I have spent years helping owners build simple grooming routines they will actually stick to, and the Norwegian Lundehund is a fun one to work with. This little Nordic breed has a thick double coat built for cold cliffs, plus a genuinely unusual body, including extra toes on each foot. Both features shape how you should groom it.
The good news is that the Lundehund is a fairly low maintenance breed in terms of coat care. It does not need clipping or fancy trims, just consistency. The areas that take a bit more attention are the polydactyl paws and the seasonal shedding. Below I will walk you through a complete home routine, the tools that make it easier, and the mistakes I see most often.
What You Will Need
Having the right tools on hand makes grooming faster and far less stressful for both of you. You do not need a salon’s worth of equipment for this breed, just a few good basics.
- A slicker brush for the topcoat and a metal comb to work through the dense undercoat
- An undercoat rake for heavy shedding season
- Dog-specific nail clippers or a nail grinder (you will trim more nails than usual on this breed)
- Styptic powder in case a nail is trimmed too short
- A gentle dog shampoo and a non-slip mat for the tub
- A vet-approved ear cleaner and cotton pads
- A dog toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste (never human toothpaste)
Step by Step: How to Groom a Norwegian Lundehund
Here is the full routine I recommend. You do not do every task every day. Brushing is frequent, baths are occasional, and nails and teeth fall in between.
Brush the coat thoroughly
Work from the skin outward in sections with the slicker brush, then follow with the comb to catch loose undercoat. Aim for weekly, increasing to several times a week during shedding season.
Trim all the nails, including the extra toes
This breed has at least six toes per foot, so count carefully. Trim small amounts every two to four weeks, stopping before the pink quick. Keep styptic powder nearby just in case.
Bathe only when needed
Wet the coat fully, lather a dog shampoo, and rinse until the water runs clear. Most Lundehunds need a bath only every one to two months. Dry thoroughly, especially the dense undercoat.
Check and clean the ears
Look inside the ears weekly. If you see wax or dirt, apply ear cleaner to a cotton pad and wipe the visible areas only. Never push anything into the canal.
Brush the teeth and inspect the paws
Brush teeth several times a week to support dental health. While handling the paws, check pads and the extra toes for debris, cracks, or matting between them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Never shave a double coat to keep your dog cool. The coat insulates against heat as well as cold, and shaving it can damage how it regrows and leave the skin exposed. Other common mistakes include bathing too frequently, which strips protective oils and dries the skin, skipping the extra toes during nail trims, and only brushing the surface instead of reaching down to the skin where mats actually form.
Another frequent issue is forgetting that nails grow on toes that do not always touch the ground. On a polydactyl breed especially, those higher toes can grow into a curl if ignored, so include every toe every time you trim.
Tips for Success
Keep sessions short and pair them with praise and a few small treats so your dog learns to enjoy handling. Start nail trims and ear checks early in life if you can. Brush in the same calm spot each time, and break the body into sections so it never feels like one long ordeal. A grooming routine that is gentle and predictable is one you will keep up with, and consistency is what keeps this coat healthy.
If your dog is nervous about nail trimming, a grinder used in short bursts is often less startling than clippers, and trimming one or two nails per day rather than all at once can take the pressure off.
When to Get Professional Help
Most Lundehund grooming is well within reach at home, but there are times to bring in a professional or your veterinarian. If you cannot keep nails at a comfortable length, a groomer or vet tech can trim them safely and show you the technique. Severe matting that you cannot work out gently is also a job best left to a professional rather than risking the skin.
See your veterinarian, not just a groomer, if you notice persistent ear odor, redness or discharge, itchy or flaky skin, hair loss, hot spots, or any lumps you find while brushing. These can signal infection, allergies, or other medical issues that grooming alone will not fix. If your dog ever ingests a grooming product or you suspect a toxic exposure, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
Safety note: Never shave a Norwegian Lundehund’s double coat, and always use dog-specific shampoos and toothpaste, since human products can irritate the skin or be toxic if swallowed.