Is the Bulldog Better than the Norwegian Buhund as a Pet? Our Answer.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Bulldog Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction

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

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

Bulldog versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview

A very important difference between the Bulldog and the Norwegian Buhund is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Bulldog is a small-sized dog while the Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Bulldog belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Bulldog versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bulldog 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 Bulldog and the Norwegian Buhund

Factor Bulldog Norwegian Buhund
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 1/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 2/5
Height 12 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder
Dog Friendly 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Weight 40 to 50 pounds 26 to 40 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 1/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 3/5
Life Span 8 to 12 years 12 to 15 years
Average Lifespan 10.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $4220 No Data
Price Range $3000 – $4500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • approved laboratory
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • HYPERURICOSURIA
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Tracheal Hypoplasia
  • 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 Bulldog 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 Bulldog is 80 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 Bulldog. 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 Bulldog 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 Bulldog and the Norwegian Buhund

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

    • Bulldogs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Norwegian Buhunds can tolerate cold weather.
    • Bulldogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Norwegian Buhunds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Bulldogs have a very high tendency to drool. However, Norwegian Buhunds do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Bulldogs are very easy to groom. However, Norwegian Buhunds require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.

    The Similarities Between the Bulldog and the Norwegian Buhund

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

    • Both the Bulldog and the Norwegian Buhund cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Bulldog and the Norwegian Buhund do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Bulldog and the Norwegian Buhund not very intelligent.
    • Both the Bulldog and the Norwegian Buhund are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Bulldog and the Norwegian Buhund have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Bulldog and the Norwegian Buhund are good for new dog owners.
    • Both the Bulldog 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 Bulldog and the Norwegian Buhund get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Bulldog and the Norwegian Buhund are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Bulldog and the Norwegian Buhund are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Bulldog and the Norwegian Buhund are very playful.
    • Both the Bulldog and the Norwegian Buhund are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Size Comparison of Bulldog versus Norwegian Buhund

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

    Bulldogs weigh 40 to 50 pounds when fully grown. Bulldogs are 12 to 15 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 Bulldog versus Norwegian Buhund

    The lifespan of Bulldogs is between 8 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Bulldogs is 10.0 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 Bulldogs.

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

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

    10 health tests are recommended for Bulldog while 3 tests are recommended for the Norwegian Buhund.

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

    Bulldog Health Problems

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

  • approved laboratory
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • HYPERURICOSURIA
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Tracheal Hypoplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bulldogs 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bulldog versus Norwegian Buhund

    Bulldogs can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Do Bulldogs shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?

    Bulldogs shed moderately.

    Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Bulldog or the Norwegian Buhund

    Bulldogs have a very high tendency to drool.

    Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Bulldogs are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Bulldog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?

    Bulldogs 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.

    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 Bulldogs Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Buhunds?

    Bulldogs 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 Bulldogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bulldogs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bulldog vs. Norwegian Buhund

    Bulldogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

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

    Can Bulldogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Bulldogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

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

    Bulldogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Bulldogs good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?

    Bulldogs 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 Bulldogs and Norwegian Buhunds?

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

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

    Is the Bulldog Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?

    Bulldogs are fairly easy to train.

    Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.

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

    Bulldogs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Bulldogs are very good for new dog owners.

    Norwegian Buhunds are OK for new dog owners.

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