Norwegian Buhund Breed description: Character & Co

Facts & Origin

Norwegian Buhund - a breed description

The Norwegian Buhund is a very rare watchdog and family dog from the far north.

The origin of the Norwegian Buhund

"Bu" simply means "hut" and the Buhund was traditionally a guard, herding, hunting and protection dog. Remains of this dog were found in a Viking grave from the 10th century. Most likely the original type of the breed is even older. It probably originated from various Spitz species and other dog breeds crossed over the centuries.

In 1913 the Buhund was presented for the first time at a Norwegian agricultural exhibition. Since 1920 there were own Buhund shows and in 1939 the Norsk Buhundklubb was founded.

Until today the Buhund is still a normal working dog in the far north. Outside of Scandinavia one meets him only rarely.

The breed characteristics of the Norwegian Buhund

The Buhund is a beautiful and robust representative of the Spitz family. As a people-friendly all-rounder, he can be kept and used in many ways. These animals have always lived closely with their humans and are still very close to nature. Typical for the Bohund is long excited barking as soon as something unusual is around. This peculiarity can make keeping them in densely populated areas difficult.

The FCI has recognized the Buhund as a breed in its own right and lists it under Standard No. 237, Group 5: Spitz and primitive type dogs and Section 3: Nordic guard and herding dogs (herding dogs).

pointed herding, guard and hunting dog
still very primitive today
likes to bark often

Banner: Shutterstock / Roberto Galan

Norwegian Buhund, small white dog that looks similar to Spitz, dog from Norway

Norwegian Buhund, small white dog that looks similar to Spitz, dog from Norway, dog graphic

Alternate Name	-
Origin	Norway
Life expectancy	12 - 15 years
Care requirements	low-maintenance

Activity level	average
FCI group	Nordic Watchdogs and Herders
AKC group	not recognised
KC group	not recognised

Attitude, character and temperament of the breed

The typical character traits of the Norwegian Dog

The fact that this dog likes to bark has nothing to do with aggression. He merely announces and does his job. He can even run towards loved ones barking excitedly. If you want to have a boo dog, you should be able to give him enough exercise. Ideally, this dog should have an opportunity to be outside in all weathers. If he can experience the passing of the seasons up close, he will be balanced, peaceful and fond of children. The Bohund clings closely to his people and can react very reservedly to strangers at first. For conspecifics he is rather less interested.

barks, but is not aggressive
needs wind, weather and nature
fond of children and family-friendly, if well-balanced

Character

agile
balanced
barking
family-friendly
good-natured
vigilant

Usage

Watchdog
Herding Dog

Health and breeding information

Breed-typical diseases of the Norwegian Bohund

There are none known.

Breeding, acquisition and keeping

If you want to keep a Buhund, you will most likely have to search outside the German-speaking area. The VDH lists the dog, but currently does not list any German breeders. There are also no breeders known in Austria or Switzerland.

If you are interested in this dog, the German Club for Nordic Dogs might be able to help you and give you suitable addresses in Scandinavia.

norwegian dog breed, boo dog, norwegian boo dog, white dog with thick fur

Appearance and coat

The Buhund is a typically square and very sturdy Spitz dog. He can come in dark and light colors. The breed standard refers to the light shades as "wheat", this can be an extremely light to even reddish brown. The agouti color shows a transparent mixture of light and dark hair, as it is also known from husky. Black Buhunds usually carry one or the other white markings preferably on the chest.

The coat is medium long to long. The tail carries the Buhund moderately or clearly rolled up over the rear.