Dog health

Norwegian Lundehund health problems and costs

The health issues a real source ties to the Norwegian Lundehund, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.

Last updated: October 2026 · 14 sources · see sources

Quick answerThe breed club and AKC point to 2 health issues to plan for: luxating patella and inherited eye disease. A typical vet bill for a giant dog runs $350 – $1,373.

Health problems linked to the Norwegian Lundehund

Conditions and what they can cost
ConditionWhat it isRelated costs
Luxating patella (slipping kneecap)Named by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1]The kneecap slips out of its groove. Mild cases may only cause an odd skip in the step; severe cases can need surgery. [2]Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [3]
Dog X-rays (owner bills): $130–$300 [4]
Inherited eye diseaseNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1]Breed clubs ask for regular exams by a veterinary eye specialist to catch inherited eye problems before they cause trouble. [5]Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [6]

Costs are national figures from our sourced cost guides, not breed-specific prices. Being on this list doesn't mean a pet will get the condition.

Here is how the AKC breed page puts it: The Lundehund is generally a healthy breed, and responsible breeders test their stock for health conditions such as patellar luxation and eye disorders. [1]

Health screening

The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1][7] If you are buying a puppy, it is fair to ask the breeder for the parents' results. OFA keeps a public database of many of them.

The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory lists 1 DNA health test for the Norwegian Lundehund, including Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [8] One health test costs $58 there. [9]

What to budget

For a giant dog like the Norwegian Lundehund, a typical vet bill runs $350 – $1,373 (median $607). [10]

Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Norwegian Lundehund at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,500. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 12–15 years and you get roughly $10,500–$22,200 over a lifetime, before inflation and before any major illness. The low end is the ASPCA's yearly cost of care; the high end adds one typical vet bill a year. [10][11] It's simple math on sourced figures, not a quote.

Insurance and savings

The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in the US in 2025. [12] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [13] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [14]

Prefer saving instead? Putting money aside each month works too; see insurance vs a savings fund.

Common questions

What health problems are common in the Norwegian Lundehund?

Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are luxating patella and inherited eye disease. That doesn't mean every Norwegian Lundehund will get them.

How much are vet bills for a Norwegian Lundehund?

Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For giant dogs, a typical vet bill runs $350 – $1,373 (median $607).

Should I get pet insurance for a Norwegian Lundehund?

It's a personal call. The average accident and illness policy was $836 a year in 2025 (NAPHIA). If you want it, enroll while your pet is young and healthy, because conditions found before enrollment are usually excluded.

What health tests should a Norwegian Lundehund breeder do?

The national breed club recommends: Patella Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. Ask to see the parents' results.

How long does a Norwegian Lundehund live?

The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12–15 years.

Norwegian Lundehund breed guideLuxating patella surgery cost for dogsSurgery and hospitalization costDiagnostics costPet insurance basicsHealth problems by breed

This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.

Sources (14) — tap to show
  1. AKC – Norwegian Lundehund breed page (with the national breed club)
  2. VCA – Luxating patella in dogs
  3. VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
  4. VetReceipt – Dog X-Ray Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  5. OFA – Eye certification
  6. VetReceipt – Dog Sick Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  7. OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
  8. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Norwegian Lundehund DNA tests
  9. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Dog DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
  10. VetReceipt – Dog breed vet costs by size
  11. ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
  12. NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
  13. RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
  14. VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)