Norwegian Buhund Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Norwegian Buhund is a lively, versatile Nordic farm dog, built to herd livestock and guard homes. It is intelligent, athletic and talkative, and it suits families who enjoy active outdoor time.

Origins and appearance

Buhunds have worked on Norwegian farms for centuries, herding sheep and cattle and guarding property. They are medium-sized, square and athletic, with a wedge-shaped head, upright ears, a tightly curled tail and a dense double coat in wheaten or black.

Temperament

They are cheerful, confident and affectionate. They are alert and bark readily. They bond closely with family and generally get on with children and other pets. They can be reserved with strangers. They need company and activity, and may become destructive when bored.

Exercise

They need one to two hours of daily exercise, such as runs, hikes and play. They enjoy herding, agility and obedience. Mental activity is essential. Use secure fencing.

Training

They are intelligent and eager but can be independent. Use positive methods, short sessions and variety. Early socialization helps. Teach a quiet cue and a reliable recall. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

The double coat sheds heavily twice a year. Brush a couple of times a week, daily when shedding. See double coat dog grooming guide. Do not shave. Trim nails, clean ears and brush teeth.

Health considerations

The breed is generally healthy, but topics include:

• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Eye conditions, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy
• Hypothyroidism. See hypothyroidism in dogs
• Skin problems
• Epilepsy

Living with a Norwegian Buhund

They suit active families with space. They are poorly suited to apartment life without a lot of exercise.

A typical day

A Buhund starts with a run, followed by training, rest and an afternoon outing. They enjoy herding games and being involved. Evenings are for relaxing with the family.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are bouncy and curious. Begin socialization, handling and training early. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food, grooming tools, training and vet care. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They tolerate cold very well, but need shade and water in heat. They travel well.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include underexercising, allowing barking to escalate, shaving the coat and skipping socialization.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip and eye testing, and the parents' temperaments. The breed is uncommon, so expect a wait.

A working dog's mind

Buhunds were bred to make decisions on their own while herding. At home, that can look like cleverness or willfulness. Give the dog tasks, such as learning names for toys, carrying items or working scent games, and reward good choices. A bored Buhund will usually find a way to entertain itself, and you may not like the outcome.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Buhund suits active owners who want an intelligent, medium-sized Nordic dog and accept barking and shedding. It may not suit quiet, sedentary homes. For a smaller Swedish herder, see the Swedish Vallhund.

Weather and seasons

Buhunds were built for Norwegian winters, and many seem to come alive in cold, crisp weather. Expect a dog that wants to be outside in the snow, and plan for slower, shadier exercise in summer. Seasonal coat blowouts can fill a vacuum cleaner in a day, so a good undercoat rake and a sturdy brush are worth the investment. Many owners schedule a quick daily brush during the shedding weeks to keep hair under control.

Activities that suit the breed

Herding, agility, rally obedience, canicross and hiking all suit the Buhund well. Even simple games such as hide and seek, fetch with a rule or learning a new trick each week keep the mind active between outings.

The takeaway

Norwegian Buhunds are lively, clever and vocal, and they need exercise, training and company.