Norwegian Buhund

Wheaten or black.

The Norwegian Buhund breed has a dense, double coat which is very weather resistant. The dog’s undercoat is thick and soft and his top coat hard and short.

Very dark.

With a square profile, this medium-sized Buhund dog has a wedge shaped head and a deep chest. The dog’s ears are pricked and he has a black nose. He carries his tail over the centre of his back, tightly curled. 

The Norwegian Buhund is very affectionate around his family, especially with the children, and loves to cuddle up on the sofa with them.

Even though this breed is fearless and brave, it is also a wonderful companion, who loves to romp at the park with the children. 

A gentle and calm dog.

Compared to some other Spitz-breed dogs, the Norwegian Buhund is less headstrong. However, he’s also very intelligent and may use this to suit his own needs.

The Buhund has a strong herding instinct which may show as chasing behaviours, after either children, cars or livestock. 

The majority of Norwegian Buhund dogs are rather wary around strangers.

This dog certainly has a very independent spirit, but is still willing to work with his master.

This dog prefers to be with his family both offering and demanding companionship. He doesn’t like being left alone during the daytime. 

Consistent, kind training is needed for the smart Norwegian Buhund. While he is certainly capable of learning many complex commands without problems, he requires an experienced trainer to deliver this training. 

The Norwegian Buhund has a high-pitched, rapid bark that can become annoying, especially when he uses it frequently. 

This is a dog that loves to work, so it’s important to keep the Buhund occupied. Likewise, he has a strong herding instinct that may cause him to chase after cars, other animals or children.

As a breed that loves to be around people, when left alone for long periods, it can become destructive, or may bark excessively. 

Not known to be a gluttonous breed.

With his very keen watchful attitude and senses, the Norwegian Buhund makes a marvellous alarm dog, although care must be taken to control his barking.

Providing you can meet this dog’s high energy requirements, and maintain his optimum mental and physical health, the Norwegian Buhund will make a good first dog. 

This dog is very active, and needs a lifestyle to reflect this. He also needs at least a small fenced-in outside space for him to run around. 

These dogs have been bred to herd and work outdoors for many hours at a time. Because of this, the Norwegian Buhund is a very energetic dog that needs vigorous exercise. He loves to go on all-day hikes, retrieve balls, run next to a bicycle and even participate in agility, tracking and obedience tasks. 

This is an active breed, who won’t take too kindly to travelling on public transport. He will tolerate short journeys in the rear of a vehicle. 

Because this dog is a herding breed, care must be taken around cats and other small pets, or he will give chase. 

A Norwegian Buhund is often fine with other dogs in the household, especially if they have been raised together. 

This is a trustworthy dog, especially around children. He makes a loving and pleasant addition to an active family home.

Even though he needs a large amount of daily exercise to meet his needs, the Buhund also makes an ideal companion pet for an elderly person.

Norwegian Buhunds shed their undercoats once or twice each year.

Generally a healthy dog breed, however as with many active dogs, he can suffer from hip dysplasia as well as hereditary eye conditions. His average life expectancy is 14 years.

A brave, bold, active and energetic dog breed.

As a native from Norway, the Buhund doesn’t do too well in warm temperatures, especially with his thick coat hair. 

The Norwegian Buhund certainly tolerates the cold weather without any issues. 

Some dogs are more prone to gaining weight, yet because of his high level of energy and need for vigorous exercise, this dog won’t become obese too easily. 

• Hip dyslasia
• Cataracts

The Norwegian Buhund dog is from the Spitz type of canines, of which there are many variations in coat colour and size. The dog’s ancestors are from the Viking period. Indeed, remains of 6 mummified dogs were found in an excavation in Gokstad in Norway. It’s understood that the Vikings took their dogs on travels with them, and when they died, their dogs and other special possessions were buried right next to them in a tomb. The Norwegian Buhund was then used over many regions in Norway as a herding and working dog, a practice which continues to this day.