Portraits of popular breeds at home and abroad: Norwegian Lundehund
These special dogs were bred and raised specifically for hunting of puffins and guillemots (water birds). For this reason, they have several very specific and for their purpose very practical physical deviations. For example, they have extremely flexible neck so they can turn their head to their back. They can also close their auditory canals so water or clay couldn’t enter it. Also, they have more fingers on their paws as the only breed – they have 6 fingers and 8 finger pads. They used all of them to stick to rocky reefs when hunting puffins. Thanks to loose ligaments in shoulder joints they can spread their legs so much that they lean on ground with their chest.
These special dogs were bred and raised specifically for hunting of puffins and guillemots (water birds). For this reason, they have several very specific and for their purpose very practical physical deviations. For example, they have extremely flexible neck so they can turn their head to their back. They can also close their auditory canals so water or clay couldn’t enter it. Also, they have more fingers on their paws as the only breed – they have 6 fingers and 8 finger pads. They used all of them to stick to rocky reefs when hunting puffins. Thanks to loose ligaments in shoulder joints they can spread their legs so much that they lean on ground with their chest.
All these physical abnormalities helped these dogs hunt birds in their burrows. Today, they are only used socially. Breeders greatly appreciate their energetic temperament, vigilance and protective tendencies and also nice and adaptable nature. They love loud barking so even though they like strangers, the strangers (especially neighbours :)) don’t have to like them. Yet, this is a great family dog, sociable and cuddly. They come back on call and assist their masters with everything. They don’t tend to attack except for bird nests which is understandable considering their history.
When upbringing a norwegian lundehund, the best for them is kind treatment. They also need enough activity in order not to get bored and disobey. They are intelligent, very active and vulpine. But they can also be quite stubborn and headstrong. Even though it is a resistant breed that can live outdoors all year, these dogs like to laze about at home.
This breed is really small. They weigh around 5 to 7 kilograms and aren’t usually taller than 38 centimetres. Have you ever been lucky and seen a norwegian lundehund? Its physical skills are worth seeing in person, you can hardly imagine a dog doing split.
Allegedly, fast is instinctively practised by both wolfs and wild dogs. This has led many people to that assumption, that our dog on the couch should, once in a while, be fasting as well. A wild animal surely knows what it is doing, nature is wise, you...
In this cycle, we will get to know interesting dog personalities. Dogs play an important role in our life, so let us take a look what they have already achieved during our life together. We should find Hachiko in the dictionary next to the phrase...
Markéta is my long-time friend. We got to know each other through a shelter, from which I took my first dog and where I then started to help out. Under this association, Markéta runs a depository for cats in Prague, where I like to go when I have a bit...
Have you ever wondered how much movement is healthy for your dog and when it can be harmful? Or that not every movement is beneficial? Most dog owners never think about this. It’s said that the more you move, the better. But this is not always true.
As I mentioned in previous articles, I occasionally help out my friend Markéta, who runs a cat shelter. I had the opportunity to take part in several humane trappings for stray cats and would like to share the experience with you today.
Did you know that even your pet dog can suffer from depression? As with people, we shouldn’t underestimate the mental state of our dogs. How to recognize it and what to do about it?
In this cycle, we shall take a look at how cats and dogs are getting along in the world. Where people nurture and spoil them, or on the contrary they suffer and their situation is critical. Today I would like to introduce you to the cats of Greece,...
The approach of warm sunny days will surely entice many people to go for long walks. Many of us take our four-legged companions on vacation. It’s during these times that we should be careful about sunstroke, both for us and our dogs. How can we prevent...
Just like with people, being overweight can have a negative impact on a dog’s health. Preparing the right diet and amount of food to give them can sometimes be, however, like pure alchemy, and so your dog can start to become obese. If this is the case...
There seems to be more and more ticks year after year. Fortunately, the ways to protect our furry friends, whether dogs or cats, against these parasites are growing. Everyone can choose what product fits best for them and their four-legged companions.
Until recently skinny guinea pigs were relatively rare in our country. Word about them is quickly spreading, however, and they have become a sudden hit among breeders. What’s it like having these guinea pigs and what do they like to eat?
The kidneys perform one of the most important functions in the body - cleaning the blood. Due to their small intake of water, cats are more burdened than other animals and therefore suffer quite often from kidney problems the older they get.