Breed Standard
Head: Conical shape, dry. Skull is almost flat. Distinct stop. Straight nose bridge. Short muzzle tapers toward the nose. Very tight lips.
Ears: Pointed. Held stiffly erect.
Eyes: As dark as possible and in harmony with coat color.
Body: Short, compact. Dry, fairly short neck. Chest is well let down. Ribs well sprung. Strong loin. Straight, strong back.
Tail: Set high and carried curled tightly over the back. Richly clad.
Hair: Dense, abundant, hard, close-lying. Short on the head and front of the legs. Longer on the neck and forechest. Soft, thick, wooly undercoat.
Coat: Wheaten: solid color ranging from light to golden red; mask permissible.- Black: solid color with white flashing on the head; white markings on the forechest, narrow white collar around the neck, and white on the feet are permissible.
Size: Dog: 43 to 47 cm (17-18.5 in).Bitch: 41 to 45 cm (16-18 in).
Weight: Dog: 14 to 18 kg (31-40 lb).Bitch: 12 to 16 kg (26.5-35lb).
History
Bu means homestead in Norwegian, and hund means sheepdog. This very old breed was used to herd livestock and as a guard dog. The breed was introduced in Iceland where it contributed to the development of the Iceland Dog.
The Norwegian Buhund belongs to a large class of dogs called the Spitz type. There are many variations in size, coat and color among the Spitz breeds. In the ancient Gokstad excavation in Norway, where a Viking grave from about the year 900 was opened, skeletons from six dogs of various sizes were found. They would be the antecedents of modern-day Buhunds. When Vikings died, their most cherished and necessary possessions were buried alongside their owners. This was to care for the Vikings in their afterlife. The dogs that protected farms and herded cattle and sheep were expected to continue these duties in Valhalla. It has been documented that these dogs travelled with Vikings on their many journeys, by sea and by land.
Behavior
The Norwegian Buhund is a highly cheerful and active breed. They do not tire easily and require extensive exercise on a daily basis. The Norwegian Buhund needs to expel its energy and becomes destructive and ill-mannered if ignored or made to stay still frequently. In conjunction with their high level of activity and energy, they are also extremely lovable and are known for their love of children. However, due to their high level of energy and need for intensive training, Norwegian Buhunds should always be supervised, especially around children and the elderly. This breed loves to cuddle and give kisses to their masters and families. They form strong bonds with their owners and therefore are natural watch dogs. This can result in aloof behavior and wariness or anxiety around strangers. New owners may find this problematic, since the Norwegian Buhund may bark at each new alarming noise or movement. They are communicative and brave, but rarely will snap or bite without provocation.
The Norwegian Buhund is highly intelligent. They are extremely headstrong and demonstrate an intense desire to be taught and to learn new things. If appropriate stimulus is not made available, the breed may resort to destructive or inappropriate behavior. The Buhund breed does become bored easily and is known to become restless. Daily exercise is required. This breed is ideal for owners who can dedicate time to exercise and training. With this desire for activity and learning combined with a high level of energy, the Norwegian Buhund makes an excellent agility dog. People who live active lifestyles, or are seeking a dog with which they can become involved in dog sports, will appreciate the personality of the Norwegian Buhund. It is also an ideal dog for people who are athletic and desire a dog to go running, hiking or biking with. This breed makes an excellent companion for a sports enthusiast.
He can adapt to life in the city provided he has plenty of space and is allowed to get a lot of exercise. Regular brushing and combing is required.
Function
Herder (reindeer, sheep), Guard Dog, Versatile Utility Dog, Agility, Pet.
Health
The Norwegian Buhund are prone to an inherited eye issues and hip dysplasia.
