The densely coated Nowegian Buhund, a Nordic spitz-type closely associated with the Vikings, is a medium-sized cold-weather worker adept at herding and guarding. As family dogs, Buhunds are smart, affectionate, and steadfastly devoted.
Norwegian Buhunds are smart, sociable and highly loyal to their people, with an innate desire to please. They are gregarious, brave and fearless. Buhunds usually adapt effortlessly to a wide variety of new situations and are not known to be suspicious or wary around strangers. They are not high-strung, fussy or clingy dogs, nor are they overly boisterous or pushy. In fact, most Buhunds have an independent streak and tend to do just fine if they need to be left alone for a reasonable period of time. They get along well with children, dogs and other pets and more than anything love to be involved in family activities. Because of their intelligence and alertness, the Buhund makes an excellent watchdog. Today, it is also successful in police work, agility trials and competitive obedience, and also is being used as a valued service dog for the hearing-impaired.
The Norwegian Buhund should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
Compared to other breeds, Norwegian Buhunds do not need extensive grooming. They are naturally clean and basically odorless dogs, even when wet. The Buhund has a double coat: an outer coat that is thick, rich, hard, and smooth lying, and a soft, dense, and woolly undercoat. The coat sheds most foreign substances with ease, and dries itself after a bath. Buhunds do need to be brushed two to three times a week, and more often during the shedding season—like other double-coated dogs, Buhunds blow their undercoats once or twice a year. As with all breeds, the nails should be trimmed regularly.
In general, Norwegian Buhunds tend to be healthy and hardy. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia, von Willebrand’s disease, and eye disease. Potential puppy buyers are always advised to confirm the health screening of the sire and dam.
Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:
Read the Official Breed Club Health Statement.
There’s truth to the romantic tales of Buhunds who sailed with those Nordic invaders, the Vikings, whose lightning raids tized Europe some 1,200 years ago. And though Buhunds might’ve enjoyed looting and pillaging their way across the continent alongside Vikings (Buhunds enjoy any activity they can do with their owners!), they are, at heart, homebodies. In fact, their name derives from the Norwegian word “bu,” meaning “homestead” or “farm.” For centuries Buhunds served as herders, guardians of flock and family, and all-purpose farmhands.