HomeBreed Wiki › Norwegian Buhund
← Back to overview
Norwegian Buhund – Norwegian Buhund GCH Jotunn Bella Binna 3 (16395077067)
Norwegian Buhund – Norwegian Buhund GCH Jotunn Bella Binna 7 (16415341730)Norwegian Buhund – Grupp 5NORSK BUHUND, C.I.B. JWW 08 NORD UCH SE V 10 VDH CH Gnipagrottans Gullan Lilltösen (23661375943)
📷 Pets Adviser (CC BY 2.0) · Pets Adviser (CC BY 2.0) · Svenska Mässan (CC BY 2.0) · Wikimedia Commons

Norwegian Buhund

FR Buhund norvégien · IT Buhund norvegese
FCI 5 · Nr. 237
The Norwegian Buhund is a versatile farm and herding dog from Norway, whose name means roughly 'dog of the farmstead'. Watchful, cheerful and eager to work, it was an indispensable helper to the farmers and is today a lively family and sport dog.
Size
Medium
Height at withers
41–47 cm
Weight
12–18 kg
Life expectancy
~12–15 years
Coat
Dense, double; wheaten or black
Origin
Norway
FCI
FCI 5 · Nr. 237

🧠 Temperament & character

The Norwegian Buhund is energetic, brave and friendly, while being very watchful and vocal. It is eager to learn, affectionate and people-oriented and works enthusiastically together with its people. It usually gets on well with children and is a bright, sociable family dog. Its pronounced fondness for barking as a former herding dog calls early for targeted training.

📜 Origin & history

The Norwegian Buhund is an old Nordic spitz that took on varied tasks on the farms of Norway: it herded and drove livestock, guarded house and farm and even helped with hunting. Finds suggest that similar dogs were already kept in the Viking Age. In the 20th century the breed was deliberately promoted and standardised. Today it is a versatile companion and sport dog.

✂️ Grooming, care & training

The dense, hard double coat of the Norwegian Buhund is weatherproof and relatively easy to care for, but sheds heavily during the moult and then needs frequent brushing. As an active herding dog it needs plenty of exercise, mental stimulation and preferably a task. It is clever and easy to handle and shines in obedience, agility and other dog sports. Its tendency to bark should be channelled into sensible bounds from an early age.

🩺 Health

The Norwegian Buhund is basically a healthy, robust breed with a life expectancy of around 12 to 15 years. Hereditary eye diseases and hip dysplasia can occur. Responsible breeders have eyes examined and hips x-rayed to reduce the risk. Overall it is considered little prone to illness and long-lived.

🏡 Who is this breed right for?

The Norwegian Buhund suits active people and families looking for an eager-to-learn, work-willing dog and offering it enough occupation. Thanks to its friendly, teachable nature it is also suitable for committed beginners. A house with a garden suits it well, but with sufficient occupation an apartment is also possible - its fondness for barking should then be borne in mind. In Switzerland it is rare, but a great companion for sporty, active owners.

❓ Frequently asked questions

What does the name 'Buhund' mean?
'Bu' in Norwegian means roughly farmstead or hut; the Buhund is thus the 'dog of the farmstead', which took on varied tasks on the farm.
Does the Norwegian Buhund bark a lot?
Yes, as a former herding dog it is decidedly vocal; with early, consistent training, however, the barking can be well controlled.
Is the Norwegian Buhund a good family dog?
Yes, it is friendly, fond of children and eager to learn, but needs an active family that offers it exercise and occupation.

🏅 Find the breed club & breeders

Find the breed club in the SKG directory ↗
🐾 You'll find reputable breeders and puppies through the official breed club — the SKG lists the responsible clubs, which in turn list vetted breeders.