Which is Better between the Barbet and the Norwegian Buhund? A Very Detailed Review.

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Barbet Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction

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

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

Barbet versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Barbet belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

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.

Barbet versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Barbet 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 Barbet and the Norwegian Buhund

Factor Barbet Norwegian Buhund
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 2/5
Life Span 13 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Height 20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Weight 37 to 62 pounds 26 to 40 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data No Data
Average Price No Data No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • AKC or UKC DNA Profile
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months, recommend CAER eye exam prior to onset of breeding and then periodically thereafter
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 145 168

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Barbet 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 Barbet is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Norwegian Buhund is 81 out of 125.

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

    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 Barbet 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 Barbet and the Norwegian Buhund

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

  • Barbets do not like to be left alone. However, Norwegian Buhunds can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • The Similarities Between the Barbet and the Norwegian Buhund

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

  • Both the Barbet and the Norwegian Buhund do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Barbet and the Norwegian Buhund require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Barbet and the Norwegian Buhund are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Barbet and the Norwegian Buhund do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Barbet and the Norwegian Buhund are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Barbet and the Norwegian Buhund can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Barbet and the Norwegian Buhund get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Barbet and the Norwegian Buhund get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Barbet and the Norwegian Buhund are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Barbet and the Norwegian Buhund are very easy to train.
  • Both the Barbet and the Norwegian Buhund are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Barbet and the Norwegian Buhund are very playful.
  • Both the Barbet and the Norwegian Buhund are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Barbet and the Norwegian Buhund have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Barbet versus Norwegian Buhund

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

    Barbets weigh 37 to 62 pounds when fully grown. Barbets are 20 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 Barbet versus Norwegian Buhund

    The lifespan of Barbets is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Barbets is 14.0 years.

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

    Barbets live longer than Norwegian Buhunds.

    The Popularity of Barbet 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 Barbet and the Norwegian Buhund over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Barbet is more popular with dog owners than the Norwegian Buhund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Barbet is 145 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Norwegian Buhund is 168 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Barbet

    Popularity of Barbet

    Popularity of Norwegian Buhund

    Popularity of Norwegian Buhund

    Year Barbet Popularity Rank Norwegian Buhund Popularity Rank
    2020 145.0 168
    2013 no data 166
    2014 no data 172
    2015 no data 165
    2016 no data 174
    2017 no data 170
    2018 no data 165
    2019 no data 169

    Health Problems of Barbet 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 Barbet 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 Barbet is prone to more genetic health problems than the Norwegian Buhund.

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

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

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

    Barbet Health Problems

    Barbets are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Barbet 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 Barbet puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Barbet 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 Barbets for:

  • AKC or UKC DNA Profile
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months, recommend CAER eye exam prior to onset of breeding and then periodically thereafter
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Barbets 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 Barbets 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 Barbet Breed is Thyroid problems.

    This is because the Barbet ranks 69 out of 115 dog breeds for Thyroid problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 106 Barbets, 2 of them had Thyroid problems.

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

  • Thyroid problems: Rank 69 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 78 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 81 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 158 out of 182 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 Barbet and in Norwegian Buhund and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Barbet and the Norwegian Buhund:

    Disease Barbet Rank Norwegian Buhund Rank
    Thyroid problems 69 out of 115 dog breeds Not Common
    Elbow problems 78 out of 144 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 81 out of 198 dog breeds 131 out of 198 dog breeds
    Eyes problems 158 out of 182 dog breeds 35 out of 182 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: Barbet versus Norwegian Buhund

    Barbets do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Barbets shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?

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

    Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Barbet or the Norwegian Buhund

    Barbets do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Barbet or the Norwegian Buhund?

    Barbets 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 Barbet Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?

    Barbets have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 Barbets Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Buhunds?

    Barbets bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Barbets Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Barbets can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Barbet vs. Norwegian Buhund

    Barbets have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Can Barbets Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Barbets 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 Barbet or the Norwegian Buhund?

    Barbets get along very well with other dogs.

    Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Barbets good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?

    Barbets 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 Barbets and Norwegian Buhunds?

    Barbets get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Barbet Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?

    Barbets are very easy to train.

    Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.

    Is the Barbet Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwegian Buhund?

    Barbets adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Barbets 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 Barbet

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Barbet 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 Barbet:

  • Lakeland Terrier (80 percent match with Barbet). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog (83 percent match with Barbet). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
  • 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 Barbet vs Pyredoodle.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Barbet Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Barbet versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Barbet versus Westiepoo     Barbet versus Pomchi     Barbet versus Shiba Inu     Barbet versus Pomsky     Barbet versus Border Collie     Barbet versus Leonberger     Barbet versus Yorkipoo     Barbet versus Labrador Retriever     Barbet versus Pomchi     Barbet versus Bedlington Terrier     Barbet versus Chi-Poo     Barbet versus Alaskan Malamute     Barbet versus Australian Cattle Dog     Barbet versus Welsh Terrier     Barbet versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Barbet versus Lancashire Heeler     Barbet versus Papipoo     Barbet versus Tibetan Terrier     Barbet versus Gordon Setter     Barbet versus Great Pyrenees     Barbet versus Norfolk Terrier     Barbet versus Lhasapoo     Barbet versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Barbet versus Alaskan Malamute     

    Norwegian Buhund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwegian Buhund versus Canaan Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus Irish Setter     Norwegian Buhund versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Norwegian Buhund versus Aussiedoodle     Norwegian Buhund versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Norwegian Buhund versus Basset Hound     Norwegian Buhund versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus Peek A Poo     Norwegian Buhund versus Manchester Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Beaglier     Norwegian Buhund versus Spinone Italiano     Norwegian Buhund versus Catahoula Bulldog     Norwegian Buhund versus Puli     Norwegian Buhund versus Affenhuahua     Norwegian Buhund versus Norwegian Lundehund     Norwegian Buhund versus Beagle     Norwegian Buhund versus Pomeranian     Norwegian Buhund versus Miniature Schnauzer     Norwegian Buhund versus Barbet     Norwegian Buhund versus Pyredoodle     Norwegian Buhund versus Sloughi     Norwegian Buhund versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus American Hairless Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Chinook     Norwegian Buhund versus Schnoodle     

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