plan builds a quiet cue, secure recall and gentle socialization from the first week.
Daily 12-minute training sessions plus weekly adjustments. Plans from $9.99/month, no trial; annual starts at $2 for 7 days. Cancel anytime.
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Related: Recall Training · Puppy Training Basics