MyDogBreeds
Norwegian Lundehund is originated from Norway but Askal is originated from Philippines. Norwegian Lundehund may grow 30 cm / 11 inches shorter than Askal. Norwegian Lundehund may weigh 20 kg / 44 pounds lesser than Askal. Both Norwegian Lundehund and Askal has almost same life span. Both Norwegian Lundehund and Askal has almost same litter size. Norwegian Lundehund requires Moderate maintenance. But Askal requires Low maintenance
The Norwegian Lundehund hails from the island of Vaeroy, Norway and was created for the purpose of puffin hunting.
Now that these puffins are a protected species, the dog is no longer used for hunting and has become a companion dog.
The breed decreased in numbers during- and after World War II because the islands where he came from had an outbreak of distemper. It was in 1963 that another outbreak occurred and the dogs were almost wiped out. A breeding program saw their numbers being built up.
It was in 2011 that the dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club.
The Askal is a native dog of the Philippines where until fairly recently it was viewed condescendingly. As strays they have been slaughtered and dished up at the dinner table. Fortunately, campaigns have been launched to protect the dogs. The Askal has existed in the Philippines for centuries but the actual origin of the dogs is unknown. Some people speculate about the dogs, saying they look like the Dingo and must have descended from Australia’s native dog.
PAWS which is an animal Rescue and Re-homing, non-profit group encourages the use of the term Aspin for the dog as opposed to Askal and has had campaigns to promote the Aspin as a wonderful, local pet – loyal, robust and intelligent. In fact the Aspin Club has now been formed to give the dogs a club of their own and to promote the local breed.
As a spitz-type dog, with the Lundehund you’ll recognize the typical spitz-dog characteristics – the erect ears and the tail that curves over the back.
He is a small to medium sized dog standing at 30 – 40cm and weighing 6 – 9kg. He is an active dog and is as agile as a fox.
He has a dense double coat which is white, reddish/tan with some black tips. He is a dog which sheds constantly.
Strangely this dog has 6 toes and his rear pads have elongated foot pads which have helped the dog be able to climb over rocks. He also has a flexible type of neck that is capable of craning back so that the head touches the spine. The dog has some unique features and wriggling in and out of small spaces is another of his characteristics. In fact he can do things that you would not imagine a dog could do.
When you have a Lundehund in your life you’ll agree he has a happy, amicable personality. He is non-aggressive.
He will require training and socialization as he is an independent dog who can be obstinate. He is quite aloof with strangers too and once he starts barking at them he tends to want to continue. Training him will put an end to that irritating behavior. He is a loving, loyal dog, enjoying the company of his human family.
Askals make awesome companions – intelligent and loving and their status is improving.
Askals are now being trained to be bomb and narcotics sniffing dogs and it seems as though there are talks about making the Askal the national dog of the Philippines. They’re smart enough to train and socialize if you train them with patience and kindness.
They are medium-sized, feisty dogs with fairly long thin legs with short dense coats of many different colours. With their long, pointed muzzles and good, strong teeth, their ear shapes vary too, as some have pricked ears, while others have one pricked and one floppy ear.
The Askal will make a good watch dogs and he is protective with hisr human family, getting on well with children in the home, loving their energy and games.
The Norwegian Lundehund isn’t your everyday dog and in fact he is known as a primitive breed. Perhaps he wouldn’t be the best dog to have if you’re a first-time dog owners as training is quite difficult too.
People who are willing to take a chance on him say that with training and socialization he can become a loving canine companion.
The Askal is an independent canine, street-smart and intelligent. He is a great pet for anyone who hasn't owned a pet before as he is low maintenance and undemanding.
The Askal is intelligent and you won't have trouble teaching him some tricks and socializing him. He gets on well with children in the home as well as with other pets and his loyalty and devotion will ensure that he makes one hang of a companion.
He is just your 'dog next door', has no hang-ups and is simple to please. Be patient and kind to him and you'll be rewarded by having an awesome best friend.
Your Askal is wanting to be your unconditional friend through thick and thin. His undemanding, low maintenance character will mean that you won't be running to the vet with him all the time. Look after him well, include him as a member of the family and in exchange you'll have a wonderful best friend.
The Lundehund is prone to digestive disorders but even so he has got a good chance of living to be 11, 12, 13 or 14 years of age with good care.
He is however, one of these dogs prone to health problems of which chronic intestinal disease is one. Its the kind of illness that can recur because it is resistant to treatment.
Experts on these dogs say that they should have a fecal test done every 6 months or so, saying that one thing a bit negative with this dog breed is that you may well be forking out quite a bit on chronic veterinary care.
Askals are healthy dogs because they are a mixed breed. The parents of a mongrel puppy have fewer genes in common than would be with a pure-bred mating. This is a distinct health advantage and mongrels are healthier and live longer than pure bred dogs. Street dogs have greater generic diversity and this gives them high resistance to many common dog illnesses.
The Askal is a tough, low maintenance dog that won’t cost you a lot of money in veterinary bills. Every Askal puppy will have to be taken to the vet to get his must-have vaccinations to protect him from killer dog diseases.
Like any other dog, the Norwegian Lundehund will do well on the best quality food. If you buy him commercially manufactured food, check the ingredients on the packaging. Lots of these lower quality foods are made from ingredients that are toxic for your pet, so buy a good quality one.
Buy food according to your dog’s age and activity levels. To make his meals more interesting, add in some delicious home prepared food for him. Stay away from spicy, exotic foods and go for something like boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables. Some raw meat added to the kibble from time to time can also do wonders for your pet as he requires a high-protein diet. Make sure he always has access to fresh, cool water.
Other ‘caring’ things to do to make sure your pet has a quality lifestyle is -
Brush his hair twice a week as he is a fairly heavy shedder. Not only does it keep the coat nice and shiny, it builds up a bond between you and your pet.
Check his ears and eyes regularly to make sure they are free from infection.
Clip his nails when they get long as your pet can hurt himself if the nails hook onto things.
Whenever he is ill, get him to the vet for a check-up.
Make sure he has a nice safe, dry, warm, snug place to sleep.
Keep him well exercised. A dog that is put into the backyard and more or less forgotten will be most miserable. Why get a pet if you don’t want to make him a 100% part of the family?
the Askal is a low shedder and to keep him in tip-top condition will require you brushing his shor-haired coat twice a week.
Askals dogs are native Philippine dogs and aren’t difficult to feed. While you want to give your Askal the best quality food possible, they are unlike pure breed pedigrees and their stomachs are far more resilient to disease causing organisms that may upset the stomach. Having such a robust dog as a pet will cost you less in dog food as they can tolerate cheaper quality foods and left over scraps from the family table. Make sure the food you toss to him is fresh as you don’t want to take his strong stomach for granted and risk him getting sick. If you’re able to provide your Askal with hone cooked food, rice, vegetables and meat will be perfect for this wonderful pet of yours. Feeding your Askal will depend on your budget, but that’s the beauty with the Askal – it’s a dog that every dog-lover can own because this isn’t an exotic, expensive dog. Make sure he always has access to a bowl of clean, cool water.
The Askal has always roamed the Phillipine streets. Every dog will require some form of exercising and the Askal is no different. Take him for walks or play ball games with him to ensure he is stimulated and made to feel part of the family.