Is the Airedale Terrier Better than the Norwegian Buhund as a Pet? Answer…

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Airedale Terrier Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Airedale Terrier and for the Norwegian Buhund. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Airedale Terrier or the Norwegian Buhund.

Airedale Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund

Airedale Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview

Both the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are similar in size. The Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Airedale Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Norwegian Buhund belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Airedale Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Airedale Terrier to the Norwegian Buhund based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund

Factor Airedale Terrier Norwegian Buhund
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 12 to 15 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Height 21 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
Weight 40 to 65 pounds 26 to 40 pounds
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1360 No Data
Price Range $950 – $1800 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 57 168

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Airedale Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Norwegian Buhund. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Airedale Terrier is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Norwegian Buhund is 81 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Norwegian Buhund is a better pet than the Airedale Terrier. So, you should get the Norwegian Buhund!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund

    Below is a list of where the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are most different:

  • Airedale Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Norwegian Buhunds have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund

    The Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are most similar:

  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are very easy to train.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Airedale Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund.

    Airedale Terriers weigh 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Airedale Terriers are 21 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Norwegian Buhunds weigh 26 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Norwegian Buhunds are 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Airedale Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund

    The lifespan of Airedale Terriers is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Airedale Terriers is 11.5 years.

    The lifespan of Norwegian Buhunds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Norwegian Buhunds is 13.5 years.

    Norwegian Buhunds live longer than Airedale Terriers.

    Adopting the Airedale Terrier versus Adopting the Norwegian Buhund

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Airedale Terriers and many Norwegian Buhunds are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Airedale Terrier named Dale that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Airedale Terriers like Dale on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Airedale Terriers, Norwegian Buhunds are also available for adoption. For example, Odie is a Male Norwegian Buhund that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Norwegian Buhunds like Odie that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Airedale Terriers and Norwegian Buhunds that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    The Popularity of Airedale Terrier versus Popularity of Norwegian Buhund

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Airedale Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Norwegian Buhund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Airedale Terrier is 57 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Norwegian Buhund is 168 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Airedale Terrier

    Popularity of Airedale Terrier

    Popularity of Norwegian Buhund

    Popularity of Norwegian Buhund

    Year Airedale Terrier Popularity Rank Norwegian Buhund Popularity Rank
    2013 56 166
    2014 57 172
    2015 53 165
    2016 55 174
    2017 55 170
    2018 60 165
    2019 60 169
    2020 62 168

    Health Problems of Airedale Terrier versus Health Problems of Norwegian Buhund

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Airedale Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Norwegian Buhund.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Airedale Terrier than for the Norwegian Buhund.

    5 health tests are recommended for Airedale Terrier while 3 tests are recommended for the Norwegian Buhund.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Airedale Terriers and in Norwegian Buhunds.

    Airedale Terrier Health Problems

    Airedale Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Airedale Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Airedale Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Airedale Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Airedale Terriers for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Airedale Terriers here.

    Norwegian Buhund Health Problems

    Norwegian Buhunds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Norwegian Buhund puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Norwegian Buhund puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Norwegian Buhund breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Norwegian Buhunds for:

  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Norwegian Buhunds here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Airedale Terriers and Norwegian Buhunds

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Airedale Terrier Breed is Eyes problems.

    This is because the Airedale Terrier ranks 17 out of 182 dog breeds for Eyes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 78 Airedale Terriers, 2 of them had Eyes problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Airedale Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Airedale Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Eyes problems: Rank 17 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 29 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 44 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 107 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Norwegian Buhund Breed is Eyes problems.

    This is because the Norwegian Buhund ranks 35 out of 182 dog breeds for Eyes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 244 Norwegian Buhunds, 7 of them had Eyes problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Norwegian Buhunds, and how common these diseases are in Norwegian Buhunds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Eyes problems: Rank 35 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 131 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Airedale Terrier and in Norwegian Buhund and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund:

    Disease Airedale Terrier Rank Norwegian Buhund Rank
    Eyes problems 17 out of 182 dog breeds 35 out of 182 dog breeds
    Congenital Cardiac problems 29 out of 159 dog breeds Not Common
    Elbow problems 44 out of 144 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 107 out of 198 dog breeds 131 out of 198 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Airedale Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund

    Airedale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Norwegian Buhunds can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Airedale Terriers shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?

    Airedale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Airedale Terrier or the Norwegian Buhund

    Airedale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Airedale Terrier or the Norwegian Buhund?

    Airedale Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Norwegian Buhunds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Airedale Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?

    Airedale Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Norwegian Buhunds have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Airedale Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Buhunds?

    Airedale Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Norwegian Buhunds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Airedale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Airedale Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Airedale Terrier vs. Norwegian Buhund

    Airedale Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Norwegian Buhunds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Airedale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Airedale Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Norwegian Buhunds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Airedale Terrier or the Norwegian Buhund?

    Airedale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Airedale Terriers good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?

    Airedale Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Norwegian Buhunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Airedale Terriers and Norwegian Buhunds?

    Airedale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Norwegian Buhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Airedale Terrier Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?

    Airedale Terriers are very easy to train.

    Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.

    Is the Airedale Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwegian Buhund?

    Airedale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Airedale Terrier or the Norwegian Buhund?

    Airedale Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Norwegian Buhunds are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Airedale Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Airedale Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Airedale Terrier:

  • Australian Shepherd (80 percent match with Airedale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Australian Shepherd.
  • Curly-Coated Retriever (82 percent match with Airedale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • English Springer Spaniel (80 percent match with Airedale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs English Springer Spaniel.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norwegian Buhund

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Norwegian Buhund that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Norwegian Buhund:

  • Pyredoodle (78 percent match with Norwegian Buhund). Here is our comparison of the Airedale Terrier vs Pyredoodle.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Airedale Terrier and how the Norwegian Buhund compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Airedale Terrier and of the Norwegian Buhund to other breeds:

    Airedale Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Airedale Terrier versus Gordon Setter     Airedale Terrier versus Siberian Husky     Airedale Terrier versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Airedale Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog     Airedale Terrier versus Whoodle     Airedale Terrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Airedale Terrier versus Silky Terrier     Airedale Terrier versus Irish Wolfhound     Airedale Terrier versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Airedale Terrier versus Pomapoo     Airedale Terrier versus Akbash     Airedale Terrier versus Ibizan Hound     Airedale Terrier versus Fila Brasileiro     Airedale Terrier versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Airedale Terrier versus Chihuahua     Airedale Terrier versus Spinone Italiano     Airedale Terrier versus German Pinscher     Airedale Terrier versus Bull Terrier     Airedale Terrier versus Norwegian Lundehund     Airedale Terrier versus Canaan Dog     Airedale Terrier versus Belgian Malinois     Airedale Terrier versus French Bulldog     Airedale Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel     Airedale Terrier versus Shichon     Airedale Terrier versus Chihuahua     

    Norwegian Buhund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwegian Buhund versus Border Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus English Cocker Spaniel     Norwegian Buhund versus Yorkshire Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Norwegian Buhund versus Tibetan Mastiff     Norwegian Buhund versus Papipoo     Norwegian Buhund versus Cavachon     Norwegian Buhund versus Standard Schnauzer     Norwegian Buhund versus Belgian Tervuren     Norwegian Buhund versus Bluetick Coonhound     Norwegian Buhund versus Schipperke     Norwegian Buhund versus Hovawart     Norwegian Buhund versus Beagle     Norwegian Buhund versus Chihuahua     Norwegian Buhund versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Norwegian Buhund versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Norwegian Buhund versus Boston Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Labrador Retriever     Norwegian Buhund versus Sloughi     Norwegian Buhund versus Rottweiler     Norwegian Buhund versus Great Pyrenees     Norwegian Buhund versus Cockalier     Norwegian Buhund versus Australian Shepherd     Norwegian Buhund versus Kooikerhondje     Norwegian Buhund versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     

    Conclusion: Airedale Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Airedale Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund better suits you and your family.