Russian Hound vs Norwegian Lundehund - Breed Comparison

There are sportsmen and hunters who appreciate the versatile Russian Hound. The Russian Hound has been a popular working breed in its homeland for a long time as it is an ancient dog breed.

This is an ancient dog breed, being developed by crossing common hunting dogs with indigenous ovcharkas and Laikas. Later European hunting dogs were also introduced into the mix.

The dogs numbers have declined but were later revived in the late 1800s. The first breed standard for the Russian Hound was created in 1896. Known as the Russkaya Gontchaya, this tough dog is still popular in all parts of Russia.

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 Russian Hound is a medium to large sized dog. He stands at roughly 62 – 67cm in height and weighs roughly 36 to 45kg. The dog however is available in a number of different sizes.

The coat is fairly short and dense, becoming fuller in Winter. The coat color is fawnish with a darker brown, blackish saddle on the back. The paws have some white markings. The eyes are medium length and the tail is long and held down.

Temperament:

The Russian Hound is a peaceful, calm dog, not making a fuss around strangers, but accepting them well. He may be calm, but he is independent and strong willed.

Training and socialization will be good for him, making him obedient and well mannered.

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.

Everybody wants a peaceful, loving dog that can be a good pet and companion without causing a lot of trouble. The Russian hound is a peaceful, loving, loyal dog who is going to make any family a wonderful 4-legged fried.

He can adapt to life in the city or the countryside so long as he is given a good loving home and plenty of exercise.

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 Russian Hound is a healthy breed. Nonetheless even the healthiest dog breeds can become ill.

Good food, exercise and lots of love and attention can ensure a long life for him.

However every dog can have one of the many common dog illnesses there are. Toothache can be a serious problem for your pet because if you don’t look in his mouth you won’t be able to tell if he has a bad, painful tooth.

Dogs can also break their teeth, causing sharp, jutting pieces which cut the gums. They can also get gum disease. Plaque can cause a whole lot of bacteria in your pets mouth. With the increase in bacteria, your dog’s health problems increase too. It is imperative to look in your pets mouth and speak to your vet about canine dental maintenance.

Eye Infections:

Eye infection are a common problem with dogs, and an eye infection can be from allergies. Yellow pus can indicate an infection. It is best to speak to your vet because some eye infections can lead to blindness if left untreated.

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.

Exercise:

As a hunting dog, you will need to ensure your Russian Hound gets enough exercise. He will love his walks with you but will want to be let off his leash when in the park. He loves the opportunity to run free. Games at home in the garden will also be good for this large dog.

General Care:

Provide your pet with a nice, warm, dry sleeping area.

Make sure your pet’s vaccines are up to date.

Have your dog neutered or spayed to prevent unplanned puppies.

Grooming:

Groom your Russian Hound by brushing him twice a week.

Check him over for lumps while brushing him.

Check inside his ears for signs of redness.

Trim his nails.

Look at his eyes and make sure they are clear with no signs of discharge.

Check inside the mouth for rotten or bad teeth as this can cause tremendous pain and also cause toxins to get into the bloodstream.

Diet:

The Russian Hound relies on vitamin and mineral enriched food. The best commercially manufactured dog foods can provide this. These foods are wonderfully convenient. Try not to give your dog dry kibble day after day, but vary it twice a week with some home-made food.

Simply add into one big pot chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. This food can all be chopped up and added in to the dry kibble twice a week. It is wonderfully tasty for your your canine friend. Dogs thrive on simple, consistent meals. Ty and add some raw meat to his food occasionally.

Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

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?