The Puffin Eater - A Look at the Norwegian Lundehund

The Norwegian Lundehund (one of the rarest breeds of dogs on the planet with only about 1500 remaining) has certain qualities that no other dog breed possess. The first unusual feature of this that all four of its paws have six toes. Other dog breeds have four toes and a dewclaw. Each toe has several joints as well, allowing for a full range of motion, where as other dogs only have muscle in the toes. These extra toes allow the animal to have much better balance and able to easily travel across rocky cliffs, uneven terrain, and even propel itself through narrow cave passages while on its side as it goes after the puffin bird they were originally used to hunt. Their feet also have extra pads to walk on with 8 on each of the two front paws and 7 on each of the back.

Another unique trait Lundehunds possess that no other dog has, is the ability to stretch its front limbs to the sides at 90 degree angles from it's body. This looseness of the shoulder joints is helpful for the dog uses while climbing out onto the rocks to travel out to the nesting area of the puffin. To anyone watching this, it would appear as if the dog is able to run in a straight line across uneven ground with ease.

One trait the dog has that is unique to its breed is the ability to either fold its ears forward, closing off the auditory canals, or bend them backward and move their cartilage separately to pick up sounds with the flesh of the ear pressed back on their head...

And finally, and perhaps the most unusual talent possessed by the Norwegian Lundehund is one that only one other mammal (the Reindeer) is capable of doing. It has extra joints in its neck, which allow the dog to bend its head all the way backward over its own spine, touching its forehead to its back. Doing this effortlessly, the canine is able to manoeuvre through tight spaces when going after its prey of choice, the puffin.

My name is Darren and I own the http://www.raredogbreeds.net web site. It has info on lots of rare dog types, including this article on the Norwegian Lundehund.

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