Last Updated on October 30, 2021 by Pets Feed
The Norwegian buhund is a fairly common dog breed. Representatives of this breed are very hardy; they easily adapt to almost any living conditions. They are extremely rarely aggressive towards anyone; this is possible only if they or loved ones are threatened. In everyday life, such a dog is unpretentious, quite mobile, cheerful, playful and gentle. He is an excellent hunter, an attentive shepherd and a stern watchman.
A dog of compact but light build and square format. Wedge-shaped head, light, graceful. Ears set high, erect. The Norwegian buhund is built very rationally, as if it was made for hard work. The limbs are slender, strong, the angles of the hock joints are poorly expressed
The Norwegian Buhund’s coat is double-layered, able to withstand frost
Breed history
One of the earliest evidences of the existence of the Norwegian Buhund breed is a ship from Gokstad, which was found on the shore of one of the fjords in 1880. Together with the ship, the remains of a dog were found, surprisingly reminiscent of the modern Norwegian Buhund.
The ship dates back to the 8th century AD. e., but many researchers suggest that dogs of this breed lived in these territories earlier. Although, no reliable evidence has yet been found. There are other remains of Buhund dating back to the 8-9th centuries AD, found in Iceland and Greenland, which proves their close connection with the Vikings.
These ancient conquerors and navigators took dogs with them to conquer new lands, knowing their endurance and value. Some researchers believe that the Norwegian Buhund may have been involved in the formation of breeds such as the Border Collie and Icelandic Shepherd, although again, there is no reliable evidence.
The Middle Ages are a rather vague period in the history of the breed, but we can definitely say that Buhund lived side by side with people and served them faithfully. However, at the beginning of the 20th century, many other breeds appeared in Norway, from which the popularity of aboriginal dogs began to decline. Today, Norwegian breeders and breed enthusiasts are trying to preserve and increase the number of individuals. Despite this, the Norwegian Buhund is still very small in number.
The Norwegian Buhund is a compound derived from two Norwegian words, “hund” means dog and “bu” shepherd
Norwegian buhund photos
Physical characteristics of the Norwegian Buhund
The Norwegian Buhund is a large wolf-like dog like many other indigenous breeds of cold regions. The physique is muscular, athletic, the limbs are proportional, the chest is voluminous, the muzzle is slightly elongated, the ears are erect. The tail is medium, curled up, the coat is of medium length.
The Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized, square-sized dog. He has a wedge-shaped head with a flat forehead. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is well defined. The muzzle is short enough, tapering towards the nose. The bridge of the nose is straight. The eyes are large enough, oval, dark in color. The ears are set high, of medium size, erect, triangular in shape, with pointed tips. The neck is strong and short enough.
The body of the Norwegian Buhund is compact. The back is short and straight. The limbs are straight, parallel to each other, with well-developed muscles.
The paws are compact, rounded. The tail is set high, curled into a ring, carried over the back, covered with thick hair.
The coat is hard, dense, dense, of medium length with a soft, dense and fluffy undercoat like cotton. The hair is longest around the neck. The color can be red, wheaten and black. White spots on the chest and limbs are allowed.
The average weight of the Norwegian Buhund is between 24-26 kg, while the height is between 43-46 cm.
The Norwegian Buhund can also be used for other functions such as police dog or assistance dog for disabled people
Character and temperament of the Norwegian Buhund
The Norwegian Buhund is an energetic dog, full of strength. This dog loves to be on the move, loves activity in various forms, we can say that he loves activity as such. That is, regardless of whether the dog will do physical exercises and train with the owner, or will walk in the woods when you go to a picnic with your family – all this is her element. However, the best possible option is training in the forest with the owner.
But when there is not enough activity, this dog will become bored, sad, and in general, he will show you with all his might his dissatisfaction with this state of affairs. The Norwegian Buhund carries a curiosity and a love of adventure in its genes. Surely this is due to the ancestors who lived a thousand years ago, who went along with the Vikings on adventures to explore new lands, accompanied by the cries of sea gulls.
Modern dogs of this breed can also go exploring new lands if they find a way to get over the fence. Therefore, if you live in a private sector, make sure that the fence has a concrete base and is high enough.
The Norwegian Buhund gets along very well with children; he love joint games and entertainment. Other animals are perceived normally, but it is better to introduce them to cats at a very early age. They have hunting instincts.
Strangers are perceived with caution, but without aggression, the Norwegian Buhund can perform guard functions, moreover, in this capacity he will be aware of their responsibility and act effectively. This dog also has protective instincts to protect his family. Perhaps these instincts and subconscious skills are not as strong as, for example, in the Caucasian Shepherd Dog, but they are definitely present.
Note! Purchase enough toys, arrange a place, buy bowls, food, and a bed before you bring a Norwegian buhund puppy home. It is better to remove small objects, extension cords and everything that he can reach on his own from the room.
In general, the Norwegian Buhund loves to please his owner, he is obedient, faithful, brave and intelligent. It is also quite territorial.
Health
The Norwegian Buhund is generally a fairly healthy breed and rarely get sick. He has a strong immune system that protects him from all sorts of colds and infectious diseases.
This dog also has very few genetic diseases. The Norwegian Buhund may have hip dysplasia, which is inherited. If a puppy is prone to this disease, you need to be extremely careful during its growing up. The puppy should not be allowed to go down the stairs on its own, run and jump a lot.
It is quite simple to recognize this disease: dogs develop chromate, they quickly get tired, the hind limbs begin to stagger, the dog tries to focus on the front paws. If you notice any signs, see your veterinarian urgently.
This ailment is corrected, depending on the severity, with the help of medication or surgery. If you want to be sure that the puppy you are acquiring is not prone to hip dysplasia, study its pedigree.
And like many other breeds, the Norwegian Buhund may also suffer from an inherited eye disorder.
The Norwegian Buhund is perhaps one of the friendliest breeds of the sptiz type
Exercise
The Norwegian Buhund must exercise for at least two hours a day. They were used as a signal for the deaf, they get good results in agility and obedience tests. They also like to face new challenges. Because of its dense fur and geographical roots, it does not grow well in warm climates, so it should be kept cool in hot weather. During the summer, try exercising early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Note! Thanks to his energy, endurance, enthusiasm and desire to work, the Norwegian buhund can achieve tremendous success in a variety of fields. But he can also be just a pet who loves active games and long walks.
Feeding
Your dog’s diet should contain the proper proportion of all major nutrient groups, including a continuous supply of fresh water.
Food is a very important element for a healthy and healthy lifestyle. To prevent an allergic reaction, always adhere to the rule that human food is not suitable for your four-legged friend.
The Norwegian buhund needs to be fed healthy, balanced and quality food. For dogs are useful:
- Fermented milk products of medium fat;
- Nonfatty meat, such as: beef, horse, lamb, rabbit, chicken and turkey;
- Offal (heart, unpeeled beef scar, kidneys);
- Plant foods: vegetables and fruits.
Note! Due to frequent allergies among representatives of Norwegian buhund dogs, new products should be introduced into the diet little by little, pay special attention to reactions to cereals and eggs.
Of the cereals, rice, buckwheat and oatmeal are most suitable for dogs.
Milk and broth are usually added to porridge before consumption. Food does not require heat treatment. Offal can replace meat; however, you should not often give your pet liver and lungs.
Raw bones, which are rich in phosphorus and calcium, are good for dogs.
The Norwegian Buhund needs complex carbohydrates as well, which are found in bran, raw vegetables and fruits.
Before serving, bran must be crushed and given half a teaspoon, they help the digestive system to work without interruption.
Sometimes you can add flaxseed or olive oil to ready meals, they have a positive effect on the whole body. Remember that there should be water in the animal’s bowl at all times.
The Norwegian Buhund dogs are very careful with children of all ages and enjoy cuddling up with them to watch TV or accompany them on their antics
He is strictly forbidden to give these foods for any dog including the Norwegian buhund:
- Smoked meats and sausages,
- Salty and spoiled food,
- Any sweets, especially chocolate,
- Small bones,
- Bread and flour products,
- Pasta.
The meat must be frozen beforehand to kill the bacteria living on it. If you are giving raw vegetables and fruits to your Norwegian Buhund, be sure to wash them. It is recommended to give buckwheat and rice from cereals. Along with the porridge, you can serve stew or raw meat, vegetables and even dry food. Choose only premium food. Review the ingredient list before purchasing and pay attention to the expiration date.
Being such an expressive pet, it is common for a Norwegian Buhund to bark a lot more when lonely or bored
Basic care
The Norwegian buhund need daily long walks, and better jogging. It will be quite difficult for them to get used to urban living conditions. This dog needs a lot of space in order to pour out their inexhaustible reserves of energy.
If you live in the city, do not let the dog off the leash if there is a track nearby. Of course, people who are in a hurry to work find it difficult to go far from home in the morning to take a walk with their dog. However, the Norwegian buhund needs it. If in the morning this dog does not throw out its energy, furniture and other utensils in your apartment will definitely suffer.
Therefore, dog breeders recommend keeping these dogs outside the city, in a private house with a large plot of land. The Norwegian buhund will be able to adapt to any conditions, thanks to hi wool, they easily endure the cold. However, you cannot attach a buhund on a chain – this dog is freedom-loving.
The Norwegian buhund is a clean representative of the canine world, in addition, he does not have a characteristic canine smell. Therefore, he needs to be washed extremely rarely.
Note! Walks should be carried out in the morning and evening, while the duration of the walk is set by the Norwegian buhund dog. The best option would be to walk for an hour.
This Norwegian dog needs to be combed several times a week. Do not forget about timely vaccinations and visits to the veterinarian for routine check-ups.
The Norwegian Buhund dog ‘changes’ his double coat in profusion once or twice a year, during which time we recommend daily brushing. The rest of the year, just comb it and brush it a few times a week.
Training and education
Training a Norwegian buhund is an important factor that should be paid attention to regularly, preferably for several hours a day. Nature has rewarded dogs of this breed with high intelligence, the ability to think and almost always understand a person.
However, it is known that mental abilities need to be developed. What your pet will be like depends only on you.
The Norwegian buhund is very capable and versatile working dog that can-do different jobs. However, he needs to be accustomed to a specific type of activity from an early age.
Never use physical force against these dogs, they are kind by nature and require the same treatment. Be patient and start training your four-legged friend. Remember that delicacy and praise from the owner can work wonders.
Note! When training the Norwegian buhund, you should not repeat the same thing, it is better to diversify training with games. Otherwise, the dog may get bored and lose interest in what is happening.
