Norwegian Buhund

The Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized Spitz breed known for their agility and alertness. They have a thick coat and wedge-shaped head, and originally used for herding and guarding livestock.

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Norwegian Buhund Breed overview

The Norwegian Buhund is an intelligent and active breed that makes a great pet for families who enjoy outdoor activities. They have a friendly and loyal disposition, making them excellent family dogs. However, they do require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. The breed is adaptable to different living environments, but may become anxious if left alone for long periods of time. Early socialization and positive reinforcement training can teach them how to properly interact with unfamiliar people and dogs. They are a versatile breed that excels at herding, guarding, and agility work.

Height:
16-18 inches
Weight:
26-40 lbs
Life expectancy:
12-15 years

What To Expect When Caring For a Norwegian Buhund

Nutrition

The Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized breed that should be fed a high-quality diet appropriate for their age, activity level, and health.

Feeding a healthy and balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs can help maintain their overall health and provide the energy they need for their active lifestyle.

Owners should monitor their Buhund's weight and adjust their feeding as necessary to prevent obesity, which can lead to a host of health problems.

Grooming

The Norwegian Buhund's dense double coat is relatively easy to care for, and requires weekly brushing to keep it clean and tangle-free.

During shedding season, they may require more frequent brushing to manage shedding. Regular nail trims, teeth brushing, and ear cleaning are also important for maintaining their overall health.

Training

The Norwegian Buhund is an intelligent and trainable breed that responds well to positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and play.

They are quick learners, but may become bored or distracted if training sessions are too long or repetitive. Consistency, patience, and using positive reinforcement methods can help create a happy and obedient pet.

Early socialization is key to ensuring that the Buhund develops into a well-behaved and confident adult dog.

Health

The Norwegian Buhund is generally a healthy breed, with a life expectancy of 12-15 years.

Like all breeds, they may be prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, eye diseases, and allergies. Regular veterinary checkups, a healthy diet, and plenty of exercise can help maintain a happy and healthy pet.

Exercise

The Norwegian Buhund is a high-energy breed that requires at least 30-60 minutes of daily exercise to prevent boredom and unhealthy weight gain.

They are ideal for families that enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking and jogging. Interactive play sessions and obedience or agility training can also provide mental stimulation and exercise.

A lack of proper exercise can lead to behavioral issues such as destructiveness and excessive barking.

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Norwegian Buhund Traits & Characteristics

The Norwegian Buhund is a square and compact Spitz breed, with a wedge-shaped head and erect ears. They have a medium-length double coat that is weather-resistant, and a curled tail that rests on their back.

The breed comes in a range of colors, including wheaten, black, and wolf-sable. Male dogs typically stand 17-18.5 inches tall at the shoulder, while females stand 16-17.5 inches.

According to the AKC breed standard, the Norwegian Buhund should be lively and agile, with a friendly and fearless disposition.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

As a herding dog, the Norwegian Buhund is very loyal and loving towards its owners. Their high energy levels make them suitable to families that engage in outdoor activities together. They enjoy being close to their humans, which makes them excellent family dogs.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

The Norwegian Buhund is great with children. Their playful nature and active lifestyle make them excellent playmates for kids. They are patient and gentle, which makes them ideal pets for families with children.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The Norwegian Buhund is generally friendly and social towards other dogs. However, they can have a high prey drive and may chase small animals like cats or squirrels when not properly trained.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The Norwegian Buhund can be reserved with strangers. Early socialization is important to teach them how to properly interact with unfamiliar people. They are generally not aggressive, but may bark to alert their owners of strangers.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

The Norwegian Buhund is a very playful dog. They have a high energy level and require regular exercise and playtime. They enjoy activities like fetching, hiking, and swimming, which make them great companions for active families.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

The Norwegian Buhund is an alert dog that makes a great watchdog. They are quick to alert their owners of any potential danger or intruders. This makes them a great choice for people who desire a dog to protect their home and family.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

The Norwegian Buhund is adaptable to different living environments, but requires regular exercise and playtime. They may become destructive and anxious if they are not given enough physical and mental stimulation.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

The Norwegian Buhund has a double coat that sheds moderately year-round. They require regular brushing to keep their coat healthy and shiny. This breed is not hypoallergenic and may not be suitable for people with dog allergies.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

The Norwegian Buhund has a thick double coat that requires regular maintenance. They should be brushed weekly to prevent mats and tangles. This breed is not suitable for people who desire a low maintenance pet.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The Norwegian Buhund is not a heavy drooler. They have a relatively dry mouth and produce minimal drool. This makes them a great pet for people who desire a clean dog.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

The Norwegian Buhund is a medium sized breed that can weigh between 26-40 pounds and stand 17-18 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a compact and muscular build that makes them agile and quick.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

The Norwegian Buhund is a high energy dog that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation. They enjoy activities like hiking, running, and playing. This makes them a great pet for active people or families.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The Norwegian Buhund is a high energy breed that requires regular exercise and playtime. They enjoy activities like hiking, running, and swimming. Owners should be prepared to give their Buhund at least an hour of exercise each day.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

The Norwegian Buhund is a versatile breed that excels at herding, guarding, and agility work. They are intelligent and loyal, making them excellent working dogs. They enjoy having a job to do and thrive when given tasks to complete.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The Norwegian Buhund does not have a strong natural hunting instinct. They may enjoy scent games or tracking activities, but are not typically used for hunting activities.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

The Norwegian Buhund is a physically fit and athletic breed that has a high level of stamina and endurance. They can keep up with their owners during outdoor activities like hiking, running, and swimming.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

The Norwegian Buhund is generally a healthy breed. They may be prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia or eye problems. Regular vet checkups and exercise can help prevent certain health issues.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The Norwegian Buhund may be prone to obesity if not given enough exercise and a healthy diet. Owners should monitor their Buhund's weight and give them regular exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The Norwegian Buhund is a cold weather breed that can tolerate chilly temperatures. They have a thick double coat that keeps them warm in cold weather conditions.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The Norwegian Buhund is not a heat tolerant breed. They require shade and water to keep cool in hot weather conditions. Owners should be cautious and not over-exercise their Buhund in hot weather.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The Norwegian Buhund is an active breed that requires regular exercise and playtime. They are not suitable for apartment living and require a large yard or open space to run and play.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The Norwegian Buhund has a tendency to wander or roam. A secure fence or leash are recommended to prevent them from wandering off.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

The Norwegian Buhund is a sensitive breed that requires positive reinforcement training methods. They may become anxious if scolded or exposed to negative feedback. Patience and consistency are key for training this breed.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The Norwegian Buhund may become destructive or anxious if left alone for long periods of time. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

The Norwegian Buhund may bark to alert its owners of strangers or potential danger. However, they are generally not excessive barkers. Early training can teach them to control their barking behavior.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The Norwegian Buhund is an intelligent dog that requires mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They enjoy activities that challenge their minds, like obedience training or agility courses.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

The Norwegian Buhund is generally easy to train and makes a great pet for new or inexperienced dog owners. They are loyal, intelligent, and eager to please their owners.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

The Norwegian Buhund is an intelligent dog that is eager to please its owners. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods and consistency. This breed is generally easy to train, but may have a stubborn streak at times.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

As a herding dog, the Norwegian Buhund is very loyal and loving towards its owners. Their high energy levels make them suitable to families that engage in outdoor activities together. They enjoy being close to their humans, which makes them excellent family dogs.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

The Norwegian Buhund is great with children. Their playful nature and active lifestyle make them excellent playmates for kids. They are patient and gentle, which makes them ideal pets for families with children.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

The Norwegian Buhund is generally friendly and social towards other dogs. However, they can have a high prey drive and may chase small animals like cats or squirrels when not properly trained.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

The Norwegian Buhund can be reserved with strangers. Early socialization is important to teach them how to properly interact with unfamiliar people. They are generally not aggressive, but may bark to alert their owners of strangers.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

The Norwegian Buhund is a very playful dog. They have a high energy level and require regular exercise and playtime. They enjoy activities like fetching, hiking, and swimming, which make them great companions for active families.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

The Norwegian Buhund is an alert dog that makes a great watchdog. They are quick to alert their owners of any potential danger or intruders. This makes them a great choice for people who desire a dog to protect their home and family.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

The Norwegian Buhund is adaptable to different living environments, but requires regular exercise and playtime. They may become destructive and anxious if they are not given enough physical and mental stimulation.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

The Norwegian Buhund has a double coat that sheds moderately year-round. They require regular brushing to keep their coat healthy and shiny. This breed is not hypoallergenic and may not be suitable for people with dog allergies.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

The Norwegian Buhund has a thick double coat that requires regular maintenance. They should be brushed weekly to prevent mats and tangles. This breed is not suitable for people who desire a low maintenance pet.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

The Norwegian Buhund is not a heavy drooler. They have a relatively dry mouth and produce minimal drool. This makes them a great pet for people who desire a clean dog.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

The Norwegian Buhund is a medium sized breed that can weigh between 26-40 pounds and stand 17-18 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a compact and muscular build that makes them agile and quick.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

The Norwegian Buhund is a high energy dog that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation. They enjoy activities like hiking, running, and playing. This makes them a great pet for active people or families.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The Norwegian Buhund is a high energy breed that requires regular exercise and playtime. They enjoy activities like hiking, running, and swimming. Owners should be prepared to give their Buhund at least an hour of exercise each day.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

The Norwegian Buhund is a versatile breed that excels at herding, guarding, and agility work. They are intelligent and loyal, making them excellent working dogs. They enjoy having a job to do and thrive when given tasks to complete.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

The Norwegian Buhund does not have a strong natural hunting instinct. They may enjoy scent games or tracking activities, but are not typically used for hunting activities.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

The Norwegian Buhund is a physically fit and athletic breed that has a high level of stamina and endurance. They can keep up with their owners during outdoor activities like hiking, running, and swimming.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

The Norwegian Buhund is generally a healthy breed. They may be prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia or eye problems. Regular vet checkups and exercise can help prevent certain health issues.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

The Norwegian Buhund may be prone to obesity if not given enough exercise and a healthy diet. Owners should monitor their Buhund's weight and give them regular exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

The Norwegian Buhund is a cold weather breed that can tolerate chilly temperatures. They have a thick double coat that keeps them warm in cold weather conditions.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

The Norwegian Buhund is not a heat tolerant breed. They require shade and water to keep cool in hot weather conditions. Owners should be cautious and not over-exercise their Buhund in hot weather.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

The Norwegian Buhund is an active breed that requires regular exercise and playtime. They are not suitable for apartment living and require a large yard or open space to run and play.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

The Norwegian Buhund has a tendency to wander or roam. A secure fence or leash are recommended to prevent them from wandering off.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

The Norwegian Buhund is a sensitive breed that requires positive reinforcement training methods. They may become anxious if scolded or exposed to negative feedback. Patience and consistency are key for training this breed.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

The Norwegian Buhund may become destructive or anxious if left alone for long periods of time. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

The Norwegian Buhund may bark to alert its owners of strangers or potential danger. However, they are generally not excessive barkers. Early training can teach them to control their barking behavior.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

The Norwegian Buhund is an intelligent dog that requires mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They enjoy activities that challenge their minds, like obedience training or agility courses.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

The Norwegian Buhund is generally easy to train and makes a great pet for new or inexperienced dog owners. They are loyal, intelligent, and eager to please their owners.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

The Norwegian Buhund is an intelligent dog that is eager to please its owners. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods and consistency. This breed is generally easy to train, but may have a stubborn streak at times.

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History of the Norwegian Buhund

The Norwegian Buhund originated in Norway, and is a breed that has been used for centuries as a all-purpose farm dog. Bred to herd and guard livestock, they were also kept as companions and hunting dogs.

During World War II, the breed nearly became extinct, but was saved by a group of dedicated breeders who worked to preserve the breed's genetic diversity.

Today, the Norwegian Buhund is a popular companion and working dog in Norway and other countries around the world.

Norwegian Buhund Puppies

Norwegian Buhund puppies are typically energetic and social, and should be socialized early on to ensure they grow into well-behaved and confident adults.

They are intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement training techniques, and should be trained with consistency and patience.

As with all breeds, early and continuous socialization, training, and attention to their physical and mental health are key to having a well-adjusted and happy pet.