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A medium-sized spitz type (thick, double coat, prick ears and a tail curled over the back), the Norwegian Buhund dog has a light frame and a short, compact body. Adult males stand at 45cm in height, females slightly less, and they weigh approximately 14-18kg. The woolly undercoat is covered with a harsh, smooth topcoat that comes in wheaten, black, red or wolf sable.
A bold, brave, active dog, the Norwegian Buhund makes a great family dog for those that don't mind the profuse shedding that can occur once or twice a year and for those who can train him to control his barking! A super companion, he is ideal for an active home where he can be trained in one of the dog sports and get plenty of exercise.
Dogs very similar to the Norwegian Buhund dog breed have been found in Viking graves dating back to 900 AD. A close relation to the Icelandic Sheepdog, the Norwegian Buhund was bred to be an all-round farm dog – a shepherd's companion, a watchdog and a herder. In fact, his name translates as 'farm dog' in Norwegian, and he is still used for that purpose in his homeland.
The Norwegian Buhund is generally a healthy breed, but as with many breeds they can suffer from hereditary eye disorders, and hip dysplasia (a condition that can lead to mobility problems). Eye testing and hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is therefore important.
The Norwegian Buhund dog needs one to two hours of exercise a day. He has worked as a hearing dog for deaf people, and has also done well in agility and obedience, and will thrive if given new challenges. Given his thick coat and geographical roots, he does not do well in warm conditions, so should be kept cool in hot weather. In the summer, exercise him in the early morning/late evening.
Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food.
The double coat of the Buhund moults profusely once or twice a year, at which time daily grooming is recommended. Otherwise, a brush and comb through twice a week should suffice.
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children , all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
