When an archeological expedition unearthed a Viking grave that contained the skeletons of six dogs, they may very well have discovered the ancestral roots of the Norwegian buhund. These dogs accompanied the Vikings on many of their travels, and they also served to protect livestock on Norwegian farmsteads. The Norwegian buhund of today was developed in coastal Norway during the early 1900s. The breed continues to work as a herder, farm hand and guard dog. The American Kennel Club recognized the Norwegian buhund as a member of the herding group in 2009.
The Norwegian Buhund is a mid-sized, square proportioned dog of the Spitz family. They have wedge-shaped heads with long pointy muzzles. Their ears are triangular and erect. Their bushy tails curl over their backs. Their double coats are short to medium in length and are either all black or white.
Personality
The Norwegian Buhund is an active, friendly and smart herding breed. They need plenty of exercise, and will do best with active owners who can take them for long walks, jogs or runs on a daily basis. They are very affectionate and love to cuddle. Buhunds are also friendly towards children.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 12 - 15 years |
| Nicknames: | Norsk buhund, Norwegian sheepdog, Nordiske sitz-hunde |
Norwegian Buhund Build Information
The medium-sized Norwegian buhund is a spitz breed, which is a type of dog that is characterized by a foxlike face, pricked ears that stand erect, a curled tail and dense double coat. The Norwegian buhund's coat may be wheaten, which can range from pale yellow to red, or black in color. The Norwegian buhund stands at a height of 16 to 18.5 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 26 and 40 pounds. The Norwegian Buhund is a mid-sized, square proportioned dog of the Spitz family. They have wedge-shaped heads with long pointy muzzles. Their ears are triangular and erect. Their bushy tails curl over their backs. Their double coats are short to medium in length and are either all black or white.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
The Norwegian buhund is a devoted worker. Its keen intelligence enables the dog to learn quickly. The breed is lively and playful. It requires ample space to romp and plenty of daily opportunities to work off some energy. The Norwegian buhund is talkative, emitting a range of sounds that include barks and yodels. The Norwegian buhund is a confident and alert watchdog. This is a dog that thrives in the company of its family, and it gets along with children and most other household pets. The Norwegian Buhund is an active, friendly and smart herding breed. They need plenty of exercise, and will do best with active owners who can take them for long walks, jogs or runs on a daily basis. They are very affectionate and love to cuddle. Buhunds are also friendly towards children.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
The thick coat of a Norwegian buhund is easy to care for. Brushing the coat once a week pulls out the dead hair, which reduces shed hair in the home and maintains the coat’s healthy luster. Brushing the teeth every other day removes plaque, which reduces tartar formation and helps to maintain good oral and overall health.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
Norwegian Buhund Common Health Conditions
The Norwegian buhund lives an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. The breed is hardy, and very few health problems have been noted for the Norwegian buhund. Prospective owners of a Norwegian buhund should be aware of hip dysplasia and cataracts.
Norwegian Buhund Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
For a family-friendly companion that will provide dedicated service as a watchdog and offer plenty of playful interaction, the Norwegian buhund is eager to oblige. The Norwegian buhund originated in Norway. The Norwegian buhund is also called a Norsk buhund, a Norwegian sheepdog and a Nordiske sitz-hunde. The Norwegian buhund is a dedicated worker and a vocal, intelligent and playful companion. The Norwegian buhund stands 16 to 18.5 inches tall and weighs 26 to 40 pounds. The Norwegian buhund has a high energy level. The Norwegian buhund requires minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a Norwegian buhund is 12 to 15 years.
| Training: | Easy to Train |