Norwegian Buhund Dog Breed Information

Personality

Norwegian Buhund dogs are cheerful, lively, and full of energy. They are wonderful pets for families that share a similar outlook on life. These dogs are keen to make their owners happy and are among the simplest of the Spitz breeds to train. However, they also have a bit of independence due to their natural herding instincts. Keeping them engaged with a mix of work and play is essential for their happiness and well-being, as it prevents them from getting into trouble when they’re bored. Although they are great at guarding, they may bark too much if they feel under-stimulated.

History

Dogs that resemble the Buhund breed, known as Spitz-type dogs, have been discovered in Norwegian archaeological digs dating back to around 900 A.D. The term “Buhund” translates to “farm” or “homestead” dog, which highlights the role these dogs played. They were responsible for herding various animals like cattle, pigs, reindeer, and sheep, often navigating rough and steep landscapes to do their job. For hundreds of years, these dogs were vital to life on Norwegian farms and made their way to America after World War II.

Ideal Owner

Vikings make an excellent companion for the Norwegian Buhund, but they are somewhat rare to find nowadays. The best owners for these dogs should be familiar with Spitz breeds and know how to train a smart, independent dog that enjoys being active. Norwegian Buhunds do shed fur and tend to bark, so it’s important for owners to be comfortable with these traits and have a reliable vacuum and a command to help them settle down. These dogs are lively and nimble, so it’s ideal for their owners to have a spacious, fenced yard, especially in cooler climates. Norwegian Buhunds do not do well in hot weather, whether inside or outside.

Exercise Needs

Buhund dogs thrive on having a job to do, making it ideal to give them tasks, especially if you have a farm. If that's not the case, ensure they get plenty of exercise, training, and mental challenges to keep them engaged. They enjoy running freely, but their herding instincts mean that having a dependable recall is crucial. Norwegian Buhund dogs have a thick coat that helps them stay warm and dry in chilly or rainy conditions, which they favor. They aren’t fond of hot weather, so it’s wise to avoid exercising them when it’s too warm.

Space Requirements

The Norwegian Buhund is a dog that doesn’t need much room indoors, but it’s important for owners to know that they shed a lot, which might be a problem in a compact living space. When it comes to being outside, though, they thrive in a big yard where they can run and play safely behind a sturdy fence. They can also stay happy with plenty of walks on a leash.

Training

Gentle training that emphasizes rewards can help the Norwegian Buhund follow commands, but it requires some smart strategies since this breed is quite independent. It's important for them to master coming when called and to control their barking.

Grooming

People who own Spitz dogs are very familiar with the mess their homes and vacuums can face during shedding times, and the Norwegian Buhund is just like that. This breed has a thick double coat that sheds significantly a few times each year. It's best to groom them every day and keep the vacuum handy during these periods.

Suitability for Family Life

Norwegian Buhund dogs are loving and sociable, making them great companions for families. However, they tend to do best in households with older kids or without any children at all.

Did You know?

The term "Buhund" translates to "farm dog" or "homestead dog." At the Viking Museum in Oslo, Norway, you can see Viking ships that have animal bones resembling those of the Norwegian Buhund breed.