Australian Kelpie versus Norwegian Buhund. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Australian Kelpie Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie or the Norwegian Buhund.

Australian Kelpie versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Australian Kelpie and the Norwegian Buhund are Herding Dogs. This means both the Australian Kelpie and the Norwegian Buhund 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.

Australian Kelpie versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie and the Norwegian Buhund

Factor Australian Kelpie Norwegian Buhund
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Height 15 to 20 inches 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Weight 25 to 46 pounds 26 to 40 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 5/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $500 No Data
Price Range $500 – $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 Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie is 72 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 Australian Kelpie. 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 Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie and the Norwegian Buhund

    Below is a list of where the Australian Kelpie and the Norwegian Buhund are most different:

    • Australian Kelpies do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Norwegian Buhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Australian Kelpies can tolerate hot weather. However, Norwegian Buhunds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    The Similarities Between the Australian Kelpie and the Norwegian Buhund

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

    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Norwegian Buhund do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Norwegian Buhund do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Norwegian Buhund are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Norwegian Buhund are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Norwegian Buhund are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Norwegian Buhund are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Norwegian Buhund are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Norwegian Buhund are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Norwegian Buhund have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Norwegian Buhund are very playful.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Norwegian Buhund are very easy to train.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Norwegian Buhund have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Norwegian Buhund require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Australian Kelpie versus Norwegian Buhund

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Kelpie and the Norwegian Buhund.

    Australian Kelpies weigh 25 to 46 pounds when fully grown. Australian Kelpies are 15 to 20 inches 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 Australian Kelpie versus Norwegian Buhund

    The lifespan of Australian Kelpies is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Kelpies 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 Australian Kelpies.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Kelpie versus Norwegian Buhund

    Australian Kelpies do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Australian Kelpies shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?

    Australian Kelpies shed moderately.

    Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Australian Kelpie or the Norwegian Buhund

    Australian Kelpies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Kelpie or the Norwegian Buhund?

    Australian Kelpies are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Australian Kelpie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?

    Australian Kelpies 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 Australian Kelpies Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Buhunds?

    Australian Kelpies 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 Australian Kelpies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Kelpies can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Kelpie vs. Norwegian Buhund

    Australian Kelpies 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 Australian Kelpies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Kelpies 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 Australian Kelpie or the Norwegian Buhund?

    Australian Kelpies get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Kelpies good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?

    Australian Kelpies 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 Australian Kelpies and Norwegian Buhunds?

    Australian Kelpies do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Australian Kelpie Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?

    Australian Kelpies are very easy to train.

    Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.

    Is the Australian Kelpie Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwegian Buhund?

    Australian Kelpies do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Kelpie or the Norwegian Buhund?

    Australian Kelpies are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Norwegian Buhunds are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie and the Norwegian Buhund better suits you and your family.