Norwegian Buhund

The Norwegian Buhund is an ancient Spitz-type breed with a history in Norway that dates back to Viking times, possibly even earlier. Archaeological digs of Viking graves have revealed skeletal remains of dogs remarkably similar to the modern Buhund, suggesting they were cherished companions buried alongside their masters. The name “Buhund” comes from the Norwegian word “bu,” meaning homestead, farm, or mountain hut, and “hund,” meaning dog, aptly describing their historical role as all-around farm dogs.

For centuries, these hardy and versatile dogs were indispensable to Norwegian farmers and shepherds. Their duties were varied: they herded sheep, cattle, and reindeer; guarded the farmstead and livestock from predators; and served as loyal and alert family companions. Their agility, intelligence, and weather-resistant coats made them well-suited to the rugged Norwegian terrain and climate. While they have existed for centuries, a concerted effort to standardize and preserve the breed began in the early 20th century. The first Buhund show was held in Norway in 1920, and the Norwegian Buhund Club was formed in 1939. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 2009. Today, they are valued as active companions and excel in various canine sports.

The Norwegian Buhund is known for its cheerful, energetic, and confident temperament. They are typically very friendly and outgoing dogs that form strong, affectionate bonds with their families. Buhunds thrive on human companionship and enjoy being involved in all household activities. They are intelligent, playful, and possess a good deal of stamina, often retaining a youthful spirit. Their alertness and natural guarding instincts make them excellent watchdogs, quick to bark and announce visitors or anything unusual, though they are not typically aggressive.

Their intelligence makes them quick learners, but their Spitz heritage also means they can have an independent or sometimes mischievous streak. They respond best to positive reinforcement training methods that are kept engaging and varied. Early and consistent socialization is important to ensure they grow into well-adjusted adults, comfortable with various people, sights, and sounds. Norwegian Buhunds are generally good with children, especially if raised with them, and can get along well with other dogs and pets with proper introductions and socialization. They are active dogs that need an outlet for their energy to prevent boredom.

The Norwegian Buhund has a thick, weather-resistant double coat. The outer coat is harsh, close-lying, and relatively straight, while the undercoat is soft, dense, and woolly, providing excellent insulation against cold and wet weather. Their coat is typically wheaten (ranging from pale cream to bright yellowish-orange) or black.

Grooming a Buhund is moderately easy for most of the year, but they are significant shedders, especially during their seasonal “coat blows” (typically twice a year), when they lose their undercoat in large clumps. During these periods, daily brushing with an undercoat rake and slicker brush is essential to remove all the dead fur and prevent matting. For the rest of the year, thorough brushing once or twice a week should suffice to keep the coat healthy and manage shedding. Their coat is naturally quite clean and tends to repel dirt, so baths are needed only occasionally. Regular nail trims, ear cleaning (their erect ears generally stay cleaner than drop ears but should still be checked), and dental care are also important grooming tasks.

Norwegian Buhunds are energetic and agile dogs that require regular daily exercise to stay physically fit and mentally stimulated. They were bred as active farm and herding dogs and retain a good deal of stamina and a love for activity. They are not suited for a consistently sedentary lifestyle.

Aim for at least an hour of varied activity per day. Good exercise options for a Norwegian Buhund include:

• Daily brisk walks, jogging (once fully mature), or hiking. They particularly enjoy exploring natural environments.
• Playtime in a securely fenced yard. They enjoy games like fetch, chasing toys, or simply romping with their family.
• Canine sports: Their intelligence and agility make them excel in activities like herding trials (they retain strong instincts), agility, obedience, rally, or flyball.
• Interactive puzzle toys and learning new tricks to keep their sharp minds engaged.

Without a sufficient outlet for their energy and intelligence, Norwegian Buhunds can become bored, which may lead to undesirable behaviors such as excessive barking or destructiveness. They thrive in active homes where they can be involved in family activities.

The Norwegian Buhund is generally considered a healthy and robust breed with a good lifespan, having been developed with a degree of natural selection in its native Norway. However, like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain genetic health conditions. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock. Potential health concerns include:

• Hip Dysplasia: A malformation of the hip joint. Elbow dysplasia can also occur. Screening of breeding stock is important.
• Eye Conditions: Including cataracts and occasionally Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Eye certification by a veterinary ophthalmologist is recommended for breeding dogs.
• Pulverulent Nuclear Cataract (PNC):** A specific type of cataract for which a DNA test is available.
• Hypothyroidism:** An underactive thyroid gland can occur.