Laid Off: The Norwegian Lundehund

(WKC photo)


The first of the six breeds of dogs showing for the first time at Westminster this year is the Norwegian Lundehund. This smiling spitz dog has a fascinatingly specific breed history.  Its job: hunt puffins.

(Wikipedia commons photo)
As puffins (lundefugl in Norwegian) are an endangered (and adorable) bird and are mostly protected throughout its range, the Lundehund is sadly out of work. Happily, its striking six toes used to help grip the treacherous coastal rocks where the puffins live and impressive contortionist abilities used to get in and out of puffin caves are sure to be an asset to any new position.  If you think those skills might be transferable to any job you might have for one of these upbeat but down-on-his-luck pooches, contact the Norwegian Lunderhund Rescue here.

(Also, if you live in Iceland or the Faroe Islands, the dog can still work in its original field.)

Like many rare breeds, the Norwegian Lundehund was saved by a few notable breed enthusiasts when its population had become dangerously low.  Now more abundant, the Lundehund is looking for work as a quirky companion.

If you’re at the Gahden on Monday, February 13th, be sure to be looking at Ring 1 at 11:15AM to see the five registered Lundehunds compete (compared with what seemed like 89 Leonbergers last year, that’s quite a sad showing).  At home you can see the breed winner in the ring on Monday night as part of the Non-Sporting group. Pay careful attention to any signs of its incredible flexibility.

For more information:
AKC
WKC
NLAA
NLCA

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