Norwegian Lundehund
Overview
The Norwegian Lundehund is a medium dog from the Working group — an energetic, active breed that needs real daily exercise. In temperament it's intensely devoted and bonded to its family, trainable and quick to pick up on what's asked and it would rather not be left alone for long. With a typical lifespan of 10 to 12 years, the Norwegian Lundehund is a medium-length commitment.
Is the Norwegian Lundehund right for you?
A good match if — you have children at home; you're active and want a dog to move with; you want a closely bonded companion; you enjoy training and want a responsive dog; you want a sociable dog that greets everyone.
Think twice if — this is your first dog — it asks for experienced handling; you don't have much space; you want a low-effort, hands-off pet; the dog would regularly be left alone for long stretches.
What a Norwegian Lundehund needs from you
Day to day, the Norwegian Lundehund needs a major daily time commitment from you and intense daily exercise and a job to do. It does best with a moderate amount of space and experienced, assured ownership. It's a social breed that doesn't like being isolated for long.
Living with a Norwegian Lundehund
At home, the Norwegian Lundehund needs room and doesn't suit apartment life. It's great with kids of all ages, openly friendly with everyone it meets, very quiet and rarely barks, and a tidy, low-drool breed.
Key facts
- Size
- Medium
- Height
- 1 foot to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the shoulder
- Weight
- 13 to 16 pounds
- Life span
- 10 to 12 years
- Group
- Working Dogs
What it needs from you (at a glance)
| Space needed | |
| Experience needed | |
| Maintenance | no data yet |
| Time per day | |
| Need for company | |
| Handling / closeness | |
| Cost level |
Health & what to watch for
The start matters most: get a Norwegian Lundehund from someone who health-tests their lines — ask to see the results — or from a reputable rescue, and register with a vet early. Ask the breeder which screenings they run for the breed, and keep it lean and well-exercised. Across every breed the single biggest lever you control is weight — a lean dog lives longer and has fewer problems. Food intolerances usually show as itchy skin, recurring ear trouble or an upset stomach; if that turns up, a vet-guided elimination diet beats guesswork. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice — your vet knows your individual dog.
Best toys
Good toys for a Norwegian Lundehund: toys that burn real energy — a ball launcher, a flirt pole, fetch and tug; puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys to keep that quick mind busy; tough, durable chews built for strong jaws — avoid flimsy toys it can shred and swallow. Rotate a few at a time rather than leaving everything out — novelty is half the value — and always supervise a new chew.
Growing up
The first months are the socialization window: calm, positive exposure to new people, sounds, surfaces and other animals now shapes the adult dog more than almost anything else. Channel the energy early with structured outlets and basic training, or a bored youngster will invent its own jobs.
What it costs
Scaled to this breed’s roughly 7 kg and a ~11-year life, keeping a Norwegian Lundehund works out at about:
Rough cross-breed averages in USD — a planning guide, not a quote. Break it down by life phase in the Cost Calculator →
Temperament (at a glance)
| Affection | |
| Energy | |
| Vocalness | |
| Trainability | |
| Tolerates alone |
Its presence, grown
Raised with patience and consistency, the adult Norwegian Lundehund settles into a lively, animated presence. It devotes itself utterly to its family — your shadow, your second self. It meets the whole world as a friend.
As your partner
Picture it as a grown partner at your side: active days, real walks and a partner with energy to share. It would rather not be left alone for long. With children it is gentle and patient — a true family dog.
What makes it unique
What sets the Norwegian Lundehund apart is a guardian's seriousness and a job-minded focus that wants a purpose. It is built to go all day, and needs that outlet to be its best self.