Norwegian Buhund Dog Breed Information

Group

Herding

Weight

15-19 kg

Height

65-75 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Norwegian Buhund

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

The Norwegian Buhund is one of the most beautiful and charming breeds in the Spitz group. If you’re looking to bring a Buhund into your family, then there are a number of things you should know before taking the plunge.

Today, we’re going to explore these factors and take a deep dive into the Buhund breed. We’ll touch on the dog’s interesting history before looking at its key characteristics and needs. Read on to discover more about this fantastic breed.

What is the history & origin of the Norwegian Buhund?

As the name suggests, the Norwegian Buhund was first bred in Norway. The breed was used as a guard dog by the Vikings, travelling with them during their conquests. It is thought that Norwegian Buhunds first made their way to Europe over 1,200 years ago!

Before hopping onto the Viking ships, Norwegian Buhunds played important roles on farms and homesteads across the Nordic country. In fact, the breed takes its name from the Norwegian word “bu”, which translates as “house” or “farm”.

The Buhund was an all-around companion that did everything from herding livestock to protecting the farmer’s children. Buhunds loved to help out, which is a trait that has been passed down through the generations. Buhunds today are just as loyal and keen to serve as they were in Viking times.

What is a Norwegian Buhund breed?

A Norwegian Buhund is a dog breed that is part of the “Spitz” variety. Spitz dogs are characterised by thick, long hair that is often white in colour. They often have pointed ears and sharp snouts.

The Buhund descends from the Icelandic sheepdog, which explains why the Buhund is such as great farm hand. Norwegian Buhunds typically have a light brown, wheaten-coloured coat and white chest, but some rare varieties have a black coat.

Who is a Norwegian Buhund best for?

Norwegian Buhunds are friendly, energetic dogs that are great additions to family life. They’re ideal for those who live active lifestyles since they need plenty of exercise every single day. If you live on a farm or own a house with land, then there is no better companion than a Buhund.

The Buhund breed is also relatively easy to train and can quickly adapt to its owner’s schedule. With that said, Buhunds are natural watchdogs and wary of new faces. If you do get a Buhund, then you need to dedicate time to proper socialisation with other dogs, and other humans too.

Thanks to their guarding nature, Buhunds will usually only settle down for a nap when they know the surrounding area is secure. For this reason, a Buhund likes to have a regular schedule that they can rely on.

Norwegian Buhund Grooming & Shedding

That thick Buhund coat isn’t going to look after itself. This breed requires dedicated brushing to maintain healthy fur. During coat blowing, your dog will shed heavily. Even with regular brushing, your Buhund will still leave plenty of hairs around the house.

Aside from brushing, Norwegian Buhunds need to have their nails trimmed regularly. Their pointed ears may also need cleaning from time to time too.

Do Norwegian Buhunds bark a lot?

If you ask any Norwegian Buhund owner what the negatives are of this breed, then vocalness will often be right at the top. Buhunds are very keen to have their voices heard and will let you know when they need or dislike something.

What is the average weight & height of a Norwegian Buhund?

The Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized dog, generally similar in size to other members of the Spitz breed group.

Weight

Male Buhunds typically weigh in at around 15-19 kilograms, whereas females are a little lighter, between 12 and 16 kilograms.

Size

Buhunds are around 43 to 46 cm tall at the shoulder when standing up. The average length of a Norwegian Buhund falls somewhere in the region of 65-75 centimetres.

Are Norwegian Buhunds easy to train?

These dogs can be quite receptive to training as they tend to grow very attached to their caregiver, and are quick learners. Like most breeds, they respond better to positive reinforcement training so be sure to motivate them with their favourite treats and lots of praise.

How do Norwegian Buhunds behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The Buhund is an active breed that is quite energetic. Norwegian Buhunds love to play with kids and generally don’t get too boisterous. If you have young children, then we recommend staying close by whenever your dog is near them to ensure they don’t get overpowered by the Buhund’s energy.

Due to their protective nature, Buhunds can be quite wary of new people in the home. Regularly taking chances to introduce your dog to new faces will teach it to trust anyone you allow into the house.

Norwegian Buhunds are usually fine to be left in the house if you’re heading out for a few hours. However, be aware that a Buhund’s natural instinct is to watch over the homestead, so they’re unlikely to fully relax when you’re not there.

Buhunds love to patrol the home and are best suited to properties with open land around them. If you don’t have additional land or a large garden, then just make sure you’re giving your dog plenty of exercise.

Does the Norwegian Buhund have any common health issues?

Norwegian Buhund Health Issues

Like the majority of purebred dogs, Buhunds are susceptible to a few different genetic health problems:

Cataracts: This eye condition can lead to vision impairment and may require surgical intervention if severe.
Von Willebrand Disease: A blood clotting disorder that can lead to excessive bleeding, making it important to monitor for signs of injury or surgery complications.
Hip Dysplasia: A hereditary condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly in the hip socket, potentially leading to arthritis and mobility issues.

What is the lifespan of a Norwegian Buhund?

A Norwegian Buhund has a life span of 12 to 15 years. This is in line with other pure breeds of a similar size.

How much does a Norwegian Buhund need to be fed?

Since this Norwegian Sheepdog is naturally very active, it’s important to feed your Buhund protein-rich and nutritious food. With that said, Buhunds are known to quickly put on weight if they are being overfed.

How much can you expect to pay for a Norwegian Buhund in Australia?

This breed is quite rare in Australia, so puppy prices are naturally quite high. Typically, you can expect to pay around $2000. If you’re planning to buy from a breeder, then make sure that they’re registered as part of the Norwegian Buhund Club first.

Being part of the National Breed Club proves that the seller is breeding pure-bred Buhunds and treating them with the love they deserve. Buying from responsible breeders is really important, whatever breed of dog you’re interested in.

Norwegian Buhund FAQs

Do Norwegian Buhunds suffer from separation anxiety?

Although some Norwegian Bunhunds do suffer from separation anxiety, this dog is much more hardy than many other breeds. They generally don’t mind being alone for short periods of time. But, like most dogs, Norwegian Buhunds don’t cope well with zero company during the daytime.

Is a Norwegian Buhund ideal for a first-time dog owner?

The Norwegian Bunhund is a dog breed that is considered intelligent and easy to train. Choosing a dog that can quickly learn commands is essential for first-time dog owners, and the Norwegian Buhund definitely fits this requirement.

Buhunds also make excellent family dogs. This is thanks to their friendly and playful nature. However, like many other Spitz dogs, the Norwegian Buhund is wary of strangers and can take some time to adjust to new faces.

Since this breed can be quite vocal, it may not be the best choice if you have people living around you that you don’t want to disturb.

Can a Norwegian Buhund get along with other household pets?

As long as you give your Norwegian Buhund puppy proper socialisation from the start, it should be fine living and interacting with other pets. Buhunds were bred as guard dogs, so are naturally wary of new animals and humans. They are also very self-confident and can pick fights with dogs much bigger than them if they’re not well-socialised.

When it comes to cats, Norwegian Buhunds are most at ease if they are raised alongside them. If you’re planning on introducing a cat to a house with an adult Buhund, then you should proceed with some caution.

Will a Norwegian Buhund need professional grooming?

The Norwegian Buhund dog breed has a thick double coat for protection against the elements. Despite this, the breed doesn’t require too much grooming. Regular brushing and the occasional trip to a professional for a tidy-up are usually enough to keep this dog in top shape.

Are Norwegian Buhund dogs hypoallergenic?

No, Buhunds are not hypoallergenic and aren’t the best choice for anyone who suffers from allergies. Their thick coats shed a lot of dog hair and deposit allergens across your home. The majority of Spitz breeds share this same issue.