Norwegian Buhund picture
Norwegian Buhund

Norsk Buhund, Norwegian Sheepdog

Overview

The Norwegian Buhund belongs to a large class of dogs called the Spitz type. Bred as an energetic working dog, Buhunds herd livestock and guard home and family. Today, they are also trained to aid the hearing impaired, perform some types of police work, and perform in obedience and agility trials. Their thick coat is wheaten (pale cream to bright orange) or black in color.

While Norwegian Buhunds make excellent watch dogs, they are also content to lie at your feet at the end of a hard day. Training wise, the Buhund is considered by many to be the most trainable of the Spitz breeds, but obedience training is still a necessity. Because the Buhund was born to herd and sound the alarm, the Buhund needs training and a job to do. Because they are happiest near their owner, they have earned the nickname, “the friendly spitz.”

Size Medium
Height Male: 17-18½ inches (43-47 cm)Female: 16-17½ inches (41-45 cm)
Weight Male: 31-40 pounds (14-18 kg)Female: 26½-35½ pounds (12-16 kg)
Lifespan 13-15 years
Colors Black Wheaten
Origin Norway
Classification Purebred
Good Lapcat
Good In Apartments

The Norwegian Buhund would do best living in a house with at least a small fenced-in yard. These dogs are very active and should get plenty of chances to exercise. They can, however, live in an apartment if extra care is given for sufficient exercise and the apartment is fairly big for the dog to move around.

Good With Children

Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them.

Good With Dogs

Good With Cats

Exercise Needs

This is a very active breed that needs to be exercised every day, with a long, brisk walk or jog. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. In addition, they greatly enjoy sessions of play.

Trainability

Moderately Easy Training: Training won't require too much attention and effort, though it won't be easier than other breeds. Expect results to come gradually.

Affectionate

Playfulness

Grooming Requirements

Low Maintenance: Grooming is only necessary once in a while to maintain upkeep. Occasional trimming or stripping needed.

Shedding

Moderate Shedding: The Buhund has a thick double coat. Brush it weekly to keep it clean and remove dead hair. The coat sheds some all year round and more heavily once or twice a year. During shedding seasons, which are usually in the spring or fall, daily brushing will help to keep excess hair under control.

Vocalization/Barking

Frequent

Norwegian Buhund Pictures