Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Cairn Terrier Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction
- Cairn Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview
- Cairn Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cairn Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund
- The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund
- Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund
- Lifespan of Cairn Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund
- Adopting the Cairn Terrier versus Adopting the Norwegian Buhund
- The Popularity of Cairn Terrier versus Popularity of Norwegian Buhund
- Health Problems of Cairn Terrier versus Health Problems of Norwegian Buhund
- Tolerates Being Alone: Cairn Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund
- Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?
- Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Norwegian Buhund
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Cairn Terrier or the Norwegian Buhund?
- Does the Cairn Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?
- Do Cairn Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
- Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Norwegian Buhund
- Can Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cairn Terrier or the Norwegian Buhund?
- Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
- How Kid-friendly are Cairn Terriers and Norwegian Buhunds?
- Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cairn Terrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norwegian Buhund
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Cairn Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund. Which One is a Better Pet?
Cairn Terrier Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier or the Norwegian Buhund.
Cairn Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview
A very important difference between the Cairn Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cairn Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Cairn Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
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.
Cairn Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund
| Factor | Cairn Terrier | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Weight | 13 to 14 pounds | 26 to 40 pounds |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder | 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $1600 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1475 – $1750 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 69 | 168 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier is 86 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Norwegian Buhund is 81 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cairn Terrier is a better pet than the Norwegian Buhund. So, you should get the Cairn Terrier!
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 Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund
Below is a list of where the Cairn Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are most different:
The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund
The Cairn Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cairn Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cairn Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund.
Cairn Terriers weigh 13 to 14 pounds when fully grown. Cairn Terriers are 9 to 10 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 Cairn Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund
The lifespan of Cairn Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cairn Terriers is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Norwegian Buhunds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Norwegian Buhunds is 13.5 years.
Adopting the Cairn Terrier versus Adopting the Norwegian Buhund
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Cairn Terriers and many Norwegian Buhunds are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male Cairn Terrier named Max (789) that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Cairn Terriers like Max (789) on pefinder.com.
Also, like Cairn Terriers, Norwegian Buhunds are also available for adoption. For example, Odie is a Male Norwegian Buhund that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Norwegian Buhunds like Odie that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Toto is the name of another Cairn Terrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
You can find more Cairn Terriers and Norwegian Buhunds that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Cairn Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Norwegian Buhund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Cairn Terrier is 69 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Norwegian Buhund is 168 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Cairn Terrier
Popularity of Norwegian Buhund
| Year | Cairn Terrier Popularity Rank | Norwegian Buhund Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 61 | 166 |
| 2014 | 69 | 172 |
| 2015 | 70 | 165 |
| 2016 | 70 | 174 |
| 2017 | 69 | 170 |
| 2018 | 69 | 165 |
| 2019 | 72 | 169 |
| 2020 | 73 | 168 |
Health Problems of Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Norwegian Buhund.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Cairn Terrier than for the Norwegian Buhund.
4 health tests are recommended for Cairn Terrier while 3 tests are recommended for the Norwegian Buhund.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Cairn Terriers and in Norwegian Buhunds.
Cairn Terrier Health Problems
Cairn Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Cairn Terriers 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.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Cairn Terriers 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 Cairn Terrier Breed is Patella problems.
This is because the Cairn Terrier ranks 47 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 282 Cairn Terriers, 9 of them had Patella problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Cairn Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Cairn Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
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:
The table below lists the common health problems in Cairn Terrier and in Norwegian Buhund and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Cairn Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund:
| Disease | Cairn Terrier Rank | Norwegian Buhund Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Patella problems | 47 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 87 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 118 out of 198 dog breeds | 131 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 146 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: Cairn Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund
Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone.
Norwegian Buhunds can be left alone for some time without problems.
Do Cairn Terriers shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?
Cairn Terriers shed moderately.
Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the Norwegian Buhund
Cairn Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Cairn Terrier or the Norwegian Buhund?
Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom.
Norwegian Buhunds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Cairn Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?
Cairn Terriers 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 Cairn Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
Cairn Terriers 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 Cairn Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Cairn Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. Norwegian Buhund
Cairn Terriers 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 Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Cairn Terriers 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 Cairn Terrier or the Norwegian Buhund?
Cairn Terriers get along very well with other dogs.
Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Cairn Terriers good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
Cairn Terriers 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 Cairn Terriers and Norwegian Buhunds?
Cairn Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Norwegian Buhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Cairn Terrier Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?
Cairn Terriers are not easy to train.
Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.
Is the Cairn Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwegian Buhund?
Cairn Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.
Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cairn Terrier or the Norwegian Buhund?
Cairn Terriers are very good for new dog owners.
Norwegian Buhunds are OK for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cairn Terrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier:
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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Cairn Terrier and how the Norwegian Buhund compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cairn Terrier and of the Norwegian Buhund to other breeds:
Cairn Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Cairn Terrier versus Mudi Cairn Terrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Cairn Terrier versus Carolina Dog Cairn Terrier versus Cockalier Cairn Terrier versus Leonberger Cairn Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier Cairn Terrier versus King Shepherd Cairn Terrier versus Papipoo Cairn Terrier versus Airedale Terrier Cairn Terrier versus Bichon Frise Cairn Terrier versus Kuvasz Cairn Terrier versus English Springer Spaniel Cairn Terrier versus Boxerdoodle Cairn Terrier versus Affenpinscher Cairn Terrier versus Puli Cairn Terrier versus Shiba Inu Cairn Terrier versus Belgian Tervuren Cairn Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel Cairn Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff Cairn Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd Cairn Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer Cairn Terrier versus Japanese Chin Cairn Terrier versus Irish Water Spaniel Cairn Terrier versus Yorkshire Terrier Cairn Terrier versus Boston Terrier
Norwegian Buhund Versus Other Dog Breeds
Norwegian Buhund versus Great Pyrenees Norwegian Buhund versus Chinese Shar-Pei Norwegian Buhund versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Australian Cattle Dog Norwegian Buhund versus Carolina Dog Norwegian Buhund versus Tibetan Spaniel Norwegian Buhund versus Norwegian Lundehund Norwegian Buhund versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Norwegian Buhund versus Affenhuahua Norwegian Buhund versus Cocker Spaniel Norwegian Buhund versus Dogue de Bordeaux Norwegian Buhund versus American Foxhound Norwegian Buhund versus Chinese Shar-Pei Norwegian Buhund versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Norwegian Buhund versus Kishu Ken Norwegian Buhund versus Chinook Norwegian Buhund versus Black and Tan Coonhound Norwegian Buhund versus Hovawart Norwegian Buhund versus Lakeland Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Norwegian Buhund versus Beaglier Norwegian Buhund versus Pug Norwegian Buhund versus Australian Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Clumber Spaniel
Conclusion: Cairn Terrier 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 Cairn Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund better suits you and your family.