Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Briard Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction
- Briard versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview
- Briard versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Briard and the Norwegian Buhund
- Size Comparison of Briard versus Norwegian Buhund
- Lifespan of Briard versus Norwegian Buhund
- Health Problems of Briard versus Health Problems of Norwegian Buhund
- Tolerates Being Alone: Briard versus Norwegian Buhund
- Do Briards shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?
- Which one drools more, the Briard or the Norwegian Buhund
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Briard or the Norwegian Buhund?
- Does the Briard Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?
- Do Briards Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
- Can Briards Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Briard vs. Norwegian Buhund
- Can Briards Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Briard or the Norwegian Buhund?
- Are Briards good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
- How Kid-friendly are Briards and Norwegian Buhunds?
- Is the Briard Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?
- Conclusion: Briard versus Norwegian Buhund. Which One is a Better Pet?
Briard Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Briard 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 Briard 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 Briard and the Norwegian Buhund.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Briard 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 Briard 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 Briard 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 Briard or the Norwegian Buhund.
Briard versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview
A very important difference between the Briard and the Norwegian Buhund is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Briard is a large-sized dog while the Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the Briard and the Norwegian Buhund are Herding Dogs. This means both the Briard 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.
Briard versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Briard 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 Briard and the Norwegian Buhund
| Factor | Briard | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder | 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 70 to 100 pounds | 26 to 40 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $2500 | No Data |
| Price Range | $2500 – $2500 | 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 Briard 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 Briard is 79 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 Briard. 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 Briard and the Norwegian Buhund so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the Briard and the Norwegian Buhund
The Briard and the Norwegian Buhund are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Briard and the Norwegian Buhund are most similar:
- Both the Briard and the Norwegian Buhund do not have the tendency to drool.
- Both the Briard and the Norwegian Buhund require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
- Both the Briard and the Norwegian Buhund are not very friendly towards strangers.
- Both the Briard and the Norwegian Buhund are not prone to nip and chew at things.
- Both the Briard 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 Briard and the Norwegian Buhund can tolerate cold weather.
- Both the Briard and the Norwegian Buhund are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
- Both the Briard and the Norwegian Buhund are very easy to train.
- Both the Briard and the Norwegian Buhund are highly intelligent.
- Both the Briard and the Norwegian Buhund are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
- Both the Briard and the Norwegian Buhund have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
- Both the Briard and the Norwegian Buhund do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
- Both the Briard and the Norwegian Buhund require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
- Both the Briard and the Norwegian Buhund are very playful.
- Both the Briard and the Norwegian Buhund get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
- Both the Briard and the Norwegian Buhund have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Size Comparison of Briard versus Norwegian Buhund
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Briard and the Norwegian Buhund.
Briards weigh 70 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Briards are 22 to 27 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 Briard versus Norwegian Buhund
The lifespan of Briards is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Briards 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 Briards.
Health Problems of Briard 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 Briard 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 Briard is prone to more genetic health problems than the Norwegian Buhund.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Briard than for the Norwegian Buhund.
5 health tests are recommended for Briard while 3 tests are recommended for the Norwegian Buhund.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Briards and in Norwegian Buhunds.
Briard Health Problems
Briards are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Briard 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 Briard puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Briard 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 Briards for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Briards 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: Briard versus Norwegian Buhund
Briards can be left alone only for a short time.
Norwegian Buhunds can be left alone for some time without problems.
Do Briards shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?
Briards do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Briard or the Norwegian Buhund
Briards do have a very low tendency to drool.
Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Briard or the Norwegian Buhund?
Briards 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 Briard Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?
Briards 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 Briards Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
Briards 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 Briards Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Briards can very well tolerate cold weather.
Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Briard vs. Norwegian Buhund
Briards 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 Briards Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Briards 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 Briard or the Norwegian Buhund?
Briards get along very well with other dogs.
Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Briards good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
Briards 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 Briards and Norwegian Buhunds?
Briards get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Norwegian Buhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Briard Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?
Briards are very easy to train.
Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.
Is the Briard Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwegian Buhund?
Briards adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Briard or the Norwegian Buhund?
Briards are OK for new dog owners.
Norwegian Buhunds are OK for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Briard 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 Briard and the Norwegian Buhund better suits you and your family.