Telomian vs Norwegian Lundehund - 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 Telomian, out of Malaysia is rare and the only dog bred in Malaysia that lives outside the country. The breed was originally called Village dog or Anjing Kampung in Malay. The Telo is still considered one of the rarest dogs in the world. They are considered as a possible missing link between the Australian Dingo and the African Basenji.

They were bred to kill vermin by indigenous people, the Orang Asli of Malasia. They have an amazing ability to climb bred into them because these indigenous people lived in stilt houses. Even as they kept the Theomian to hunt vermian, the Orang Asli believed dogs were evil spirits who would eventually turn on them.

In 1963, Dr. Orville Elliot, an anthropologist from the West, discovered the breed and named them the Telomian for the Telom River they lived near. He took a pair to the United States and by 1970 there was a Telomian Dog Club in the U.S. By 1973 another pair had been imported and it is thought that all the Telomians who live in the United States today are descendants of these two pairs.

Like the New Guinea Singing Dog and the Basenji, the Telo do not bark but rather have a unique howl. Being bred from wild dogs, the Telo is not fully domesticate and puppies need a lot of socialization. The Telomian is on the Dog Registry of America Inc and America’s Pet Registry but is not recognized by any pedigree registry.

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.

This is a somewhat unique looking breed. They are small dogs, sturdy, athletic dogs with short coat, a square body and a long back. Their coat is smooth and sable and the ticking is white. They often have black masks and purple tongues. They are about 15-18 inches in height and weigh about 18-28 pounds. Their head is well proportioned and they have erect ears, almond shaped eyes and deep chests.

The Telo is still so undomesticated that the female only comes into estrus once a year in September to October. They have great command of their paws and can use them more like cats or racoons. They climb with them and hold toys, objects or food in them. This is related to their need to climb since homes were built on stilts in the jungles of Malaysia.

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.

1Childrn friendliness - yes but high energy

2.Special talents – climbing ability, use of their paws, able to hunt their own food.

3.Adaptability – they are not big so you would think apartment living would be ok but because of their energy and prey drive they really need a place to run.

4.Learning ability - Very intelligent, needs stimulation, and mental games

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.

This is a somewhat unique looking breed. They are small dogs, sturdy, athletic dogs with short coat, a square body and a long back. Their coat is smooth and sable and the ticking is white. They often have black masks and purple tongues. They are about 15-18 inches in height and weigh about 18-28 pounds. Their head is well proportioned and they have erect ears, almond shaped eyes and deep chests.

The Telo is still so undomesticated that the female only comes into estrus once a year in September to October. They have great command of their paws and can use them more like cats or racoons. They climb with them and hold toys, objects or food in them. This is related to their need to climb since homes were built on stilts in the jungles of Malaysia.

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?

This is an isolated, rare breed with very few known genetic health issues. They tend to be very healthy and athletic if well cared for and fed properly. The only issues they are known to have throughout the breed are hip and elbow dysplasia. Both of these issues we know can lead to arthritis and or lameness. Individual dogs may face other challenges such as allergies and obesity, but as a breed they are extremely healthy, much as the dingo and other wild dogs remain healthy.

Don’t overfeed them and watch what they might eat or try to eat when outside. They are used to feeding themselves in the wild and the domesticated dogs retain that prey drive and desire to eat what they catch.