small breed Non-Sporting From Norway

Norwegian Lundehund: Personality, Size, Traits and Care Guide

If you are researching the Norwegian Lundehund, you are looking at a small non-sporting breed from Norway with a particular set of needs and strengths. They are often described as alert, agile, and curious, though every individual dog is shaped by upbringing, environment, and training. The Norwegian Lundehund was historically used as a puffin hunting dog and athletic companion, which continues to influence how the breed behaves today. The sections below cover what owners typically experience day to day, alongside care points worth thinking about before bringing one home.

Quick facts

Group: Non-Sporting
Origin: Norway
Size: Small
Life expectancy: 12–15 years
Male height: 13–15 in
Female height: 12–14 in
Male weight: 20–30 lb
Female weight: 15–25 lb
Coat type: double coat with a harsh outer coat and dense soft undercoat, short on head and front legs
Colours: red, sable, black, gray with white

Trait ratings

Energy 4/5

Exercise needs 4/5

Trainability 3/5

Grooming 2/5

Shedding 3/5

Good with kids 3/5

Apartment-friendly 3/5

Barking 3/5

Ratings are 0–5 general guidance from the breed dataset. Individual dogs always vary.

Personality and temperament

Temperament keywords commonly attached to the Norwegian Lundehund include alert, agile, curious, and sensitive. Energy levels are usually fairly high, which directly affects how much daily stimulation the dog will look for. Most are notably playful and enjoy interactive games well into adulthood. They will bark when something genuinely catches their attention, but are not usually constant barkers.

Size and appearance

The Norwegian Lundehund is a small dog with a recognisable silhouette. Adult males typically stand around 13–15 inches at the shoulder, with females usually a little smaller at 12–14 inches. Weight ranges sit broadly at 20–30 lb for males and 15–25 lb for females, with variation by line and conditioning. Their coat is generally described as double coat with a harsh outer coat and dense soft undercoat, short on head and front legs. Common coat colours include red, sable, black, gray with white.

Coat and grooming

Grooming needs are generally light. A weekly brush with periodic baths is usually sufficient. Shedding is moderate — manageable with consistent brushing, but visible on furniture and clothing.

Exercise needs

Daily exercise needs are generally substantial. Plan for at least an hour or more of structured activity each day — long walks, secure off-lead time where appropriate, and varied mental enrichment. Mental stimulation matters as much as physical — scent games, food puzzles, and reward-based training all help channel that energy.

Training

Trainability is generally reasonably responsive. With patient, reward-based methods and consistency, most dogs of this breed progress steadily through basic and intermediate training. They are more often recommended to households with prior dog experience or access to a good trainer.

Family suitability

Many can live well with older, dog-savvy children, particularly with early socialisation and clear household rules. They tend to get along with other dogs given proper introductions. Most are sociable with new people and warm up quickly to visitors.

Living environment

Apartment living is workable with daily outings, mental enrichment, and access to outdoor spaces. Climate-wise, the breed manages warm weather with sensible precautions and tolerates cold conditions comfortably.

Pros and cons

Often loved for

✓Relatively low grooming maintenance
✓Playful and engaging companion
✓Tends to be sociable with new people

Worth considering

!Needs substantial daily exercise
!Higher prey drive — care needed around small animals

Who this breed is best for

The Norwegian Lundehund is generally a good fit for households that can match its needs: significant daily exercise, and ongoing time, training and care across what is typically a 10–15 year commitment. As always, individual dogs vary — meeting specific dogs and speaking to experienced owners is the best way to confirm fit.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Norwegian Lundehund a good family dog?

Norwegian Lundehunds can do well in family homes, especially with older children who understand how to interact calmly with dogs. As with any breed, supervised interaction matters.

How much exercise does a Norwegian Lundehund need?

The Norwegian Lundehund typically needs an hour or more of daily activity, ideally combining walks, play, and mental stimulation. Without enough outlet, restlessness and unwanted behaviour can develop.

Does a Norwegian Lundehund shed a lot?

Shedding is moderate. Weekly to twice-weekly brushing usually keeps loose hair manageable.

Is a Norwegian Lundehund easy to train?

Training the Norwegian Lundehund is workable with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.

Can a Norwegian Lundehund live in an apartment?

Apartment living can work for a Norwegian Lundehund with consistent daily outings, training, and mental stimulation.

How long do Norwegian Lundehunds live?

Average life expectancy for the Norwegian Lundehund is typically around 12–15 years. Individual lifespan depends on genetics, diet, exercise, veterinary care, and chance.

A note on this information. Breed descriptions on this site are general guidance based on publicly available data and editorial review. Every dog is an individual — temperament, health and behaviour vary within any breed. Information here is not veterinary, medical or professional training advice. For health concerns, behaviour problems, or major decisions, please speak with a qualified veterinarian or certified trainer.

Reference source: AKC · Reviewed 2026-04-13