Norwegian Buhund: temperament, size, care and health

About the Norwegian Buhund

The Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized spitz-type dog standing about 16 to 18.5 inches at the shoulder. It is square and sturdy with a wedge-shaped head, pointed upright ears and a tail that curls tightly over the back. The coat is dense and weather-resistant and comes in wheaten, ranging from pale cream to a deeper gold, or black. It looks like a smaller, lighter cousin of the northern hunting spitz breeds.

The name comes from the Norwegian word for farmstead, and the Buhund was a general farm dog. It herded sheep and cattle, guarded buildings and alerted people to visitors. Today it is a cheerful, energetic companion and sports dog, and it is still much more common in Norway and Britain than in North America.

Temperament and family life

Buhunds are friendly, bright and active, and they like being part of family life. They tend to be outgoing with visitors once they are introduced and generally good with children, whose play they enjoy. They are playful for years and do not slow down quickly.

The breed is noisy. It was bred to bark to warn of strangers and to bring stock under control, and many Buhunds bark at passing people, at squirrels and out of excitement. This can be reduced through training but is unlikely to disappear. The herding instinct may lead to chasing and nipping at moving children, bicycles or other animals. Buhunds usually get along with other dogs, although some can be dominant.

Exercise and training

Plan on an hour or more of activity every day. A Buhund will enjoy a long walk, hikes, jogging and games, and it is well suited to herding, agility, obedience, rally and tracking. It loves cold weather and enjoys playing in snow.

They are smart, quick learners, but they can be independent and easily distracted by interesting sights and smells. Train with consistency, rewards and variety, and start early, including a reliable recall. A fenced yard is a good idea. An under-exercised Buhund tends to bark, dig and become destructive.

Grooming and shedding

The double coat sheds moderately throughout the year and heavily when it blows, usually twice a year. During those periods, daily brushing with an undercoat rake keeps the loose hair under control. At other times, a weekly brushing is generally sufficient. The coat repels dirt and mud, so baths are seldom needed.

Trim the nails regularly, check the ears for debris and wax, and brush the teeth. Do not shave the coat, as it protects against heat as well as cold.

Health

The Buhund is generally a healthy breed. Hip dysplasia occurs, and breeders screen their dogs. Hereditary eye disease, including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, is a concern, and eye examinations are recommended for breeding stock. Thyroid problems have been reported in some lines. The thick coat makes hot weather uncomfortable, and exercise should be limited in the heat.

This is general information, and a veterinarian is the person to ask about a particular dog.

History

The Norwegian Buhund is generally traced to Norway, where spitz-type dogs of this kind have worked on farms, guarding property and herding cattle and sheep. The modern breed developed in Norway's wet western coastal region. The American Kennel Club added it to the Herding Group in 2009.

Is the Norwegian Buhund right for you?

This breed suits an outdoor-loving household that wants a lively and cheerful dog and is prepared for a great deal of barking and a shedding coat. It is a poor fit for a quiet or very small home, for a hot climate or for an owner who cannot provide exercise.

If you like the idea of a northern spitz herder but want something a bit calmer, look at the Finnish Lapphund or the Icelandic Sheepdog. The Norwegian Elkhound is a larger Norwegian spitz bred for hunting.