Is that a corgie? Are they husky pups? Norwegian Lundewhat? Never heard of them. They look just like a fox! But they walk weird... And what are those things on her paws, don't you have to get those removed?
Reactions like these are not uncommon when going for a walk with Nyssa and Siv. And I can’t blame the people who say these things, two years ago I had never heard of a Norwegian lundehund myself either. Nor could I have predicted then that the lundehund would today be an important part of my life…

The lundehund, which takes its name from the lunde (puffinbird) is one of the world's rarest breed of dog not only because of its modest number, but also because in one and the same breed we find a whole series of unusual anatomical characteristics. Some of these characteristics are found, but only sporadically, in other breeds. The lundehund is rare but is also remarkable--what other breed of dog is marked by so many unusual characteristics? The lundehund has at least 6 toes on each foot; can close its ears so that the ear-canal is protected against dirt

and moisture; has neck-joints which enable it to bend the head backwards over the shoulders, so that the forehead touches the back--this is useful when the dog has to turn in a narrow passage. Furthermore, this dog has extremely mobile fore shoulder-joints, so that both front legs can stretch straight out to the sides.

Don't try this at home dogs, unless you're a lundie it will probably hurt!

It's hard to click on time for a clear photo, but here you see how a lundehund can close it's ears. They will do this to avoid getting their ears wet inside (for instance when I'm giving them a bath), but Nyssa and Siv do it a lot more often. I think it's to prevent hearing me (for instance when I'm calling them for a bath).

Above you can clearly see the extra toes that are so typical for a lundie.  Nope, Nyssa is not pushing back Siv's neck, but is looking jealously at her because she's getting a piece of cheese. And Siv is merely looking backwards to see where the cheese took off to.