Norwegian Buhund

An ancient Nordic farm dog, the Buhund worked as an all-purpose herder, flock guardian, and watchdog in coastal Norway. Valued for endurance, voice, and versatility, these compact spitz dogs managed sheep and cattle by day and guarded the homestead by night. Modern breed organization in the 20th century preserved their keen herding instinct and easy trainability; today, Buhunds excel in obedience, agility, herding, rally, and scent work while remaining affectionate companions.

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A medium, squarely built spitz with a weatherproof double coat and lively expression.

• Weight: 31–40 lb (male), 26–35 lb (female)
• Height: 17–18.5 in (male), 16–17.5 in (female)
• Coat Type: Dense double coat—harsh, straight outer coat over soft undercoat
• Coat Colors: Wheaten (pale cream to rich orange) or black, with permissible white markings; mask/shading may occur
• Distinctive Physical Traits: Erect, pointed ears; curled tail over the back; wedge head; deep chest; efficient, ground-covering trot

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Easy structure, but significant seasonal shedding—consistent care keeps the coat healthy.

• Brushing: 2×/week; daily during spring/fall “coat blow” (line-brush to skin)
• Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks or as needed; fully dry the undercoat
• De-shedding Zones: Breeches, ruff/neck, behind ears, tail
• Ears/Teeth/Nails: Clean ears weekly; brush teeth 2–3×/week; trim nails every 3–4 weeks
• Trimming: Light tidy of feet/sanitary; do not shave the double coat
• Shedding: Moderate year-round; heavy seasonally

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A high-spirit worker that thrives with daily outlets for body and brain.

• Daily Exercise: 60–90 minutes total (split sessions)
• Great Activities: Herding foundations, agility, rally, hiking, jogging, nose work, trick training
• Suitability: Houses or apartments with robust daily exercise and enrichment; secure fencing recommended (curious, alert herder)

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Quick, eager, and voicey—make it upbeat, structured, and engaging.

• Approach: Positive reinforcement; short, varied sessions with food/toy rewards
• Focus Areas: Recall, loose-leash walking, impulse control, “quiet” on cue (alert barkers)
• Socialization: Early exposure to people/dogs/surfaces/sounds to channel confidence
• Brain Work: Nose games, shaping tricks, platform work to build an off-switch

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Feed for lean muscle and sustained energy without extra bulk.

• Food Type: High-quality kibble or balanced fresh diet for active medium breeds
• Daily Quantity: ~1.75–3 cups/day split into two meals (adjust to age/workload)
• Diet Advice: Maintain BCS 4–5/9; add omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for skin/joints; count training treats toward daily calories

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Look for health-tested, well-socialized dogs from transparent sources—or consider rescue.

• Breeders: Choose CKC-affiliated preservation breeders who provide hip/eye results, socialization plans, and lifetime take-back
• Adoption: Nordic/spitz rescues and herding-breed groups; breed clubs may rehome retired adults
• Canadian Resources: Canadian Kennel Club breeder listings; regional agility/herding and scent-work clubs (ON/BC/QC/AB) for training days and community

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Generally robust; responsible screening is still important.

• Common Issues: Hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, PRA/cataracts (eye disease), occasional epilepsy, allergies
• Life Expectancy: 12–15 years
• Recommended Testing (breeders): Hips (and patellas where applicable), ophthalmologist exams (CAER), PRA DNA where available; discuss seizure history in lines

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Are Norwegian Buhunds good apartment dogs?
Yes—if you provide 60–90 minutes of daily exercise, enrichment, and bark management.

Do Norwegian Buhunds shed a lot?
They shed heavily seasonally and moderately the rest of the year; regular brushing helps.

Are Norwegian Buhunds hypoallergenic?
No. They are not hypoallergenic.

How much exercise does a Buhund need?
Plan for 60–90 minutes daily plus brain work (tricks, nose work, training games).

Are Buhunds good with kids and other pets?
Generally excellent family dogs with early socialization; supervise and redirect herding nips into toys/games.

Norwegian Buhund vs Swedish Vallhund—what’s different?
Both are Nordic herders; Buhunds are typically taller, wedge-headed with erect ears and curled tail, and come in wheaten or black. Vallhunds are long-and-low with wolf-sable coats and often a bobtail.

Do Buhunds bark a lot?
They’re alert watchdogs. Teach a reliable “quiet” cue and manage window/door triggers.

How often should I groom a Buhund?
Brush 2×/week (daily in coat blow), bathe every 6–8 weeks, and tidy feet/sanitary as needed.

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