Norwegian Buhund
Also known as: Norsk Buhund Norwegian Sheepdog
The Norwegian Buhund is a small Spitz-type herding dog originating from Norway. The Norwegian Buhund comes from Norway. Individual Norwegian Buhunds vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Norway
- Other names
- Norsk Buhund Norwegian Sheepdog
About the Norwegian Buhund
The Norwegian Buhund is a small Spitz-type herding dog originating from Norway. It excels at herding and companionship, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Coat
Wheaten – Any shade from pale cream to bright orange, with or without dark tipped hairs; as little white as possible; black mask acceptable. Black – Preferably without too much bronzing; with as little white as possible. Areas where white is permissible: a narrow white ring around the neck, a narrow blaze on the face, a small patch of white hairs on the chest, white feet and tip of the tail. Gray dogs with coats similar to the Norwegian Elkhound are sometimes found. In the UK Wolf Sable is also listed in the Kennel Club Breed Standard.
Overview
The Norwegian Buhund ( Norwegian : Norsk buhund ) is a breed of dog of the spitz type. It is closely related to the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Jämthund . The Buhund is used as a watch dog and an all purpose farm and herding dog .
History
The Norwegian Buhund belongs to a large class of dogs called the Spitz type. There are many variations in size, coat and color among the Spitz breeds. These dogs protected farms and herded cattle and sheep.
Grooming
The Norwegian Buhund breed has a short to medium length coat that does not tangle or mat when shedding. Brushing weekly will be fine, but extra brushing is required when the dog is blowing coat twice a year.
Name origin
The name Buhund is derived from the Norwegian word bu ''homestead; simple building or mountain hut'' (where the shepherd lived while looking after his herd in the summer) but can also mean ''stock'', as in livestock , and hund ''dog''. The modern buhund was bred on the rainy western coastlands of Norway.
Temperament
The Norwegian Buhund is a highly cheerful and active breed. They do not tire easily and require extensive exercise on a daily basis. The Norwegian Buhund needs to expel its energy and becomes destructive and ill-mannered if ignored or made to stay still frequently. In conjunction with their high level of activity and energy, they are also extremely lovable and are known for their love of children. However, due to their high level of energy and need for intensive training, Norwegian Buhunds should always be supervised, especially around children and the elderly. This breed loves to cuddle and give kisses to their masters and families. They form strong bonds with their owners and therefore are natural watch dogs. This can result in aloof behavior and wariness or anxiety around strangers. New owners may find this problematic, since the Norwegian Buhund may bark at each new alarming noise or movement. They are communicative and brave, but rarely will snap or bite without provocation. The Norwegian Buhund is highly intelligent. They are extremely headstrong and demonstrate an intense desire to be taught and to learn new things. If appropriate stimulus is not made available, the breed may resort to destructive or inappropriate behavior. The Buhund breed does become bored easily and is known to become restless. Daily exercise is required. This breed is ideal for owners who can dedicate time to exercise and training. With this desire for activity and learning combined with a high level of energy, the Norwegian Buhund makes an excellent agility dog. People who live active lifestyles, or are seeking a dog with which they can become involved in dog sports, will appreciate the personality of the Norwegian Buhund. It is also an ideal dog for people who are athletic and desire a dog to go running, hiking or biking with. This breed makes an excellent companion for a sports enthusiast.
Measurements
The Buhund ranges in size from about 43 to 45 centimeter (17 to 18 inches) with the males being 43–46 cm (17-18 .mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);clip-path:polygon(0px 0px,0px 0px,0px 0px);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px} 1 ⁄ 2 in) and females to 44 cm(17 1 ⁄ 2 in) high. The weight range is 14–18 kg (31–40 pounds) for males and 12–16 kg (26–35 pounds) for females.
General appearance
The Norwegian Buhund has a square profile, is a little under medium-sized and sports a high set, tightly curled tail carried over the center of the back. The head is wedge shaped with pricked ears and a black nose. Their back is level with a deep chest.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Norwegian Buhund?
The Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized spitz-type dog with a sturdy build, erect ears, and a wedge-shaped head. They have a short, dense coat that comes in various colors. They are intelligent, energetic, and agile, making them well-suited for active families and working roles.
Is the Norwegian Buhund a good family dog?
Yes, the Norwegian Buhund is generally a good family dog. They are loyal, affectionate, and patient, making them suitable for families with children. However, they do require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
What health problems do Norwegian Buhunds have?
The Norwegian Buhund is prone to inherited eye issues, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, and hip dysplasia, a genetic condition that can lead to arthritis and mobility problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify these issues early on.
How much does a Norwegian Buhund puppy cost?
The cost of a Norwegian Buhund puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a puppy can cost between $800 and $1,500. Additionally, there may be costs associated with spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping.
Where do Norwegian Buhunds come from?
The Norwegian Buhund comes from Norway. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Norwegian Buhund, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.