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Breed profile

Norwegian Buhund

A cheerful Nordic farm spitz that herds, guards the yard and likes children. Lots of energy, a lot of barking and seasonal coat drops.

A wheaten Norwegian Buhund with pricked ears sits on grass in front of red autumn leaves
The wheaten Buhund: pricked ears and a bright, alert expression.Photo: Canossa / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Weight
12–18 kg26–40 lb
Height
41–47 cm16–19 in
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Group
Pastoral / Herding
Origin
Norway
Popularity
#173 US#194 UK · 2025

Known for: Family dogsRunning partnersCold climates

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Cheerful, Energetic, Alert, Affectionate.

Health problems to know about

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Hereditary cataracts
  • Hereditary cerebellar ataxia (DNA test available)

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

Vigorous daily exercise plus training or herding games, or they invent their own jobs. Brush weekly, daily when the double coat sheds. Teach a quiet cue early.

A good fit for

Active families with children, owners who enjoy training and dog sports, cool climates.

Probably not ideal for

Close neighbours (they are vocal), people out all day, owners wanting a calm couch dog.

Sources

  1. Royal Kennel Club: Norwegian Buhund
  2. The Kennel Club: New DNA testing scheme for Norwegian Buhunds (2018)
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Norwegian Buhund
  4. Wikipedia: Norwegian Buhund

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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