Norwegian Lundehund Weight & Calorie Guide

The Norwegian Lundehund is a truly unique breed — originally used to hunt puffins on cliff faces along the Norwegian coast. They possess extraordinary physical adaptations: six toes on each foot, the ability to rotate their front legs 90 degrees, and the ability to tip their head backward to touch their spine. This rare breed has an extremely high incidence of Lundehund Syndrome, a group of gastrointestinal disorders causing protein-losing enteropathy and malabsorption. Excess weight worsens nutrient absorption issues and places stress on their unusually flexible joints.

Exercise: Lundehunds need 30–45 minutes of daily exercise — walks, play, and exploration. They are agile and curious climbers who enjoy navigating varied terrain. They are small but surprisingly athletic. Supervise outdoor time — their small size makes them vulnerable to predators. They enjoy puzzle toys and agility at a miniature scale.

Feeding tips: This is the most critical area for the breed — feed a highly digestible, low-fat diet in small, frequent meals. Many Lundehunds require prescription gastrointestinal diets. Work closely with a veterinarian to manage Lundehund Syndrome through diet. Avoid high-fat foods entirely. Supplements may include probiotics and digestive enzymes.

Keeping your Norwegian Lundehund at a healthy 13–18 lbs (6–8 kg) supports their fragile digestive system. Use PawScale's calorie calculator for Norwegian Lundehunds to set exact daily limits, check body condition with our BCS assessment tool, and build a balanced meal plan with the feeding guide.