Description

The Norwegian Buhund is a typical spitz dog of medium size, lightly built, with a short, compact body, erect, pointed ears, and a tail carried curled over the back. The coat is usually wheaten or biscuit, ranging from light to yellowish red. Black and wolf-sable Buhunds are also known. The outer coat is smooth and harsh, while the undercoat is soft and wooly. The feet are small, oval shaped, and webbed.

Origin

In the ancient Gokstad excavation in Norway, where a Viking grave from about the year 900 was opened, skeletons from six dogs of various sizes were found. They would be the representatives of modern-day Buhunds. When Vikings died, their most cherished and necessary possessions were buried alongside their owners. This was to care for the Vikings in their afterlife. Then these Buhunds who protected farms (bu) and herded cattle and sheep were expected to continue these duties in the afterlife. It has been documented that these dogs traveled with Vikings on their many journeys, by sea and by land. The more refined, beautiful type we see today were nurtured in the rainy western coastlands of Norway where they herded sheep and guarded farms. Due to the initiative of Norway's state-counsel, John Saeland, the first Buhund show was held at Jaeren in the 1920's. The Norsk Buhundklubb was established in 1939. Toralf Raanaas was the first president. These men selected the very best for show, breeding and workability. Besides working ability, Buhunds are trained to aid the hearing handicapped, perform some types of police work, and score well in obedience and agility trials. In olden times they hunted bear and wolf. Today they work with livestock and guard home and family. The Buhund is considered by many researchers to be the easiest of the Spitz breeds to train due to their innate desire to please plus a quick learning aptitude. Their Spitz independence is an asset if they have to be left alone for awhile.

Temperament

The Norwegian Buhund is vigilant, cheerful, active, and untiring, intelligent and attentive. Very affectionate, they love giving kisses and snuggling. They enjoy physical and mental stimulation and require consistent training as they can be headstrong. They like to be taught and learn very quickly. A natural watch dog, it is brave and vocal but not aggressive. It is unlikely to bite or snap unless provoked. Buhunds love their family and are known for their fondness of children. It is an ideal size for a house dog and a great people lover. This is a very trainable breed. The Norwegian Buhund is very active and demands and gives lots of love and affection. It barks to communicate, needs obedience training to establish reliable manners, and wants lots of playtime with its owner. This breed can be very stubborn at times.

Height

Height: Males 17-18½ inches (43-47 cm) Females 16-17½ inches (41-45

Weight

Weight: Males: 31-40 pounds (14-18 kg) Females 26½-35½ pounds (12-16

Known Health Problems

Inherited eye and hip problems can occur in this breed.

Conditions for Living

The Norwegian Buhund would do best living in a house with at least a small fenced in yard. They are very active and should get plenty of chances to exercise. They can however live in an apartment if extra care is given for sufficient exercise and the apartment is fairly big for the dog to move around.

Exercise Requirments

This is a very active breed that needs to be exercised every day, with sessions of play.

Life Expectancy

About 13 to 15 years

Grooming

The Buhund has a medium to short easy-care coat that does not mat or tangle when it sheds. The coat should be brushed regularly and needs extra care during shedding season. This breed is a seasonal heavy shedder.

Group

Northern