Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Basenji Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction
- Basenji versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview
- Basenji versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Basenji and the Norwegian Buhund
- The Similarities Between the Basenji and the Norwegian Buhund
- Size Comparison of Basenji versus Norwegian Buhund
- Lifespan of Basenji versus Norwegian Buhund
- Health Problems of Basenji versus Health Problems of Norwegian Buhund
- Tolerates Being Alone: Basenji versus Norwegian Buhund
- Do Basenjis shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?
- Which one drools more, the Basenji or the Norwegian Buhund
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Basenji or the Norwegian Buhund?
- Does the Basenji Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?
- Do Basenjis Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
- Can Basenjis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Basenji vs. Norwegian Buhund
- Can Basenjis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Basenji or the Norwegian Buhund?
- Are Basenjis good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
- How Kid-friendly are Basenjis and Norwegian Buhunds?
- Is the Basenji Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?
- Conclusion: Basenji versus Norwegian Buhund. Which One is a Better Pet?
Basenji Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Basenji 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 Basenji 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 Basenji and the Norwegian Buhund.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Basenji 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 Basenji 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 Basenji 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 Basenji or the Norwegian Buhund.
Basenji versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview
A very important difference between the Basenji and the Norwegian Buhund is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Basenji is a small-sized dog while the Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Basenji 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.
Basenji versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Basenji 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 Basenji and the Norwegian Buhund
| Factor | Basenji | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Height | 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder | 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 22 to 24 pounds | 26 to 40 pounds |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $1560 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1450 – $1450 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Basenji 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 Basenji is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Norwegian Buhund is 81 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Basenji is a better pet than the Norwegian Buhund. So, you should get the Basenji!
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 Basenji 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 Basenji and the Norwegian Buhund
Below is a list of where the Basenji and the Norwegian Buhund are most different:
- Basenjis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Norwegian Buhunds can tolerate cold weather.
- Basenjis are not easy to train. However, Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.
- Basenjis are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Norwegian Buhunds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
- Basenjis do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Norwegian Buhunds do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
- Basenjis not very playful. However, Norwegian Buhunds are very playful.
- Basenjis are very easy to groom. However, Norwegian Buhunds require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
- Basenjis 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 Basenji and the Norwegian Buhund
The Basenji and the Norwegian Buhund are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Basenji and the Norwegian Buhund are most similar:
- Both the Basenji and the Norwegian Buhund do not have the tendency to drool.
- Both the Basenji and the Norwegian Buhund are not prone to gaining weight easily.
- Both the Basenji and the Norwegian Buhund are good for new dog owners.
- Both the Basenji and the Norwegian Buhund can be left alone for some time without problems.
- Both the Basenji and the Norwegian Buhund get along well with other dogs.
- Both the Basenji and the Norwegian Buhund are highly intelligent.
- Both the Basenji and the Norwegian Buhund are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
- Both the Basenji and the Norwegian Buhund get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
- Both the Basenji and the Norwegian Buhund have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
- Both the Basenji and the Norwegian Buhund have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
- Both the Basenji and the Norwegian Buhund require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
Size Comparison of Basenji versus Norwegian Buhund
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Basenji and the Norwegian Buhund.
Basenjis weigh 22 to 24 pounds when fully grown. Basenjis are 16 to 17 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 Basenji versus Norwegian Buhund
The lifespan of Basenjis is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Basenjis is 11.0 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 Basenjis.
Health Problems of Basenji 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 Basenji 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 Basenji is prone to more genetic health problems than the Norwegian Buhund.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Basenji than for the Norwegian Buhund.
6 health tests are recommended for Basenji while 3 tests are recommended for the Norwegian Buhund.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Basenjis and in Norwegian Buhunds.
Basenji Health Problems
Basenjis are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Basenji 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 Basenji puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Basenji 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 Basenjis for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Basenjis 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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Norwegian Buhunds here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Basenji versus Norwegian Buhund
Basenjis can be left alone for some time without problems.
Norwegian Buhunds can be left alone for some time without problems.
Do Basenjis shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?
Basenjis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Basenji or the Norwegian Buhund
Basenjis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Basenji or the Norwegian Buhund?
Basenjis are very easy to groom.
Norwegian Buhunds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Basenji Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?
Basenjis 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 Basenjis Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
Basenjis are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Norwegian Buhunds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Basenjis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Basenjis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Basenji vs. Norwegian Buhund
Basenjis 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 Basenjis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Basenjis 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 Basenji or the Norwegian Buhund?
Basenjis get along very well with other dogs.
Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Basenjis good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
Basenjis 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 Basenjis and Norwegian Buhunds?
Basenjis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Norwegian Buhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Basenji Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?
Basenjis are not easy to train.
Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.
Is the Basenji Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwegian Buhund?
Basenjis adapt very well to apartment living.
Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Basenji or the Norwegian Buhund?
Basenjis are very good for new dog owners.
Norwegian Buhunds are OK for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Basenji 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 Basenji and the Norwegian Buhund better suits you and your family.