Norwegian Buhund

Pastoral

Size:

Grooming:

Exercise Level:

Trainability:

Barking Level:

Good with Children:

Good with other pets:

Affectionate:

Protective:

Height: 43 - 46cm M | 40 - 44cm F

Weight: 14 - 18kg M | 12 - 16kg F

Life Expectancy: 12 - 13 Years

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Introduction

The Norwegian buhund is also known as the Norwegian sheepdog and Nordiske Sitz-hunde. He originally hails from Norway as a herding dog. Because of his loving and devoted nature, the Norwegian buhund has caught the affections of many dog lovers.

Norwegian buhund loves the sound of his own voice. Consistent training is needed to manage this behaviour. His deep love for his family greatly motivates him to protect them from any threat. This makes him a highly capable watchdog.

Due to having a double coat, the Norwegian buhund tends to shed heavily during autumn and spring. Daily brushing is required to remove dead and loose hairs. He also needs high amounts of exercise since he is a very athletic family pet.

History

What is a Norwegian buhund?

The Norwegian buhund is a small-to-medium, spitz-type dog that originated in Norway. Evidence of the breed’s existence dates back to around 900 A.D. He was a faithful canine companion of the Vikings. They would bring him in their travels inland and sea. In fact, when Vikings die, their dogs are buried together with them.

The Norwegian buhund is primarily created to help on the farm. He is a highly capable sheepherder and is commonly found on the western side of Norway. Sadly, in the early 1900s, there was a rapid decline in numbers of the Norwegian buhund. The importation of foreign dog breeds was partly the cause of this dilemma.

Fortunately, a Norsk buhund club was formed in 1920. It was called the Norsk Buhundklubb. Toralf Raanaas, the first president of the club, with the help of two other members, was able to increase the population of the breed.

They made selective breeding programmes to ensure good health and stable temperament. In 1965, the Norwegian Buhund Club of the UK was formed. Are you interested in owning this wonderful family companion? Find the right Norwegian buhund for you here.

Appearance and Grooming

Appearance

What does a Norwegian buhund look like?

The size of the Norwegian buhund dog ranges from small to medium. He has a square-shaped body. His head is wedge-shaped with ears that stand upright. He has black eyes with dark rims surrounding them.

His muzzle is proportionate to his skull. His mid-size neck is smooth and without any skin flaps. The tail is curled tightly across his back.

The Norwegian buhund has a weather-resistant double coat. Whilst the outercoat is coarse and sleek, the inner coat is downy and thick. The most common coat colours of the breed are cream, biscuit, red, wheaten, wolf sable, and yellow. Some Norwegian buhunds may even sport black or white markings on their coat.

Grooming

How to care for a Norwegian buhund

The Norwegian buhund’s ears need at least once a month of cleaning. It is important to get rid of the dirt and debris in his ears to prevent ear infections. Take this time to check for hints of ear infections too. If you notice redness, swelling, smelly odour, and inflammation in his ears, bring him to the vet right away.

Do not allow your Norwegian buhund’s nails to overgrow. This can lead to splitting or cracking of nails, which can be an extremely painful ordeal for him. Therefore, trim his nails once a month.

Dental problems are a common health issue in dogs. The best way to prevent these is by brushing your dog's teeth daily. If this is challenging to do, twice or thrice a week will suffice.

Do Norwegian buhunds shed?

The Norwegian buhund is a low to heavy shedder. He only needs once a week of brushing most of the time. However, once the shedding season starts, which commonly occurs during autumn and spring, daily brushing is necessary to get rid of loose or dead hairs. On a brighter note, the Norwegian buhund’s coat is not prone to mats and tangles, making it easy to comb.

Bathing your Norwegian buhund when it is necessary. Over frequent washing strips the coat and skin of their natural oils. This can lead to dryness of the fur and skin and results in skin problems.

Temperament and Intelligence

Temperament

Is a Norwegian buhund a good family pet?

The Norwegian buhund is a highly spirited dog with lots of love to give. He is extremely affectionate towards his family. Kisses and snuggles are always welcomed by this breed.

The Norwegian buhund is also known for being extremely chatty. He may let out successive high-pitched barks whenever he wants your attention. This can mean trouble if not managed well. Consistent and proper training throughout his life will help in curbing this trait.

Since the Norwegian buhund is very attached to his owner, he tends to be protective of them. Whilst he is non-aggressive, he can be wary of strangers until he establishes that they are not a threat. His loyalty and protectiveness make him a great watchdog. To ensure that he matures into a well-rounded dog with sound judgment, early socialisation is required.

The Norwegian buhund’s playful and friendly nature makes him a great companion for children. However, every interaction should always have adult supervision. If the Norwegian buhund gets overly excited, he might accidentally knock down smaller children.

On the other hand, children should also be taught of the importance of gently handling their pets. Although the Norwegian buhund has an amiable nature, rough treatment may cause him to snap.

The Norwegian buhund can get along well with other pets. To help spark a friendship between the two, make sure to properly introduce and socialise both animals. Whilst it may take a while for them to form a bond, consistently following the steps in the introduction will yield successful results.

Intelligence

Are Norwegian buhunds easy to train?

The Norwegian buhund is the easiest breed to train amongst all the spitz-type dogs. He is very eager to please his owner and a quick learner. Although he is quite independent, firm and consistent leadership will urge him to participate in training.

Be sure to couple it with positive reinforcement such as rewarding him with fun playtime and giving him treats and praises. Never resort to using harsh training methods. Doing so will lead your Norwegian buhund to lose his trust in you and weaken the special bond that both of you share.

Nutrition and Feeding

Nutrition

What should a Norwegian buhund eat?

Premium-quality dog food is the best option for your Norwegian buhund. Choose one that is specially designed for his age, breed, energy levels, and size. This ensures that his nutritional needs are fully met. To narrow down your list of suitable excellent-quality dog food, consult the vet.

Avoid going for commercial dog foods. Whilst these are cheaper alternatives, they are low in nutritional content. Feeding your Norwegian buhund with commercial dog food may lead him to develop nutrient deficiency.

Preservatives, additives, and other harmful ingredients are often found in commercial dog food as well. Thus, it is better to stick with high-quality dog food.

Proper hydration is highly important, especially during hot seasons. Lack of it can lead to heatstroke or dehydration. Thus, always make sure that freshwater is always available for your Norwegian buhund.

Feeding

How much should a Norwegian buhund eat?

A Norwegian buhund puppy ages two to three months old needs at least ½ to 1 cup of dog food daily. When he turns four to five months old, feed him around 1 1/8 to 2 cups of dog food each day. Approximately ¾ to 1 1/3 cup of dog food should be fed to six to eight-month-old Norwegian buhund puppy. Split his meals into three smaller servings for easier digestion.

Nine- to eleven-month-old Norwegian buhund puppy needs the same amount of food as the adult. A fully-grown Norwegian buhund needs at least 1.5 to 2 cups of dog food each day. His daily meals should be divided into two smaller portions to prevent overeating.

Health and Exercise

Health

How long do Norwegian buhunds live?

If properly cared for, the Norwegian buhund can live between twelve and thirteen years. Others may even go over fourteen years. The best way to prolong your dog’s life is to consistently provide him with his basic needs. Be sure to give him healthy meals, right amounts of exercise, proper grooming, and a happy and stress-free home.

What are the most common health problems in the Norwegian buhund?

This is a hardy dog. However, he is prone to developing a few health issues, just like most pure breeds. The most prevalent diseases observed in the Norwegian buhund include:

Hip dysplasia
Cataracts
Eye infections
Ear infections
Epilepsy

Getting your Norwegian buhund health checked is the best way to prevent him from developing these diseases. Regular vet check-ups are crucial too. This will keep you updated of his current health condition. Plus, it gives you the chance to learn valuable health tips and advice from the vet to keep your dog in good shape.

Exercise

How much exercise does a Norwegian buhund need?

As a herding dog, the Norwegian buhund is often bursting with energy. One to two hours of exercise and mental stimulation is required to tire him out. Long walks and jogs are effective in expending his extra energy. Playing dog games such as find the treat, obstacle course, and hide-and-seek provides the mental stimulation that he needs.

If you have a spacious backyard, allow your Norwegian buhund to run around and explore off-lead. However, make sure that the fences are safe and secure before you let him out. You wouldn’t want your beloved dog to accidentally escape and wander around the neighbourhood without supervision.

Cost of Ownership

If you are interested in raising a Norwegian Buhund, you will likely be put on a waiting list as this is a rare breed in the UK. The cost of a well-bred Kennel-Club registered puppy is at least £800. To ensure it stays healthy at whatever age, be ready to spend £30-£60 a month on high-quality dog food. You also need to factor in the initial cost for dog accessories and equipment such as food bowls, leads, collars, and beds, which will likely be about £200 depending on the brand.

When it comes to healthcare, you need to be prepared in case your dog suddenly falls ill or gets into an accident. You can offset some medical bills if you get a pet insurance, which can range from £30 for a time-limited cover up to £65 for a lifetime one. These prices vary depending on your dog’s health and age, size and weight, the type of cover you choose, and whether it has pre-existing conditions.

Other outgoings to consider are veterinary expenses that may not be included in a pet insurance coverage such as vaccinations, routine checks, neutering or spaying, and annual boosters, which can have a combined cost of £1000 annually. Roughly, you will be setting aside £60-£110 a month for recurring expenses, depending on the type of insurance cover you choose. This estimate is also exclusive of walking or grooming services that you might want to use at times.

Norwegian Buhund Breed Highlights

The Norwegian buhund is a jolly dog with a very loving and loyal nature.
He is a light to heavy shedder with moderate grooming needs.
His friendliness makes him a great companion for families with children and pets.
He is an eager learner that reacts well to firm and consistent training coupled with positive reinforcement.
He is an extremely athletic dog with high exercise needs.

Fun Facts

During an excavation on a Viking grave, six dog skeletons were discovered. They are believed to be the ancestors of the modern Norwegian buhund.