A rare, remarkably flexible spitz bred to climb cliffs and retrieve puffins, the Lundehund has at least six toes on each foot and extraordinary neck and shoulder mobility. It is charming and quirky but carries a serious breed-specific digestive disorder that demands committed, knowledgeable ownership.
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Educational only. KinStation content is reviewed by licensed veterinarians but cannot replace an in-person exam. Always consult a licensed veterinarian or board-certified specialist for diagnosis, treatment, or any decision affecting your pet's health.
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From the minimum an animal needs to be kept humanely, up to the ideal setup. Bigger is almost always better — minimums are floors, not targets.
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Minimum
Apartment or small home with daily walks
Apartment + 2× daily 30-min walks
A small dog adapts well to apartment living with two structured walks a day plus indoor enrichment. Crate-train for alone-time and give supervised free-roam of the household when settled. Heavy-coated arctic breed — minimum acceptable climate must include shade, air-conditioning in summer, and never leave outside on hot days. They shed heavily year-round.
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Recommended
Home with secure yard + daily routine
House + fenced yard + 45 min daily exercise
A house with a securely fenced yard, two structured walks per day, and indoor enrichment (chews, training, puzzle feeders). Most small breeds settle well as household pets when this baseline is met.
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Ideal
Household companion with varied enrichment
House + fenced yard + sport or hobby
A household companion that joins family activities, has a secure yard, and engages in a hobby suited to the breed — earthdog, scent games, trick training, mini-agility. Mental work matters as much as the walks.
Life & growth stages
How this animal changes through its life — each stage often has its own care, diet and space needs.
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Newborn
Newborn mammals are nursed on their mother's milk. Many are born helpless — blind, deaf, and sparsely furred (altricial, as in dogs, cats, and rodents) — while others stand and follow within hours (precocial, as in hoofed livestock).
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Juvenile
After weaning, juveniles grow quickly and become increasingly active, playful, and independent. Adult coat, proportions, and (in many species) the permanent teeth come in as they approach full size.
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Adult
Adults reach full body size and sexual maturity, with the species' mature coat and build. Sexual dimorphism — differences in size, mane, horns, or markings — is pronounced in some mammals and subtle in others.
Senior
Senior animals show aging signs such as graying fur, reduced activity, and a greater need for veterinary monitoring of joints, teeth, and organ function. Lifespan and the onset of old age vary widely by species and size.
Color & pattern variants
Natural variants occur in the wild; selectively bred (man-made) variants were developed in captivity.
Small and apartment-adaptable, but agile, curious, and an accomplished escape artist and climber — secure fencing and supervision are essential. Needs daily walks and play; moderate exercise needs paired with high mental stimulation. They are sensitive dogs that bond closely to their household.
Diet
Critical: the breed is predisposed to Lundehund Syndrome, a set of intestinal disorders (protein-losing enteropathy / intestinal lymphangiectasia) causing poor nutrient absorption. Many require veterinary-guided low-fat, highly digestible or prescription diets, lifelong monitoring of blood protein, and prompt treatment of flare-ups. Work closely with a vet experienced in the breed.
Behavior & temperament
Alert, energetic, and affectionate but notably independent and primitive, which makes training slow; they can be hard to housetrain. Wary of strangers and may be reserved. Generally good with family children when raised together; socialization is important. Their unique joints let them tip the head back to touch the spine and splay the legs flat.
Health
Lundehund Syndrome (chronic gastrointestinal/protein-losing disorders) affects a large share of the breed and is the dominant health concern; lifelong vet monitoring is advised. Extreme inbreeding from a near-extinction bottleneck means very low genetic diversity. Buy only from breeders engaged in health-tracking and outcross programs.
Tips, DIY & hacks
Dense double coat needs weekly brushing and more during seasonal sheds. The hallmark polydactyl feet (six+ toes) should be checked and nails kept trimmed. Be patient and gentle with training and housetraining. Most importantly, prepare for potential lifelong dietary management and budget for veterinary care.
