The key turns in the door, the thump of shoes on tile is heard, and suddenly the howl of excitement fills the house; a furry, sprightly canine dashes toward the entrance, tail undulating with sheer joy. The daily homecoming hues become a carnival, all because of one nimble, quick-thinking household member – the Norwegian Lundehund. Can this fury joy trigger actually be the smartest dog breed in the world?
The pool of smart canine contenders is vast. There are champion Border Collies, precise German Shepherds, and other keen breeds. Yet, breaking away from the expected pedigree options, there is an unusual dog breed from Norway that is giving tough competition to the most recognized intelligent breeds. This breed, often overlooked in the world of dogs, might have an edge over others when it comes to intelligence.
If you’re ever caught in a game of trivial pursuit, here’s a piece of obscure knowledge that stands a high chance of winning you a round – the Norwegian Lundehund is the only dog known to possess six fully functional toes on each paw. Yes, six! While the genetic anomaly sounds eerie, in reality, it enhances their climbing skills, hence making them excellent puffin bird hunters.
Now getting back to the quest on the canine Einstein, let’s dive into the details. Before we begin siding with the widely acclaimed intelligent breeds like border collies or poodles, let’s explore why a Lundehund deserves to be in the running for being named the smartest dog.
In the icy terrains of Norway, where steep cliffs overlook relentless, furious seas, the Lundehund hailing from the village of Mostad, exhibited dexterity and agility mastering a peculiar trait – puffin hunting. In the 16th and 17th century, the hunting of Puffin birds for meat and feathers was a thriving trade, and the Lundehund was the champion at this task.
Their additional toes were not just for show; they had a crucial role in helping the Lundehund scale cliffs and chicken-wire like surfaces. These toes provided traction, making it easier for them to run down steep slopes and master difficult terrain.
While physically, their extraordinary flexibility and properties did help, the real game-changer was their ability to make smart decisions. Their exceptional problem-solving skills set them apart. Their ability to crane their heads 180 degrees backward, gain control over their ear movements and close it entirely to protect against dirt or moisture when hunting were demonstrative of their intelligence.
However, the breed’s intelligence is not just limited to their hunting antics. These dogs exhibit a sensible and friendly character in domestic settings too. They are highly adaptable, quick to learn new commands, and good at remembering them.
Like most dogs, Lundehunds want to please their humans. Therefore, they are motivated to learn and obey commands, not just for the rewards, but because they enjoy the interaction with their human companions. This earned them a high rank in Stanley Coren’s “The Intelligence of Dogs” in the working and obedience intelligence’s category.
Does owning a smart dog enrich one’s life? Indeed! Perhaps you’re thinking of getting a Norwegian Lundehund as a pet. Remember, like all intelligent beings, Lundehunds need engagement. They fancy mental stimulation and love being a part of all family happenings.
Remember to channel their intelligence positively, provide constructive activities to prevent boredom and to allow them to exert their energy meaningfully. Puzzle toys, agility exercises, obedience training, and fun tricks – mixing and matching activities will help keep your pup mentally sharp.
Raise your hand, pup parents, if you’ve ever used the phrase, “He’s too clever for his own good.” If handled without proper care and training, their smartness can indeed be their – and your – undoing. So, read up and be prepared to invest time and patience in nurturing and enjoying your smart canine companions.
When it comes to smart dogs, there is a common narrative that takes center stage. However, the Norwegian Lundehund surely gives a twist to the tale. An unsung hero, with its quirky toes and peculiar climbing skills, it shows that intelligence is not just about obedience and work tasks.
In conclusion, is the Norwegian Lundehund the smartest dog? Intelligence is subjective, especially when it comes to dogs. While the Norwegian Lundehund may not conform to the conventional definition of a smart dog, their unique abilities and sharp problem-solving skills argue for them a place in canine Mensa.
Whether they are the smartest or not, one thing is sure, they offer tons of love, companionship, and endless surprises. And who knows, you may find yourself admiring those extra toes – all six of them!
