Norwegian Buhunds are medium-sized dogs weighing 24 to 49 pounds and standing 16 to 19 inches tall. Males tend to be slightly larger than females.

The Norwegian Buhund comes in wheaten and black and can have a black mask or white markings.

Norwegian Buhunds stop growing at 12 to 18 months of age. They will continue to fill out and gain muscle mass until they are about two years old. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will encourage healthy growth during their early development.

Norwegian Buhunds live 12 to 15 years, though individual lifespans will vary based on genetics, overall health, diet, exercise, and quality of veterinary care.

Yes, Norwegian Buhunds shed. The Norwegian Buhund sheds lightly throughout the year and heavily twice a year when they blow their coats.

"Buhund" means "herding dog" in Norwegian.

Norwegian Buhunds are rare, especially outside of Norway.

Norwegian Buhunds are from Norway, where they rode aboard Viking ships. Remnants of the Norwegian Buhund’s ancestral breed have been found in burial sites from the 800s, indicating how important these dogs were to Viking culture.

Norwegian Buhunds were bred to herd livestock, particularly sheep, in the rugged Norwegian countryside. For centuries, a Norwegian Buhund or two could be found on every farm in Norway, where their natural agility, intelligence, and strong work ethic made them excellent companions to farmers.

Yes, Norwegian Buhunds require regular grooming. Their double coat should be brushed once a week to remove loose hair and prevent matting. In spring and fall, more frequent brushing can help manage increased shedding.

The Norwegian Buhund is quite a healthy breed, free from most genetic disorders.

No, Norwegian Buhunds are not hypoallergenic. They have a double coat that sheds, which can contribute to allergens in the home. Regular grooming can help manage shedding, but if you have allergies, spend time with a Buhund to see how you react before you bring one home for good.

Like all dogs, Norwegian Buhunds may be prone to some health conditions, including:

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from adequately meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Though the main complication with hip dysplasia is joint instability, the abnormalities present in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing a Norwegian Buhund, have them checked out by a vet to see if they are prone to dysplasia.

• Cataracts: Cataracts are imperfections of the eye that cause opacity on the lens. A dog with cataracts will have eyes with a cloudy appearance and impaired vision. The cataract may be small and unnoticeable to both you and your dog, but it can also grow to the size of the entire lens and can cause blindness. Cataracts usually occur in old age and sometimes can be surgically removed to improve vision.

• Cerebellar ataxia: Norwegian Buhunds have a genetic mutation for this neurological disease which affects a dog’s balance and coordination, but there is now a DNA test for this. 

A veterinarian may recommend hip, eye, and DNA tests for your dog to identify some of these issues.

Yes, Norwegian Buhunds are good with other dogs. Friendly and sociable, their playful nature allows them to enjoy the company of other dogs, making them good candidates for multi-dog households. As with any breed, individual temperaments can vary, and early introductions and supervision during playtime are key to positive interactions.

Yes, Norwegian Buhunds are good with cats, especially if they are raised together. Their herding instincts may lead them to chase smaller animals, including cats, so early introductions and positive experiences are crucial. Ultimately, it comes down to the individual dog’s temperament.

Yes, Norwegian Buhunds are great family dogs. Smart, affectionate, and devoted, this breed will be happiest in an active family that offers plenty of exercise and adventure.

Yes, Norwegian Buhunds are friendly. They are affectionate with their families and get along well with children and other pets. While they may be reserved with strangers at first, they usually warm up quickly.

Yes, Norwegian Buhunds are smart. They are intelligent dogs with strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to learn commands and tasks quickly.

Yes, Norwegian Buhunds are good with kids due to their affectionate and patient dispositions. As with any breed, supervise interactions between children and your Norwegian Buhund to keep everyone safe and happy. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

Yes, Norwegian Buhunds bark. They have been called “chatterboxes” for their propensity to bark, yip, yodel, and trill. The Norwegian Buhund’s loud bark was critical for their job as herders, but off the farm and at home, excess barking can be discouraged with proper training and exercise.

Yes, Norwegian Buhunds are relatively easy to train. The Norwegian Buhund is intelligent, loves a job, and is easy to please, but they are a highly independent breed, which can make training an interesting challenge for an inexperienced trainer. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and keeping training sessions dynamic and mentally stimulating will work best for this breed. Also, keep in mind that training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed.