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Norwegian Buhund Information
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Breed |
Norwegian Buhund |
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Alternative names |
Nordiske Spitz-hunde
Norsk Buhund
Norwegian Sheepdog |
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Height (male/female) |
17-18 inches (43-46 cm) / 16-17.5 inches (40-45
cm) |
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Weight (male/female) |
31-40 pounds (14-18 kg) / 26-31.5 pounds (12-14
kg) |
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Life expectancy |
12-15 years |
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Litter size |
4-8 |
(Kaare / Sophie)
(This information lifted from various Buhund
sites, in particular the
Buhund Club of
America, AKC,
and Sarahs
Dogs. The pictures above are of course mine...)
About the Norwegian Buhund
(a.k.a. NORSK BUHUND - NORSKBUHUND - NORWEGIAN SHEEPDOG -
NORDISKE SITZ-HUNDE)
Description
Norwegian Buhund is a very ancient breed with records of existence that
dates as far back as 870. This breed has been the constant and trusted
companions of Vikings. These dogs were taken to different settlement in
Iceland and in Britain. It is believed that this breed is the foundation
stock of many present day herding breeds.
A Norwegian Buhund is a medium sized spitz type of dog that originated
in Norway. In its native land, the breed also goes by the name Norsk
Buhund and Norwegian Sheepdog. Although medium sized, it is a
compact dog and its light build make it agile. In Norwegian "bu"
means livestock, homestead or the mountain hut that is used by the
shepherds in summer pastures and "hund" means dog. In Norway the
dog is still used in herding sheep, cattle, reindeer and even pigs. The
dog is also used as farm dogs that perform varied tasks that include
hunting bears, wolf and other large prey. The Norwegian Buhund however
is very versatile. Apart from scoring well in agility and obedience
trials, the dog can be seen guiding and aiding handicapped people,
guarding homes and family as well as performing police work. These
robust and healthy dogs are noted for their tenacity and endurance.
Their excellent and keen sense of smell, hearing and sight make them
excel in search and rescue operations as well as in narcotics detection.
This breed love to work. Herding is in their nature. A Norwegian Buhund
owner should make sure that the pet would not chase other people's pets.
This breed has worked with Vikings and ancient farmers for centuries and
it would be a crime to curtail the natural working ability of the dog by
keeping it kenneled or leashed alone in a yard. Buhunds that does not
have the opportunity to do stock work would enjoy helping out with the
chores. Mental stimulation can be provided by letting the dog join in
family activities. The dog would certainly enjoy a game of fetch or
Frisbee with the kids. These dogs can be reasonably happy in an urban or
a rural setting as long as they are provided with the companionship and
attention of the human family.
These are hardy dogs. Most would need to be in a vet's clinic only for
the annual booster shots. Norwegian Buhund is a healthy breed and has a
life expectancy of 12 to 15 years although many Buhunds have lived much
longer.
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.
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. 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
buhund on premises.
History
Norwegian Buhunds like other Nordic herding types are believed to have
accompanied Vikings in their colonization journeys. In one ancient
excavation in Norway, a Viking grave that dates back about year 900 was
excavated and skeletons of six dogs were found. These skeletons are
believed to be the representatives of present day Buhunds. It is the
custom of Vikings to be buried with their most valued possessions. The
dogs that helped the Vikings care for their animals and protect their
homes are expected to perform the same services and duties in the
afterlife.
The 900 AD to 1300 AD Icelandic Sagas documented how the Norwegian
people brought the breed to Iceland. These dogs were primarily used to
herd sheep. Later on they become all purpose farm dogs as they are now
given the task of herding reindeer, sled pulling as well as hunting.
These dogs are the invaluable helpers of shepherds who move the herds
from one pasture to another in the Scandinavian mountains. Many of these
dogs worked in the homestead thus gaining the name "buhund" from the
word bu which means homestead and
hund which means dog.
The impressive and more refined appearance of present day Norwegian
Buhund was developed in Norway's western coastland. During the 1920's,
John Saeland, a state counsel of Norway initiated the first Buhund show
that was held in Jaeren. In 1939 the Norsk Buhundklubb was
organized. In 1940 the breed was first imported to Britain and in the
late 1980's in America.
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