Vali.Org / Buhunds 

Appearance
A Norwegian Buhund is an ideal size for a family pet - a little under medium size. These are lightly built but compact dogs. This breed has an almost square proportion as the height measured from the ground to the withers is equal to the length of the body measured from the prosternum to the rear of the upper thigh. A Buhund has deep chest and well sprung ribs. The lean medium length neck is slightly arched. The set on high tail is thick, even made thicker by the long hair on the underside. The tail forms a tight curl and always carried over the dog's back. The average height of a male dog is 17 to 18 inches and 16 to 17.5 inches for females. Average weight for females is 26.5 to 35 pounds and 31 to 40 pounds for males.

The dog's head is wedge shaped and proportionate to the body. The short muzzle tapers to a black nose. The dog has tight lips, full dentition that meet in a scissor bite. Oval shaped dark brown eyes are not protruding. Eye shape and the black eye rims give the eyes a lively and alert expression. Set on high pointed ears are erect and very mobile though the ears would go back when the dog is showing affection.

A Norwegian Buhund has two coats - a soft wooly thick undercoat and an outer coat that is smooth but harsh or rough to the touch. Commonly the coat is wheaten or ranging from pale shades of cream to yellowish red or orange although there are also black or wolf sable Buhunds. The head and the front of legs are covered with shorter hair while the coat on the back of thighs, chest and neck is longer. The rather small feet of the Buhund is oval shaped and webbed.

Personality
From being a herding and hunting dog, the Norwegian Buhund has evolved into an excellent and loyal house pet that would untiringly shower the master with affectionate kisses. These dogs are fun loving and would play vigorously. A lot of outdoor games and exercises should therefore be provided. Because the dog loves to play a lot they are good with children in fact they are very gentle especially with the little ones. This breed gets along well with other dog and with other smaller pets especially when properly socialized.

The dog is a barker; they communicate by barking. These are very alert dogs and would never fail to warn you of approaching strangers. Despite the small size having a Norwegian Buhund on your doorstep is like having a security guard on duty 24/7. Buhunds are friendly by nature; the breed is not aggressive but the dog is fearless and protective. They will never fail to protect the master and his family if needed.

The Norwegian Buhund is an ideal house pet that would respond to training easily. However, this breed may not be the right one for you. A puppy is rowdy and exuberant. This breed is highly intelligent and has a high learning rate. But then again the dog is strong willed and they have a mind of their own. Oftentimes the dog is manipulative. A Buhund will look at a weak owner as his equal never his master, and would please himself rather that bend to the will of the master. The master would need to be firm and consistent in order to curb the stubbornness of the dog.

More than other breeds a Norwegian Buhund would demand lots of attention and companionship from the master. A Buhund is known to suffer from separation anxiety. These dogs would not appreciate being left alone even for a few hours as the dog would manifest its boredom through barking and destructive chewing.

A Buhund can easily adapt to urban or city living. Because they are relatively small they would do well in an apartment provided they are given chances to exercise outdoors. This is a versatile breed. They actually prefer cooler climates but can adapt to warmer temperatures

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Care
The Buhund has a sleek outer coat that naturally sheds collected dirt and mud. As the dog cleans himself like a cat, very little human care is needed.  We've seen our Bu's roll around in thick mud, shake a few times, and be ready for the ring.  Very little grooming is required. A once a week brushing will keep the coat neat and clean as well as remove dead hair.

A Norwegian Buhund is a heavy shedder. During molting time, you would need to brush the coat daily if you do not want dog hair to decorate your furniture, to garnish your food and to clog your vacuum cleaner. Bathing the dog with warm water and regular brushing will accelerate the shedding process. Nail clipping and ear cleaning must be regularly done. Wearing black in the spring and fall is a fashion no-no if you have a wheaten buhund on premises.   Likewise, don't think of wearing white if you have a black one.   Invest in medium shades of brown or green to be safe.