This former Norwegian farm dog, with its erect ears and wedge-shaped head, is gaining fame not only as a companion but also as a service dog for people with hearing impairments. Additionally, it excels in sports such as agility and obedience. Its medium size and easy-to-maintain coat make it an excellent choice for a pet. However, before deciding on this breed, you should know that they love to bark, shed a lot, and are highly active.
When I first encountered this breed, I could almost immediately picture this dog standing at the bow of a Viking ship, ready to be among the first to step onto new lands. The Norwegian Buhund has been a loyal companion to humans since ancient times—not only did it travel with the Vikings, but it also served as a multi-purpose farm dog in its homeland of Norway. You will often see a Buhund gazing at the sky, which is because one of its traditional tasks was to chase away birds of prey that posed a danger to lambs and poultry.
The key characteristics of this breed include erect ears, a fox-like head shape, a dense and stand-off coat, and a tightly curled tail resting over its back. It is of medium size, weighing between 26 and 40 pounds. Compact and strong, the Norwegian Buhund is always alert and energetic, ready to interact with the people around it. This communication can be very intense and diverse, ranging from barking and chirping to howling and other interesting sounds. Confident and lively, it will alert you to anyone approaching the house and patrol the yard in large circles, reminiscent of its past as a herding dog.
Buhunds are highly active and require plenty of daily physical activity to prevent them from becoming destructive or excessively noisy while trying entertain themselves. They enjoy attention but are independent enough to be left alone during the day while their owners are at work or school.
This intelligent and easily trainable breed responds well to positive reinforcement techniques, such as play, praise, and treat rewards. Training sessions should be kept short and engaging to prevent boredom. In terms of physical activity, taking them on long walks or engaging in games like fetch with a ball or frisbee is essential. A Buhund, who thrives on human companionship, should live indoors. A Buhund left alone in a yard without human interaction will be very unhappy.
Norwegain Buhund – Breed Overview
This is Medium-sized breed, typically weighing between 26 to 40 pounds (12 to 18 kg). They stand around 16 to 18 inches (41 to 46 cm) tall at the shoulder. Norwegian Buhund has thick double coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, red, and yellow, with a soft undercoat for protection. Their coat requires regular grooming, especially during shedding seasons.
| Height | 16 – 18.5 inches at the shoulder | Weight | 26 – 40 pounds |
| Adaptability | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 | Child Friendly | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 |
| Apartment Friendly | 🟠🟠 | Exercise Needs | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 |
| Dog Friendly | 🟡🟡🟡 | Health Issues | 🟠🟠 |
| Barking Tendencies | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 | Intelligence | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 |
| Energy Level | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 | Grooming | 🟠🟠 |
| Trainability | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 | Territorial | 🟡🟡🟡 |
| Social Needs | 🟡🟡🟡 | Stranger Friendly | 🟡🟡🟡 |
History of the Norwegian Buhund
This breed was historically a farm dog that guarded property, helped herd livestock, and hunted or chased away predators such as wolves, bears, and birds of prey. Interestingly, it is considered a breed with a long history. During the excavation of a Viking burial site from the 10th century, the skeletons of six dogs of various sizes were found, believed to be the ancestors of today’s Buhund. Over time, Buhunds transitioned from their herding past to being trained for specific types of police work and as assistance dogs for people with hearing impairments. They also participate in agility and obedience competitions.
They were first exhibited at dog shows in Norway in the 1920s, and a breed club was established in 1939. Buhunds were first imported to the United States in the 1980s.
The United Kennel Club recognized the Buhund in 1996, classifying it among the Northern breeds. The American Kennel Club officially recognized it in 2009, placing it in the Herding Group, where it currently ranks 159th among the breeds registered with the AKC.
Temperament and Personality of the Norwegian Buhund
Typical of Nordic breeds, the Buhund is confident, energetic, and affectionate. It enjoys the company of its family but is independent enough to spend the day alone, provided it has toys for entertainment and a spacious yard. It gets along well with children, cats, and other dogs if raised with them. As with any breed, all interactions with small children should be supervised to prevent accidental injury to either the dog or the child.
Its alert nature makes it an excellent watchdog, but it also makes it very vocal. Its strong bark will alert not only you but also your neighbors whenever a leaf falls, a car passes by, or a child zooms past on a skateboard. Therefore, it is important to teach this dog from an early age to control its voice.
Training and Activities for the Norwegian Buhund
As previously mentioned, this is a very active breed, so it will certainly enjoy walks and hikes, playing fetch, and catching frisbees. It also has the potential to be an excellent therapy dog, visiting facilities such as nursing homes and children’s hospitals. As long as it gets one or two walks of 20 to 30 minutes per day or enough playtime, the Buhund will be happy to relax with you on the couch in the evening. However, one thing is certain—this is a highly enduring dog that will always be ready for additional activities if you are up for it.
In addition to being highly active and agile, the Buhund is also very intelligent. It enjoys learning and is generally easy to train. Keep its mind engaged with puzzle toys and trick training.
What You Need to Know About the Health of the Norwegian Buhund
The Norwegian Buhund is generally a healthy and resilient breed, but like all dogs, it can be prone to certain genetic and acquired health issues. If you are considering getting a Buhund, it is important to be aware of potential health conditions to ensure a long and happy life for your dog.
Common Health Issues in Norwegian Buhunds
Hip Dysplasia
- This is an inherited condition that affects the hip joint, where the thigh bone does not fit properly into the hip socket.
- It can lead to arthritis and joint pain, especially in older dogs.
- Veterinarians recommend hip X-rays (OFA or PennHIP testing) before breeding to reduce the prevalence of this issue in the breed.
Cataracts
- An eye disorder that can cause lens clouding and, in some cases, blindness.
- It is most common in older dogs but can also be hereditary.
- Regular eye exams by a veterinarian can help detect the problem early.
Epilepsy
- Some Buhunds may have a genetic predisposition to epileptic seizures.
- Seizures can range from mild to severe and typically require veterinary treatment.
- If you notice unusual behavior in your dog, such as sudden collapsing, twitching, or disorientation, consult a veterinarian immediately.
Heart
- Although not common, some Buhunds may have congenital heart defects.
- Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect issues early.
Allergies
- Buhunds may develop allergies to food, pollen, or other environmental factors.
- Symptoms include itching, skin redness, scratching, and hair loss.
- Proper nutrition and avoiding allergens can help manage symptoms.
Obesity
- Buhunds love to eat, but without enough physical activity, they can easily become overweight.
- Excess weight increases the risk of diabetes, joint disease, and heart problems.
- Regular exercise and a balanced diet are key to maintaining a healthy weight.
Preventive Care and a Healthy Lifestyle
- Proper Nutrition– A high-quality diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber helps maintain optimal health.
- Regular Exercise– Buhunds are active dogs and require at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day.
- Veterinary Check-Ups– Regular exams, vaccinations, and screenings can help detect health issues early.
- Hygiene Maintenance– Proper dental, ear, and nail care contribute to overall health.
Although the Norwegian Buhund is generally considered a healthy breed, responsible ownership, proper care, and regular veterinary visits are essential for a long and happy life for your dog.
Basic Grooming for the Norwegian Buhund
The Buhund has a thick double coat. It should be brushed once a week to keep the fur clean and remove dead hair. Shedding occurs year-round, with the heaviest shedding periods in spring and fall. During these times, daily brushing will help manage excess hair.
Regular brushing will keep the Buhund clean, and it rarely needs a bath. Other grooming needs are basic: trim its nails as needed, usually every week or two. Brush its teeth frequently with veterinarian-approved toothpaste to maintain overall health and fresh breath.
Conclusion
Whether as a loyal family member, a competitive athlete, or simply a fun-loving companion, the Norwegian Buhund continues to capture hearts with its charming personality and unwavering devotion. If you’re looking for a hardworking, intelligent, and affectionate dog, the Buhund might just be the perfect match!