Norwegian Buhunds are considered to be a rare herding dog breed. They were originally bred in Norway for herding purposes. Norwegian Buhunds are considered to be a versatile dog, who can excel in a variety of activities such as obedience, tracking, agility, and rally. Norwegian Buhunds are also known for their friendly and playful personalities, which make them great family pets.
Breed History
The name Buhund means “farm dog” in Norwegian. Nowadays, it is not a common pedigree in the United States, but they are becoming increasingly popular as family pets. The Norwegian Buhund is a breed of dog that has been around for centuries, and is thought to have descended from the Spitz family of dogs. The first remains of a Norwegian Buhund were found in a Viking grave in the late 19th century, and it is believed that the breed was brought to Norway by the Vikings. Norwegian Buhunds were used as all-purpose farm dogs, and were also used for herding and guarding livestock.
Recognition by Kennel Clubs
The first Norwegian Buhund breed standard was written in 1927, and the breed was recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 2009. The Norwegian Buhund Club of America is the parent club of the AKC and their goal is to preserve these rare dogs.
Norwegian Buhunds Appearance and Breed Characteristics
Norwegian Buhunds are a medium-sized, spitz-type dog that is typically white or black. They typically have prick ears, black noses, and dark eyes. They are sturdy dogs that are well-adapted to life in the rugged Norwegian countryside. Because they’re the Spitz breed type, their tail is always curled over their back, and they look a bit like wolves, although they’re not as big. They have a head that’s triangular when viewed from the side, and they always have an alert expression. Norwegian Buhunds weigh between 31-40 pounds and stand around 17-18 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a black muzzle, ears and tail tip.
Coat
They can come in various shades of wheaten, including pale cream, bright orange, white or wolf-sable. They have a double coat, with a thick, undercoat and a hard, rather smooth outer coat. They have a blaze on their forehead and have a double coat to protect them from winter climates. The outer coat is coarser and the undercoat somewhat wooly and soft. They shed twice a year.
Maintenance and Groom
Norwegian Buhunds do not need a lot of grooming, but they do need to be brushed regularly, about 2 or 3 times a week. They’re naturally clean dogs and don’t tend to have a lot of shedding, but they should still be brushed to remove any dead hair. They do not have to be bathed too often, but during the shedding season they may be brushed more frequently. Furthermore, they do not have a doggy smell, even when they’re wet. Norwegian Buhunds also need to have their nails trimmed regularly, and their ears should be cleaned regularly to prevent infection.
Activity Level
Norwegian Buhunds were bred to herd reindeer and other livestock, so they need plenty of activity and daily exercise. A Norwegian Buhund who doesn’t get enough exercise can become hyperactive and destructive. They’re also prone to weight gain, so be sure to keep your Norwegian Buhund active by taking them on long walks or playing fetch in the backyard. They enjoy hiking, running and playing, so they would make perfect company for active people. They are also very agile and love to retrieve.
Diet
The diet of a Norwegian Buhund should be based on high-quality dog food. Norwegian Buhunds are prone to weight gain, so it’s important to keep them on a healthy diet and avoid overfeeding. Be sure to provide plenty of fresh water and clean, rotated food bowls. The amount of food your Norwegian Buhund needs will vary depending on their age, activity level and build. Generally speaking, the average portion size for a Norwegian Buhund is 300 grams of food daily, however, you should speak with your veterinarian to find the right diet and feeding schedule for your dog.
Training
Norwegian Buhunds do well in agility and obedience trials. They can be a little headstrong, so basic obedience training is a must. Like most herding breeds, Norwegian Buhunds are prone to separation anxiety, so it’s important to provide plenty of toys and activities to keep them occupied when you’re away. The training process should be gentle and consistent, as Norwegian Buhunds can be sensitive to correction.
Norwegian Buhund Temperament and Personality
Norwegian Buhunds are known to create very strong bonds with their families, and they are often considered to be loyal and protective companions. Norwegian Buhunds are very active dogs that enjoy plenty of exercise and outdoor activities, making them a great choice for people who live an active lifestyle. These dogs are also intelligent but are quite independent thinkers, but generally they are relatively easy to train, however, with patience and consistency they can be taught most things. They are also known to bark quite a lot, so if you are looking for a dog that is quiet, the Norwegian Buhund might not be the right dog for you.
Noregian Buhunds as Family Dogs
They are very affectionate towards people and are typically good with children, however, they may see other pets or small children as preys due to their herding instincts. The proper socialization at a young age can help prevent this. They need quite a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, or they can become bored and destructive. They’re very perceptive, which means that they’re quick to learn and also pick up on their family’s moods, making them good companions for people with depression or anxiety.
Health
Generally, buhunds are considered a healthy breed and their lifespan is 13-15 years. They do not have a good deal of health problems and overall live long lives, however, like with all types of dogs, they are susceptible to certain health issues. Some common health concerns include:
- hip dysplasia;
- von Willebrand’s disease;
- eye disease.
Hip dysplasia is a common problem in many dog breeds, and Norwegian Buhunds are no exception. This is a condition where the hip joint is not properly formed, which can lead to problems with movement and arthritis.
von Willebrand’s disease is a disease that affects the blood’s ability to clot. This can cause excessive bleeding, especially after surgery or during a traumatic injury.
Eye disease is also common in Norwegian Buhunds. Some of the most common eye conditions include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and glaucoma.
Health Care
All Norwegian Buhund owners should have their dog’s health checked by a veterinarian on a regular basis to help catch and treat any potential health problems as early as possible. It is also very important to buy a Norwegian Buhund from a reputable breeder who screens their dogs for health problems. By doing this, you can help ensure that your dog will live a long and healthy life.
Norwegian Buhund Dog Breed – For Whom?
Buhunds are very active dogs and thrive on plenty of exercise. They are not very well-adapted to apartment living and a fenced yard would be ideal, provided that they get enough attention and playtime. They are well adapted to colder weathers, so they can make a great pet for those living in colder climates. These dogs are perfect for families with older children as Norwegian Buhunds are known to be gentle, loyal and protective of their loved ones. Likewise, they may be a bit cautious towards other animals and strangers, so proper socialization is important.
Norwegian Buhund Puppy Price
The price for a pure breed puppy can vary depending on various factors. Generally, the Norwegian Buhund is a moderately priced dog. However, some puppies may be more expensive depending on their bloodlines and show potential. The price for a buhund can be anywhere from $1000 to $2,500. Before you purchase a Norwegian Buhund, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder. Some puppy mills may try to sell Norwegian Buhund puppies for much more than the average price, so it’s important to be aware of this and avoid these breeders at all costs.
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