Photo: The Norwegian Lundehund Association of America
Lundehunds are originally from the remote islands of arctic Norway, and the name means "puffin dog." Fitting, as the breed was used specifically for hunting puffins. To aid in the hunt, the dog is polydactyl, meaning it has six working toes on each foot. American Kennel Club Spokesperson Lisa Peterson tells Paw Nation, "Each toe has muscle and skeletal structure, which was used for climbing rock crevices."
Additionally, these dogs are freakishly flexible, able to turn their heads a 180 degrees, bend their face backwards to touch their spine, lie totally flat with all four legs out to the sides, and rotate their legs over their heads. Plus, they can clamp their ears completely shut for protection from the elements. Sounds like these pooches could find jobs in the circus!
Try doing this without six toes! Photo: The Norwegian Lundehund Association of America
Interested in adopting a Lundehund of your own? It's easy to understand why -- they're medium size (maxing out around 30 pounds) and "energetic, loyal and protective ... wary of strangers, but never aggressive towards people," according to the NLAA, Inc. Keep in mind, this is an outdoorsy working dog, so while, as Peterson said, "Puffins aren't required, and you don't have to take them rock climbing," they do need to be active and engaged.
The NLAA, Inc. website is a great resource for more information on the breed, responsible breeders, and rescue options (not to mention fun videos like this!).
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As to the raw meat. In days gone by before commerical dog food was available, the main food that was fed to dogs, was raw chicken.
Why is everyone so synical? I found the article interesting--am I going to rush out and get one...no. My animals all come from the pound and are all spayed and neutered. I agree people have a tendency to run out and get dogs after a popular movie has all their kids wanting one, but people as a whole are impulsive, especially when it comes to their kids. I'm not saying it's right, but a simple article like this isn't going to make anyone rush out to get one--in my opinion.
WHAT ABOUT THE MUCUCHIES DOG?
...THE MUCUCHIES IS THE MOST INCREDIBLE DOG IN THE WORLD, THEY ARE FROM THE VENEZUELAN ANDES..!!!..VENEZUELA IS IN SOUTH AMERICA...AND THEY ARE RARE TO FIND.
only one problem...the pet health care companies are a SCAM and pay pennies on the dollar. I have been told by a veterinary practice that it is far wiser to get Veterinary "casualty insurance" as opposed to any other options. PLUS, my dog slipped whilst hiking and had a head trauma which resulted in seizures. She needs to take Phenobarbitol daily. The vet ins. co. claimed that it was genetic (4 people witnessed the fall) and they refuse to cover the costs of the blood tests (every 3 mo's) and medicine because it is considered a pre-existing condition after the first year. IT's a SCAM. Save your money!
Jeanie
The reason that people give up Dalmatians is that you really have to be good with dogs to train and manage them and despite the Disney characterization, they aren't really great family dogs or good with children. The ones I have been around become very attached to one person and are nervous, irritable and sometimes snappy with people they don't know well. They are beautiful and great dogs, but they aren't for every family.
It is nice to learn about any breed of animal. I am wondering if such a dog would be happy in moderate clime of the midwest?
The 2 states with the highest Lundie #s are California (1st) and Colorado (2nd).
Peter Rousseau
President
Norwegian Lundehund Association of America
There are a number of lundehunds in the midwest. The climate is fine for them. They do fine in most climates, although they don't so well in very hot areas if they aren't given a place where they can get out of the heat. Cold is less of an issue, since they are a double coated breed original from a northern climate.
Leslie
this is a good looking dog if they want someone to bred them i would gladly help this endangered spicies can they do well the tropics of hawaii
I have two poodles one male 12 yr.s old and a female that is 14. My female (Emma) developed tumors quite large ones she was 12 at the time and my vet operated on her and she is doing just fine for her age 2 yrs. later. Other wise I take them in when they are due for shots teeth cleaning ect. but I feed them the same thing I never give them scraps either. Feed them a good brand of food and do not change their diets since they were puppies. And they are very good shape for their ages. Also I checked into that ins. and my vet has it but it don't pay for its self either. Emma's operation was a $1200.oo bill but she is worth every bit of it. Charlie and Emma are 4 legged kids We love them.
I also would be interested in being advised as to what THIS has to do with the article to which you are supposed to be replying! We're talking about those beautiful Lundehunds!!
weird. I usually dont comment on aol news, but this is a breed ill adopt a few years after this depression is over
You guys are all a buch of idiots. PETA is the most screwed up orginization on earth. I use hound dogs to hunt bobcats and bears. The dogs are awesome to watch and listen to. And yes i sell the pelts of the bobcats for money. You idiots should get out of the city once in a while and quit trying to project your stupid ideals onto the rest of society.
Where could I get one?
Linda, I have a 2 mo. purebred lundie old male for sale
Go to http://www.nlaainc.com and click on our Links section. At the bottom of that page are links to breeders.
Peter Rousseau
President
Norwegian Lundehund Association of America
but can they walk and chew gum at the same time ?
I have a Care Card....it is for humans or animals. It is like a credit card with a line of credit and if you pay it in full within 12 months there is no interest. I have used it for root canals and crowns at my dentist and now my cocker spaniel will have his teeth cleaned and the pre surgery requirements for an older dog. My vet takes this card and I understand that most will accept it because it is considered a credit card. Worth a look
tat is soooooooooo cool they need to find more and save them so they wont go extict and there can b more then a few
Oh my gosh, I need one of those. Last name is Lunde and I am Norwegian. On the dog food thread, we never feed ours anything with meat by products. Might as well feed them cow manure