Norwegian Lundehund vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison

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 Chi-Pom or Chiapom comes from mixing the Pomeranian and the Chihuahua, and both these dogs are toy breeds and known as companion dogs.

These little dogs each have their own individual histories, but but being a cross breed, the Chi-Pom’s history isn’t well documented particularly well.

Nobody seems to know precisely when this new dog breed came into being, but they were first bred in the United States.

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.

Temperament:

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.

The Chi-Pom or Chiapom isn’t a pure bred dog, but a cross between the Chihuahua and the Pomeranian. This toy breed’s coat can be shortish like the Chihuahua or feathery and medium to long like with the Pomeranian, and the coat will be soft and shiny.

He has pointed ears, much like a fox, and the long tail is carried upward and curls over the back. The coat can be a solid color such as white, tan, cream, fawn, brown or gray, with the most common color being light brown.

If he takes more after the Pomeranian, he may need to have his hair cut. The typical Pomchi dog’s head is more round that the Pomeranian but with the narrow muzzle. The eyes are large and dark.

The Chiapom is a small dog that measures just 15 – 25cm in height and weighs between 2 and 8kg.

Temperament:

Pomchis are intelligent and inquisitive, having a temperament which comes from either of the two breeds which are quite similar.You’re definitely going to have an entertaining little dog, one who is energetic, curious and alert.

He isn’t a good choice with small children as he gets nervous and aggravated when handled improperly. Nervous and hurt, he may nip and then often he gets the blame, whereas he just shouldn’t have to put up with small children.

He loves to be in the company of his human family who treat him well, and he doesn’t like to be left alone. He is an intelligent little dog and is eager to learn. Therefore, even though he is small, training and socialization will be good for him and give him an even more amicable disposition.

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.

Crossing two breeds of dog is the in-thing these days, and its not surprising that lovers of small breed dogs would think to mix the Chihuahua and the Pomeranian.

The Chiapom is affectionate, playful and good-natured with their human family. They are full of personality, are spunky and brave, believing they can protect their families. He may be too frail for this but he alerts you to danger with his barking.

With the Chiapom, you’re going to have an awesome little friend who will stand by you in thick and thin.

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.

Being a cross bred, the Chiapom will be healthier than the purebred Chihuahua or Pomeranian. He is full of personality, but sometimes he can have his fair share of doggy troubles too.

He is more prone to injuries just because he gets under your feet all the time. We look at one or two health issues with this small breed that you should be aware of -

Pancreatitis:

This is an ailment which can be found in all dogs but it occurs more in smaller dogs. An inflamed pancreas from trauma, infection or a metabolic disorder can mean your little dog vomiting, being uncomfortable with stomach pain and shivering.

Tracheal Collapse:

This is a disease which involves the trachea which is also known as the windpipe. When the windpipe weakens, it becomes difficult to breath. Obesity in your pet as well as dust and kennel cough can contribute to this ailment.

Diet:

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 Pomchi is a small dog who is looked upon essentially as an indoors dog, so it is quite able to adapt to apartment living as he won’t require large doses of exercise.

With some stimulating toys, he is able to exert energy indoors and will love to chase a ball down the passage. He certainly won’t do well in cold weather and being left outdoors.

Grooming:

The Chiapom often has the longer hair of the Pomeranian so it becomes necessary to give your little dog a good brush twice a week for the hair to remain tangle-free and to keep it shiny and silky.

Be gentle though as he has very sensitive skin.

You’ll notice with your Pomchi that he could possibly have overactive tear ducts so that they have a discharge. A small damp cloth can be used to wipe his eyes.

Diet:

Small breed dogs often require more calories than larger dogs because of their higher metabolic rates. He is a small dog that will require all the right vitamins and minerals.

Commercial dog foods are certainly convenient, and the best quality ones contain the nutrients a dogs needs to remain health. It is always beneficial for your 4-legged friend if you can include some brown rice, a little bit of cooked chicken and vegetables in his diet. However, if you are uncertain about the nutrition requirements of your pet, speak to your vet and get help with a food that caters for your dog’s age, breed and activity levels.