Norwegian Lundehund — Accessories & Essentials

Fitting a collar or harness to a Norwegian Lundehund requires attention to the breed's unusual anatomy. The Lundehund possesses an extraordinarily flexible neck and the ability to tilt its head backward until it touches its spine. This extreme range of motion means that standard flat collars can slip off more easily than with other breeds, especially if the dog backs up or twists during a walk. A properly fitted collar should allow two fingers to slide beneath the band, but owners should test the fit by gently applying backward pressure to simulate the dog pulling away.

For many Lundehund owners, a well-designed harness is a more secure and comfortable alternative to a collar for leash walking. A Y-front or step-in harness that distributes pressure across the chest rather than the throat avoids putting strain on the trachea and is much harder for the dog to escape. Look for harnesses with adjustable straps at multiple points — chest, belly, and back — so the fit can be customized to the Lundehund's proportions. Avoid harnesses that restrict shoulder movement, as this can interfere with the breed's natural gait.

Leash selection depends on the walking environment and the dog's training level. A standard six-foot leash made from nylon webbing or biothane provides enough length for comfortable walking while maintaining control. Retractable leashes are generally discouraged for Lundehunds because they provide inconsistent tension feedback and can allow the dog to build momentum before reaching the end of the line, which increases the risk of the dog slipping a collar or pulling free from a poorly fitted harness.

For training and recall work, a long line of 15 to 30 feet gives the Lundehund room to explore while keeping a safety tether in place. The breed's independent nature means that reliable off-leash recall takes significant time and training to develop, and many owners find that a long line is a permanent part of their outdoor kit rather than a temporary training tool.

The Norwegian Lundehund has a dense double coat consisting of a soft, insulating undercoat and a harsher outer coat that repels moisture. Regular grooming keeps the coat healthy, reduces shedding around the home, and provides an opportunity to check for skin issues, parasites, or unusual lumps. A weekly brushing session is sufficient for most of the year, with increased frequency during the biannual coat blow when the undercoat sheds heavily over a period of two to three weeks.

An undercoat rake or deshedding tool is the most important grooming implement for this breed. These tools reach through the outer coat to remove loose undercoat without cutting or damaging the guard hairs. During heavy shedding periods, daily use of an undercoat rake can dramatically reduce the volume of loose fur accumulating on furniture and clothing. Follow up with a slicker brush to smooth the outer coat and remove any remaining loose hairs from the surface.

Bathing should be infrequent — every two to three months or when the dog is visibly dirty or develops an odor. The Lundehund's coat contains natural oils that help repel dirt and water, and over-bathing strips these oils, leading to dry skin and a duller coat. When bathing is necessary, use a gentle, pH-balanced dog shampoo and rinse thoroughly to prevent residue from irritating the skin. A high-velocity dryer or thorough towel drying is important to ensure the dense undercoat dries completely, as trapped moisture can lead to hot spots or fungal issues.

Nail care is essential and often overlooked. The Lundehund's six toes per foot mean there are more nails to maintain than on a typical dog, and the extra dewclaws can curl inward if left untrimmed. A sharp pair of guillotine or scissor-style nail clippers sized for small breeds, or a rotary grinding tool, should be used every two to three weeks. Pay special attention to the extra toes, which may not contact the ground and therefore do not wear down naturally.

Given the Norwegian Lundehund's predisposition to digestive issues, the choice of feeding equipment is more significant than it might seem at first glance. Slow-feeder bowls with ridges, mazes, or raised patterns force the dog to work around obstacles to reach its food, which naturally slows eating speed. Eating too quickly can lead to excess air ingestion, which compounds digestive discomfort in a breed already prone to gastrointestinal sensitivity.

Stainless steel remains the gold standard material for dog bowls. It is non-porous, resistant to bacterial buildup, dishwasher safe, and does not leach chemicals into food or water. Ceramic bowls are an acceptable alternative if they are lead-free and properly glazed, but they can chip over time, creating crevices where bacteria can harbor. Plastic bowls should generally be avoided, as they scratch easily, can harbor bacteria in surface abrasions, and some dogs develop contact allergies to certain plastics that manifest as chin acne or lip irritation.

Elevated feeders — bowls raised on a stand to approximately chest height — are sometimes recommended for dogs prone to digestive discomfort, though the evidence regarding their benefits is mixed. Some owners report that elevated feeding reduces the amount of air their Lundehund swallows during meals, while others see no difference. If you choose to use an elevated feeder, start with a modest height and observe your dog's eating posture and comfort level.

Water availability is critical, especially for Lundehunds on dry kibble diets. A large, stable water bowl that cannot be easily tipped should be accessible at all times. Some owners supplement with a circulating water fountain, which encourages increased water intake through the movement and freshness of the water. For travel or outdoor use, collapsible silicone bowls are lightweight, easy to pack, and simple to clean.

Traveling with a Norwegian Lundehund requires preparation that accounts for both the breed's escape artistry and its digestive needs. A crash-tested travel crate or carrier secured in the vehicle is the safest way to transport this breed. The crate should be large enough for the dog to stand and turn but snug enough to prevent excessive movement during sudden stops. Hard-sided carriers with secure metal latches are preferable to soft-sided options, which a determined Lundehund may unzip or chew through.

For air travel, check airline requirements well in advance. Most Lundehunds are small enough to fly in-cabin in an approved soft carrier that fits under the seat, which is far less stressful than cargo hold travel. Ensure the carrier meets the specific airline's dimensional requirements and that the dog is comfortable spending extended periods inside it. Practice at home by having the dog rest in the carrier for gradually increasing durations before the trip.

A travel kit for the Lundehund should include familiar food in pre-measured portions, a portable water supply, collapsible bowls, waste bags, a copy of vaccination records, and any medications or supplements the dog takes regularly. Because digestive upsets can be triggered by stress or dietary changes, bringing the dog's usual food from home rather than purchasing a new bag at the destination is an important precaution.

Car sickness affects some Lundehunds, particularly puppies and young adults. If your dog shows signs of nausea during car rides — drooling, panting, restlessness, or vomiting — speak with your veterinarian about management strategies. Conditioning the dog to car travel through short, positive trips and ensuring adequate ventilation in the vehicle can reduce symptoms over time. Feeding a small meal two to three hours before departure rather than immediately before travel also helps.

Identification is critically important for the Norwegian Lundehund given the breed's well-documented ability to escape from seemingly secure enclosures. A microchip is the most reliable form of permanent identification and should be implanted by your veterinarian during puppyhood. Ensure the microchip is registered with your current contact information and that the registration is kept up to date if you move or change phone numbers. A microchip is useless if the associated contact details are outdated.

In addition to a microchip, a visible ID tag attached to the dog's collar or harness provides immediate contact information to anyone who finds the dog without requiring a scanner. Tags should include the dog's name, your phone number, and your city or region. Some owners add a second line noting that the dog has special dietary needs, which can be helpful if the dog is found and temporarily housed by a stranger or shelter.

Reflective and LED-illuminated collar attachments or harness strips improve visibility during early morning and evening walks, which is important for any small, low-to-the-ground dog that may be difficult for motorists to see. Reflective gear is especially valuable in fall and winter when daylight hours are short and the Lundehund's natural coloring can blend into dim surroundings.

For owners in areas with wildlife risks — coyotes, birds of prey, or other predators that may target small dogs — protective vests designed to deter predator attacks are available. These vests feature spikes, stiff bristles, or Kevlar panels along the back and neck. While not necessary in all environments, they provide an added layer of safety for Lundehunds that spend time in rural or semi-wild settings where encounters with predators are a realistic possibility.

The Norwegian Lundehund's double coat provides substantial natural protection against cold, but certain seasonal conditions may still call for supplemental gear. In extreme cold or during prolonged outdoor exposure, a fitted waterproof jacket that covers the torso without restricting leg or shoulder movement can keep the undercoat dry and maintain body warmth. Look for jackets with adjustable chest and belly straps that accommodate the Lundehund's specific proportions without riding up or shifting during movement.

Paw protection is relevant in both winter and summer. In winter, road salt and chemical de-icers can irritate the paw pads and cause discomfort if ingested during grooming. Dog boots designed for winter use protect the paws from chemical exposure and cold surfaces, though many Lundehunds resist wearing them initially. Acclimating the dog to boots gradually — starting with short indoor sessions and rewarding tolerance — improves acceptance over time. Paw wax is an alternative for dogs that absolutely refuse boots, providing a barrier layer against salt and ice.

In summer, hot pavement can burn paw pads within seconds. A simple test — placing the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds — determines whether the surface is safe for your dog's paws. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for the dog. Lightweight mesh cooling vests that are soaked in water and evaporate to lower body temperature can help the Lundehund stay comfortable during warm-weather outings.

Rain gear is practical for dogs and owners in wet climates. A lightweight waterproof coat keeps the Lundehund's dense undercoat from becoming saturated during walks, which reduces drying time at home and minimizes the wet-dog smell that accompanies a soaked double coat. Choose rain gear with reflective accents for added visibility in overcast and rainy conditions, and ensure the fit allows the dog to eliminate comfortably without soiling the garment.