Norwegian Buhund

The Norwegian Buhund

2009 - New Breed Accepted by the AKC

The Norwegian Buhund belongs to a large class of dogs called the Spitz type. Bred as an energetic working dog, Buhunds herd livestock and guard home and family. Today, they are also trained to aid the hearing impaired, perform some types of police work, and perform in obedience and agility trials. Their thick coat is wheaten (pale cream to bright orange) or black in color.

Listed in: Herding Group - Sheep herder; livestock guardian; general farm dog.

Ranging in size from 16 to 18½ inches tall at the shoulder and 26 to 40 pounds

History

The breed as we know it today, with its prick ears and curled tail, was nurtured in the rainy western coastlands of Norway, where they herded sheep, guarded farms and hunted bear and wolf. Ancient versions of the Buhund traveling with Vikings on their many journeys have been documented as far back as the year 900.

Temperament

This breed makes a wonderful companion for active people or families and will thrive in a home where plenty of exercise is provided. While Norwegian Buhunds make excellent watch dogs, they are also content to lie at your feet at the end of a hard day.

Upkeep

Grooming is minimal – brushing will maintain the breed’s medium to short easy care coat. Training wise, the Buhund is considered by many to be the most trainable of the Spitz breeds, but obedience training is still a necessity.

Health

• Major concerns: epilepsy and hip dysplasia

• Minor concerns: prone to ear and eye infections

• Occasionally seen: cataracts

• Suggested tests: Hip

• Life span: 10 - 14 years

Form and Function

The Norwegian Buhund is a herding dog. It is a typical northern breed, a little under medium size and squarely built, with a tightly curled tail carried over the back. The head is wedge-shaped and not too heavy, with prick ears. As it is extremely intelligent by nature, consistent training is needed from early puppyhood. The Buhund has a lot of energy, strength and stamina. This self-appointed watch dog is also content lying at your feet at the end of the day. Broken teeth and honorable scars incurred in the line of herding duty are acceptable.

Disqualifying Faults

More than a half inch under, or one inch over the height at the highest point of the shoulder blade.

Overshot or undershot mouth

For more Information, Breeders and Puppies - http://www.buhund.org/