Norwegian Lundehund — Housing & Enclosures

The Norwegian Lundehund is a small dog with a surprisingly large need for space and environmental complexity. Originally bred to hunt puffins along the rocky cliffs of northern Norway, this breed possesses extraordinary flexibility and athleticism that sets it apart from other small dogs. Lundehunds can bend their heads backward to touch their spine, fold their ears closed, and splay their six-toed feet in ways that give them exceptional climbing ability. These physical traits mean that standard containment strategies designed for small breeds may not be sufficient.

Indoors, the Lundehund does well in apartments and smaller homes provided it receives adequate daily exercise and mental stimulation. However, the breed's natural curiosity and climbing ability mean that vertical space matters as much as floor space. Lundehunds will readily climb onto furniture, shelving, and any elevated surface they can reach. Owners should anticipate this behavior and create a living environment that either accommodates or safely redirects it.

A dedicated space within the home where the Lundehund can retreat and rest is essential. This breed can be reserved and sometimes anxious around unfamiliar stimuli, so having a quiet den-like area provides a sense of security. Whether this is a crate, a covered bed, or a specific corner of a room, the dog should be able to access it freely throughout the day.

Outdoor space should be securely fenced with particular attention to gaps, low points, and climbable structures near the fence line. Lundehunds are known escape artists, and their flexible bodies allow them to squeeze through openings that would stop a similarly sized but less limber dog. A six-foot fence with a smooth surface and no horizontal rails to use as footholds is a reasonable starting point for secure outdoor containment.

Crate training is highly recommended for the Norwegian Lundehund, both as a housetraining tool and as a lifelong safe space. The ideal crate size for an adult Lundehund is typically a medium crate, roughly 30 inches in length, which provides enough room for the dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without being so large that it undermines the den-like feeling that makes crates effective.

Wire crates offer good ventilation and visibility, which many Lundehunds prefer. However, the breed's flexibility and problem-solving ability mean that some individuals can manipulate latches or squeeze through gaps in cheaper wire models. Invest in a crate with a secure, multi-point latch system and inspect the spacing between wires to ensure the dog cannot wedge its head or paws through. Some owners find that a solid-sided crate or a wire crate with a fitted cover works better for anxious dogs that benefit from reduced visual stimulation.

For travel, a crash-tested hard-sided kennel is the safest option. These kennels protect the dog in the event of a sudden stop or collision and also prevent the dog from accessing the vehicle cabin during transit. Ensure the kennel is properly ventilated and secured to the vehicle with straps or a seatbelt system designed for pet carriers.

Avoid using the crate as a punishment tool, as this undermines the positive association that makes crate training effective. The crate should always represent a safe, voluntary retreat. Most adult Lundehunds should not be crated for more than four to five hours at a stretch during the day, and the crate should be positioned in a part of the home where the dog can still feel connected to the household activity.

Norwegian Lundehunds appreciate beds that offer a sense of enclosure and warmth. Bolster beds with raised edges are popular with this breed because they allow the dog to curl up against a padded wall, mimicking the sheltered crevices where these dogs historically denned. Hooded or cave-style beds take this concept further and are excellent for Lundehunds that display burrowing behavior or seem restless in open sleeping arrangements.

Durability and washability are important practical considerations. The Lundehund's digestive sensitivities mean that occasional accidents are a reality for many owners, so a bed with a removable, machine-washable cover and a water-resistant inner liner is a wise investment. Avoid beds with small decorative elements, buttons, or zippers that could be chewed off and ingested, as foreign body ingestion poses a risk to any dog with a delicate gastrointestinal system.

Orthopedic beds with memory foam or supportive fill are a good choice for senior Lundehunds or those with joint issues. While the breed is generally hardy from a musculoskeletal standpoint, the added cushioning supports restful sleep and can help prevent calluses on pressure points. Elevated cot-style beds are another option, particularly in warmer climates, as they allow airflow beneath the dog and keep the sleeping surface cooler.

Placement of the sleeping area matters. Lundehunds tend to prefer spots where they can observe household activity without being in the middle of high-traffic zones. A quiet corner of the living room or bedroom often works well. Some owners provide multiple sleeping options throughout the home, allowing the dog to choose based on mood and time of day.

Outdoor enclosures for the Norwegian Lundehund require more forethought than those for most small breeds. The Lundehund's extraordinary flexibility and climbing prowess mean that traditional chain-link runs or low garden fences are often insufficient. Purpose-built outdoor kennels should feature smooth-sided panels at least five to six feet in height, with an inward-angled top or a fully enclosed roof to prevent climbing escapes.

The flooring of the enclosure deserves attention as well. Concrete pads are easy to clean but hard on joints, so adding rubber matting or outdoor-grade dog mats provides cushioning and insulation. Grass runs are comfortable but can become muddy and harbor parasites. A combination approach — a concrete or paver base near the shelter area with a grass or gravel section for elimination — gives the dog variety while keeping maintenance manageable.

Shade and shelter within the enclosure are non-negotiable. Even in temperate climates, direct sun exposure can lead to overheating, and rain or wind can make an unprotected enclosure uncomfortable quickly. A weatherproof dog house or covered section of the run should provide enough space for the dog to lie down fully and should be insulated if temperatures regularly drop below freezing.

Outdoor enclosures should supplement, not replace, indoor living and human interaction. The Lundehund is a social breed that bonds closely with its family, and prolonged isolation in an outdoor kennel can lead to anxiety, excessive barking, and escape attempts. Use outdoor enclosures for supervised play, sunbathing, and fresh air breaks rather than as a primary living space.

The Norwegian Lundehund carries a dense double coat developed over centuries in the subarctic climate of northern Norway. This coat provides excellent insulation against cold and wind, making the breed naturally well-suited to cooler environments. In cold climates, most Lundehunds thrive outdoors during winter activities and require minimal additional cold-weather gear beyond a dry, draft-free sleeping area indoors.

Heat tolerance is a more significant concern. The thick undercoat that protects against Norwegian winters can cause the dog to overheat in warm or humid conditions. During summer months or in warmer regions, ensure the Lundehund has access to air conditioning or well-ventilated indoor spaces during the hottest parts of the day. Outdoor time should be limited to early morning and evening hours when temperatures are lower.

Cooling products can help manage heat stress. Elevated mesh beds allow air to circulate beneath the dog, cooling mats filled with pressure-activated gel provide a chilled resting surface, and shallow wading pools give the dog an option to cool its paws and belly. Avoid shaving the double coat in an attempt to keep the dog cool, as the undercoat actually provides insulation against heat as well as cold, and shaving can damage the coat's natural texture and regrowth pattern.

In transitional seasons, the Lundehund will blow its undercoat, producing significant shedding over a period of several weeks. During this time, the dog's housing and bedding will accumulate loose fur rapidly. Choosing bedding materials and crate liners that are easy to shake out and launder frequently will make coat-blowing season more manageable for both dog and owner.

Norwegian Lundehunds can coexist peacefully with other dogs and pets, but their somewhat reserved and independent temperament means that introductions and living arrangements should be handled thoughtfully. In multi-dog households, each dog should have its own crate, bed, and feeding station to prevent resource guarding and reduce competition-related stress. The Lundehund's tendency toward shyness can make it a target for more assertive housemates if shared resources force confrontations.

When introducing a Lundehund to an existing pet household, gradual acclimation is key. Start with scent exchanges and visual introductions through a barrier before allowing supervised face-to-face contact. The Lundehund's prey drive is moderate but present, so caution is warranted around small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, or birds. Separate living areas with secure barriers are essential if the household includes small prey species.

Shared outdoor spaces should be large enough to allow each dog to establish its own territory and retreat when needed. Lundehunds that feel crowded or cornered may become anxious or defensive, so providing multiple entry and exit points in outdoor enclosures and play areas helps maintain a relaxed dynamic. Supervised group play sessions allow you to observe body language and intervene before tensions escalate.

Sleeping arrangements in multi-pet homes often work best when each animal has a designated spot that others are trained to respect. Some Lundehunds will happily share a large bed with a trusted companion, but this should be the dog's choice rather than a forced arrangement. Providing enough individual resting options ensures that every pet in the household can find a comfortable, stress-free place to relax.