Norwegian Buhund

ATTRIBUTES: Confident, Smart, Perceptive

GROUP: Herding Group

ACIVITY LEVEL: Energetic

BARKING LEVEL: Likes To Be Vocal

COAT TYPE: Double

COAT LENGTH: Medium

SHADDING: Seasonal

SIZE: Medium

TRAINABILITY: Easy Training

CHARACTERISTIC: Medium Dog Breeds

Breed Overview

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Ancestry

Northern Spitz

Origin Icon
Origin

Norway

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Registration

2009

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Size

17 - 18.5 Inches (Male)

16 - 17.5 Inches (Female)

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Weight

31 - 40 Pounds (Male)

26 - 35 Pounds (Female)

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Expected Life

12 - 15 Years

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY +
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
LOVE WITH CHILDREN +
Unwise
Good With Children
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS +
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
+
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
+
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
+
COAT TYPE
+
COAT LENGTH
+
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
+
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
+
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
+
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
+
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
+
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
+
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
+
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Loaf
Needs an Activity
+
COLORS
+
PATTERNS
+
CARING WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
The Norrbottenspets is known to be a breed that forms strong bonds with its family members and can be quite affectionate towards them. They tend to be loyal and devoted to their owners often acting as a close companion. This breed enjoys spending time with their family and is likely to show affection and be loving towards them.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
The Norrbottenspets is typically known to have a good tolerance and patience towards children. They are generally considered to be a family-friendly breed and can form strong bonds with children when raised together. However, it is important to note that every dog is an individual and their behavior may vary.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
While the Norrbottenspets may have a tendency to get along well with other dogs, it's crucial to always supervise their interactions particularly when introducing them to unfamiliar dogs. This ensures that the dynamics between the dogs remain positive and prevents any potential conflicts or misunderstandings.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
Consider the amount of fur and hair the breed is likely to leave behind. Breeds that shed heavily will need more frequent brushing have an increased risk of triggering particular allergies and generally require more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
When assessing the grooming needs of a particular breed, it is essential to determine the frequency of activities such as bathing, brushing, trimming, and other coat maintenance tasks. It is crucial to consider the amount of time patience and budget you have available for this type of care. Remember that all breeds necessitate regular nail trimming.
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
Consider the drooling tendencies of a breed before making a decision. If you are someone who values cleanliness and dislikes dogs that leave ropes of slobber on your arm or create big wet spots on your clothes it may be wise to avoid breeds known for their propensity to drool excessively.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Double
COAT SPECTRUM
Medium
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
Take into account the level of friendliness a breed typically exhibits towards strangers. Certain breeds may display reserved or cautious behavior around unfamiliar individuals regardless of the setting. On the other hand, some breeds will eagerly welcome and interact with new humans whenever the opportunity arises!
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
Evaluate the breed's enthusiasm for play, even beyond their puppyhood stage. Certain breeds will maintain a strong desire to engage in activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. Conversely, other breeds may prefer to spend most of their time relaxing on the couch with you being content with more low-key activities.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
Consider the breed's inclination to alert you of the presence of strangers. Some breeds are more prone to reacting to any potential threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. These breeds are likely to become more receptive to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
Consider a breed's adaptability to change, encompassing various aspects such as alterations to living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily schedule and other variations in day-to-day life. Some breeds are naturally more flexible and can handle such changes with ease while others may require a more stable and consistent environment to thrive.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
Take into account the ease of training and the willingness of a breed to learn new things. Certain breeds have a strong desire to please their owners and are generally more trainable. They are motivated by making their owners proud. Conversely, other breeds may have a more independent nature and prefer to do things on their own terms potentially making training more challenging.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
Consider the exercise and mental stimulation requirements of a breed. High-energy breeds are always ready for the next adventure and eagerly engage in activities such as running, jumping and playing throughout the day. They thrive on physical exercise and mental stimulation. In contrast, low-energy breeds exhibit a more laid-back nature and are content to lounge around and snooze resembling couch potatoes in their preference for relaxation.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
Likes To Be Vocal
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
Consider the amount of mental stimulation required by a breed to maintain their happiness and overall well-being. Purpose-bred dogs, with jobs involving decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other cognitive activities, have a particular need for mental exercise. Without proper mental stimulation, they may take it upon themselves to create their own projects to keep their minds occupied. Unfortunately, these self-created projects may not align with your preferences or be the kind of activities you would prefer for them to engage in.
COLORS

Description

Registration Code

Wheaten

224

Black

007

PATTERNS

Description

Registration Code

Black Mask

004

White Markings

014

About The Breed

The Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized dog breed closely associated with the Vikings. It is known for its dense coat, which is a characteristic feature of spitz-type breeds. Spitz-type breeds, including the Buhund, typically have a weather-resistant double coat, a tail curved tightly over the back a wedge-shaped head, and erect, pointed ears. The Buhund is specifically adapted to cold weather conditions and excels as a working dog in herding and guarding roles. As family dogs, Buhunds are smart, affectionate and show unwavering loyalty to their owners. They have a sturdy yet lithe build and can reach a height of about 18.5 inches at the shoulder with males weighing up to 40 pounds. The typical coat colors for Buhunds are wheaten (various shades of tan) or black. the Norwegian Buhund is a versatile and devoted breed, carrying the heritage of the spitz-type dogs. 

What to Expect When Caring for A Norwegian-buhund 

Owning a dog is indeed a significant responsibility that extends far beyond providing the basic necessities of food and shelter. Dogs as sentient beings require a comprehensive level of care that encompasses physical health emotional well-being, and mental stimulation.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Norwegian Buhund: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

Health

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Norwegian Buhunds are often considered a healthy and resilient breed. Responsible breeders take steps to ensure the health of their breeding stock by conducting screenings for various health conditions. Common health screenings for Norwegian Buhunds include evaluations for hip dysplasia, von Willebrand's disease (a blood clotting disorder) and eye diseases. When considering purchasing a Buhund puppy, it is important to inquire about the health screenings conducted on the sire and dam of the litter. Reputable breeders should be able to provide information and documentation regarding the health status of the parents. Remember. thorough health screening of the breeding stock is a good practice that promotes the overall well-being and quality of the breed. 

Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:

  • Hip Evaluation

  • Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Health

Grooming

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Compared to some other breeds Norwegian Buhunds have relatively low grooming requirements. They are naturally clean dogs and typically don't have a strong odor, even when wet. The Buhund has a double coat, consisting of a thick, hard and smooth outer coat and a soft, dense, woolly undercoat. The Buhund's coat is designed to shed most foreign substances easily, and it has the ability to dry itself relatively quickly after getting wet. Regular brushing about two to three times a week is recommended to maintain the coat's health and cleanliness. During shedding seasons which occur once or twice a year Buhunds will shed their undercoats more heavily. like all breeds, Norwegian Buhunds require regular nail maintenance to keep their nails at an appropriate length. the grooming needs of a Buhund are relatively manageable and include regular brushing and nail trimming.
Health

Exercise

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Norwegian Buhunds have a history of being bred as working and herding dogs, which means they have a high energy level and a need for substantial exercise. To maintain their physical and mental well-being Buhunds require vigorous exercise twice a day. This exercise should allow them to run at high speeds. Engaging in activities such as running alongside a bicycle, playing fetch with balls, or going on long hikes can help meet their exercise requirements. Buhunds enjoy activities that challenge both their mind and body making obedience training, tracking, agility and other interactive activities excellent options for mental and physical stimulation. Participating in these activities can provide an outlet for their energy and help strengthen the bond between the dog and owner. It is important to ensure that Buhunds receive sufficient exercise to prevent boredom and restlessness which can lead to behavioral issues.
Health

Training

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Compared to some other Spitz and Northern breeds, Norwegian Buhunds are generally easier to train. However, it is important to note that they still retain some of the independent characteristics commonly found in these breeds. While Buhunds have a desire to please their owners their innate independence can make it challenging to maintain their focus and keep them engaged in training sessions. One advantage in training Buhunds is that they are often highly food-motivated. Positive training techniques, such as clicker training can be effective in capturing their attention and reinforcing desired behaviors. Using rewards and treats as incentives can help maintain their interest and cooperation during training. It is worth mentioning that Buhunds tend to be highly sensitive to their environment. This sensitivity can make them somewhat challenging in dog show competitions, where distractions and unfamiliar settings may affect their performance.
Health

Nutrition

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The Norwegian Buhund can thrive on a high-quality dog food, whether it is commercially manufactured or prepared at home under the guidance and approval of a veterinarian. The choice of diet should be appropriate for the dog's specific life stage, whether it is a puppy, adult or senior. It is important to monitor the dog's calorie consumption and weight to prevent obesity, as some Buhunds may have a tendency to gain weight. While treats can be helpful in training, it is crucial to avoid overfeeding and causing weight issues. Understanding which human foods are safe for dogs and which should be avoided is also important. Consulting with a veterinarian can address any concerns regarding the dog's weight or diet. clean and fresh water should always be readily available to the Norwegian Buhund to ensure proper hydration.

Historiography

There is indeed some historical basis to the notion that Norwegian Buhunds may have accompanied the Vikings on their expeditions around 1,200 years ago. These dogs likely enjoyed any activity they could partake in alongside their Viking owners. However, despite this adventurous background, Buhunds are inherently homebodies. Their name even originates from the Norwegian word "bu," which means "homestead" or "farm." Throughout history Buhunds have served as herders, guardians of flocks and families and versatile farm assistants on homesteads. The breed's strong connection to the home and their natural inclination to be close to their owners make them devoted companions and well-suited to family life. While they may have the spirit of Vikings at heart Norwegian Buhunds are content to be by their owner's side and fulfill their roles as loyal and dependable companions.

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