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Sometimes it’s fun to look at specific dog breeds, especially for those considering getting a purebred. It’s always good to know the characteristics of a breed before purchasing that type of dog, so one is aware of any potential health concerns.
Those into rare dog breeds should be especially intrigued by the Norwegian Lundehund. It’s the rarest breed of dog in the world. The Lundehund is so rare because of its many unique characteristics. The website for the Norwegian Lundehund Club of America contains many details on this special breed.
The Lundehund always sports at least six toes on each foot and can turn its head 180 degrees, bending the head around so it can place its forehead on its back. The shoulder joints of the Lundehunds also allow both front legs to stretch out to the side.
These dogs also have a remarkable story of survival. Their many strange characteristics make the breed so rare that it became extinct almost everywhere it lived. For a while everyone thought the breed truly had died out, until some Lundehunds were discovered in the tiny Norwegian fishing village of Mastad. The village, in the Lofoten Islands, was so isolated that no one knew the breed still existed there, and some experts posit that such isolation actually saved the Lundehund from extinction.
The Lundehund derives its name from “lunde,” and “hund,” the Norwegian words for “puffin” and “dog.” The dogs were originally used for puffin hunting, and that is also where their contortionist abilities come to the fore.
Puffins in the Norwegian islands congregate on the craggy cliffs overlooking the ocean. The many toes of the Lundehund allow it to find greater purchase on the slippery rocks. Its small size, at around 13-20 pounds, combined with its ability to bend itself in many unusual directions allow the dog to scrabble through small tunnels, thus giving it an even greater hunting range.
Nowadays, though some Lundehunds still might be used for puffin hunting in some small Norwegian towns, the breed mostly enjoys its special status as the most unique in the world. The Lundehund is perfect for dog owners who love both rare breeds and those with a rich history. However, I’m sure prices for a purebred Lundehund don’t come cheap. Additionally, it is also known for chronic health problems, as is common with purebred dogs.
Still, it’s fun for dog lovers to hear the interesting story of this special little dog. Although I am not fussed about whether or not I have a purebred dog, I always like to learn more about the unique characteristics that make up the varied world of one of my favorite animals.
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*(This image by ZorroIII is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.)
