Guide on Deciding Betweeen the American Foxhound and the Norwegian Buhund.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

American Foxhound Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Foxhound 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 American Foxhound 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 American Foxhound and the Norwegian Buhund.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Foxhound 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 American Foxhound 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 American Foxhound 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 American Foxhound or the Norwegian Buhund.

American Foxhound versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview

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

Furthermore, the American Foxhound belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

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.

American Foxhound versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Foxhound 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 American Foxhound and the Norwegian Buhund

Factor American Foxhound Norwegian Buhund
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 13 years 12 to 15 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Easygoing 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Height 21 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Weight 40 to 60 pounds 26 to 40 pounds
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $460 No Data
Price Range $400 – $500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Foxhound 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 American Foxhound is 74 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 American Foxhound. 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 American Foxhound 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 American Foxhound and the Norwegian Buhund

    Below is a list of where the American Foxhound and the Norwegian Buhund are most different:

    • American Foxhounds do not like to be left alone. However, Norwegian Buhunds can be left alone for some time without problems.
    • American Foxhounds are very easy to groom. However, Norwegian Buhunds require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.

    The Similarities Between the American Foxhound and the Norwegian Buhund

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

    • Both the American Foxhound and the Norwegian Buhund do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the American Foxhound and the Norwegian Buhund are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the American Foxhound and the Norwegian Buhund are not very sensitive to their enviroment. They can tolerate noisy environments. They are also not very sensitive to the tone of your voice, firm or gentle.
    • Both the American Foxhound and the Norwegian Buhund can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the American Foxhound and the Norwegian Buhund are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the American Foxhound and the Norwegian Buhund are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the American Foxhound and the Norwegian Buhund do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the American Foxhound and the Norwegian Buhund get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the American Foxhound and the Norwegian Buhund are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the American Foxhound and the Norwegian Buhund are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the American Foxhound and the Norwegian Buhund have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the American Foxhound and the Norwegian Buhund have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the American Foxhound and the Norwegian Buhund require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the American Foxhound and the Norwegian Buhund are very playful.

    Size Comparison of American Foxhound versus Norwegian Buhund

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Foxhound and the Norwegian Buhund.

    American Foxhounds weigh 40 to 60 pounds when fully grown. American Foxhounds are 21 to 25 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 American Foxhound versus Norwegian Buhund

    The lifespan of American Foxhounds is between 12 to 13 years. The average lifespan of American Foxhounds is 12.5 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 American Foxhounds.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Foxhound versus Norwegian Buhund

    American Foxhounds do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do American Foxhounds shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?

    American Foxhounds shed moderately.

    Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the American Foxhound or the Norwegian Buhund

    American Foxhounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Foxhound or the Norwegian Buhund?

    American Foxhounds are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the American Foxhound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?

    American Foxhounds 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 American Foxhounds Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Buhunds?

    American Foxhounds 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 American Foxhounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Foxhounds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Foxhound vs. Norwegian Buhund

    American Foxhounds 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 American Foxhounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Foxhounds can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Foxhound or the Norwegian Buhund?

    American Foxhounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are American Foxhounds good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?

    American Foxhounds 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 American Foxhounds and Norwegian Buhunds?

    American Foxhounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the American Foxhound Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?

    American Foxhounds are not easy to train.

    Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.

    Is the American Foxhound Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwegian Buhund?

    American Foxhounds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Foxhound or the Norwegian Buhund?

    American Foxhounds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Norwegian Buhunds are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: American Foxhound 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 American Foxhound and the Norwegian Buhund better suits you and your family.