Norwegian Buhund

Other names : Norsk Buhund, Norwegian Sheepdog

The name of this dog, the Buhund, is taken from the Norwegian word “Bu” which means a simple mountain hut or a homestead. This is the building where a shepherd would tend his herd. The Norwegian Buhund is a herding dog, but he also has a playful nature. He needs a great deal of daily exercise and mental stimulation. This breed does very well at agility classes as they are a great outlet for his enthusiasm and energy.

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Life expectancy	The Norwegian Buhund has a life expectancy of between 13 and 15 years
Temperament	Affectionate Playful Intelligent
Size	Medium
Adult size	Female Between 16 and 18 in Male Between 17 and 19 in
Adult weight	Female Between 26 and 35 lb Male Between 31 and 40 lb
Coat colour	Black Sand
Type of coat	Short Hard
Eye colour	Brown
Purchase price	The Norwegian Buhund costs between £500 and £1000

Good to know

The Norwegian Buhund breed excels at many canine activities and in their working roles. Although not too many of these dogs are used as herding dogs, they are also put to use as assistance dogs. They are also an excellent dog for canine sport competitions. If you intend to keep your dog purely as a domestic pet, you must remember that he needs to take part in sports and activities to challenge both his physical and mental health. He needs lots of outdoor exercise and long energetic walks too.

More details about the Norwegian Buhund

Norwegian Buhund: Origins and history

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.

Physical characteristics of the Norwegian Buhund

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.

FCI classification of the Norwegian Buhund

Group 5 - Spitz and primitive types
Section 3 : Nordic Watchdogs and Herders

Norwegian Buhund: Characteristics

Very affectionate

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

Very playful

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

More or less calm

A gentle and calm dog.

High intelligence

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.

Moderate prey drive

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

Moderately fearful of strangers

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

Moderately independent

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

Norwegian Buhund: Behaviour

Can't tolerate being left alone

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

Very easy to train

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.

Tends to be very vocal

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

Has a moderate tendency to run away

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.

Can be destructive

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

Moderately food motivated

Not known to be a gluttonous breed.

Very good watchdog

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.

Training a Norwegian Buhund

Norwegian Buhund: Lifestyle

Moderately compatible with living in a flat

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.

Needs a lot of exercise

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.

Moderately easy to travel with

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.

Breed compatibility Norwegian Buhund

Compatible with cats

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

Compatible with other dogs

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

Compatible with children

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

Moderately compatible with senior owners

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.

Moderately recommended for a first-time owner

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.

Norwegian Buhund: Purchase price

Expect to pay between £500 to £1000 for a Norwegian Buhund dog. In addition, monthly costs to cover food, vet bills, and pet insurance will amount to between £80 to £100.

Norwegian Buhund: Shedding

Heavy !

Norwegian Buhunds shed their undercoats once or twice each year.

Norwegian Buhund: Grooming

This dog has a thick, harsh outer coat with a dense, soft undercoat. His coat is fairly easy to groom and brushing several times weekly should suffice.

Norwegian Buhund: Health

Life expectancy

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.

Strong / robust

A brave, bold, active and energetic dog breed.

Vulnerability to hot weather

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

Vulnerability to cold weather

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

Tendency to put on weight

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.

Common illnesses