Norwegian Buhund

Origins and History

The Norwegian Buhund (also called the Norwegian White Shepherd) originates from the rugged farms of Norway where it was employed as a versatile herding and watchdog companion. The breed is documented in Norwegian parish records as early as the 1600s. In the 19th century, the Buhund was refined by the Norwegian Kennel Club (NKK) to emphasize a compact, agile conformation suitable for both livestock work and the emerging sport of conformation showing. The breed was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in Group 1 (Sheepdogs and Cattledogs, except Swiss Cattle Dogs) in 1976.

General Characteristics

• Medium‑sized, well‑balanced, and square‑built with a lively expression.
• Alert, confident, and eager to please; highly trainable but can be independent.
• Originally a herding and guard dog; today excels in obedience, agility, and rally competitions.

Disclaimer: The information provided reflects current breed standards and commonly reported traits; individual dogs may vary.

Physical Specifications

• Height at withers: Males 44‑50 cm (17½‑19½ in); Females 42‑47 cm (16½‑18½ in).
• Weight: Males 15‑20 kg (33‑44 lb); Females 12‑17 kg (26‑38 lb).
• Body: Square‑shaped, deep chest, strong hindquarters, and a level topline.
• Head: Medium length, broad skull, dark almond‑shaped eyes, and well‑set ears that fold forward.
• Tail: Medium length, carried low when at rest and raised in a slight curve when alert.

Coat and Color

• Coat: Double coat with a harsh, weather‑resistant outer layer and a soft, dense undercoat. Length is medium; longer on the neck and tail, slightly shorter on the face and front of the legs.
• Accepted colors (FCI 241):
  • Wheaten – ranging from pale cream to deep golden.
  • Black with tan markings – black body with tan points on the eyebrows, cheeks, chest, legs, and under the tail.
  • White markings are permitted but must not dominate the base color.

Temperament Considerations

The Norwegian Buhund is an energetic, intelligent herding type that thrives on purposeful activity. Its strong work drive can translate into enthusiasm for obedience, rally, and agility, but the same drive may lead to distractibility if the dog is not given clear tasks.

Training Essentials

• Socialization: Begin exposure to people, other dogs, and varied environments between 8‑12 weeks to prevent shyness or over‑protectiveness.
• Exercise needs: Minimum 1‑2 hours of vigorous activity daily (fetch, hill work, or structured training).
• Positive reinforcement: Use reward‑based methods; the breed responds well to praise, play, and treats.
• Consistency: Firm, consistent cues are essential; avoid mixed signals which can encourage independent problem‑solving.
• Common challenges: Tendency to herd moving objects or people, and occasional stubbornness when tasks are perceived as uninteresting.

Daily Grooming

• Brush 2‑3 times per week with a slicker brush or pin brush to remove loose undercoat and prevent matting.
• Bath as needed; avoid over‑bathing to preserve natural oils.
• Trim nails regularly (once a month) to maintain a comfortable gait.
• Dental care: brush teeth several times weekly or provide dental chews to reduce plaque.

Show Preparation

• Begin a grooming schedule 2‑3 weeks before the show: hand‑strip or clip the outer coat to the desired length (approximately 1‑2 cm) while preserving the texture.
• Clean ears and trim hair around the face for a tidy appearance; ensure the ears are free of debris.
• Apply a light coat conditioner the day before the show to enhance sheen without weighing the coat down.
• Practice ring handling: stand with a neutral, square stance, and present the dog’s gait from a straight line to showcase the breed’s balanced movement.

Common Health Issues

• Hip dysplasia – recommended screening by OFA or PennHIP.
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRCD) – DNA testing and annual ophthalmologic exam.
• Patellar luxation – orthopedic evaluation in puppies.
• Autoimmune thyroiditis – routine thyroid panel annually.
• Epilepsy – monitor for seizure activity; discuss with veterinarian if observed.

General Care

• Exercise: Minimum 1‑2 hours of vigorous activity daily; mental stimulation is equally important.
• Nutrition: High‑quality protein‑rich diet appropriate for the dog’s life stage; maintain lean body condition to support joint health.
• Lifespan: Typically 12‑15 years when health issues are managed proactively.
• Regular veterinary check‑ups: annual wellness exam, vaccinations, and parasite prevention.