Norwegian Buhund

"Teach Me Anything!"

History

Descended from an ancient companion of the Vikings, Norwegian Buhunds herded sheep in the rainy western coastlands of Norway. The name comes from the Norwegian word “bu” for farm, where you can still find many of them doing their original jobs, and “hund” for dog.

Temperament

Cheerful and highly active, Norwegian Buhunds form strong bonds with their families, and they love to snuggle and give kisses. This breed loves children and can be excellent playmates as long as they are trained and supervised, particularly around small children whom they may knock over. They need plenty of exercise and stimulation, and love to play. They are communicative and may bark at new people and unfamiliar sounds, but they do not tend to be aggressive.

Appearance

Considered medium-sized, they’re on the small side of medium, and have a medium, fluffy coat with a curved tail. They come in a range of colors, including wheaten from pale cream to bright orange, as well as black, sometimes with white patches. They are squarely built with prick-ears and a black nose.

Training

These dogs are not only intelligent and fast learners, they also have an intense desire to be taught new things, making them one of the easier breeds to train. Teach manners and the full range of obedience from a young age so they won’t knock over young children or bark excessively. They would also enjoy agility and herding if you’re looking for fun things to do together.

Grooming & Care

Norwegian Buhunds have short to medium coats that are easy to care for since they don’t mat when they shed. Regular brushing will keep hair from gathering throughout the house, with extra brushing during seasonal shedding being a must.

Health Concerns

A generally healthy breed, they may be prone to hip dysplasia and cataracts.

Famous Norwegian Buhund

Skip has a monthly column in “Hondenmanieren,” a popular dog magazine in the Netherlands, where he shows off his tricks.