Quick Links: Table of Contents
- German Wirehaired Pointer Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction
- German Wirehaired Pointer versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview
- German Wirehaired Pointer versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Norwegian Buhund
- Size (Weight and Height) of German Wirehaired Pointer versus Norwegian Buhund
- Lifespan of German Wirehaired Pointer versus Norwegian Buhund
- Adopting the German Wirehaired Pointer versus Adopting the Norwegian Buhund
- The Popularity of German Wirehaired Pointer versus Popularity of Norwegian Buhund
- Health Problems of German Wirehaired Pointer versus Health Problems of Norwegian Buhund
- Tolerates Being Alone: German Wirehaired Pointer versus Norwegian Buhund
- Do German Wirehaired Pointers shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?
- Which one drools more, the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Norwegian Buhund
- Which is Easier to Groom, the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Norwegian Buhund?
- Does the German Wirehaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?
- Do German Wirehaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
- Can German Wirehaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: German Wirehaired Pointer vs. Norwegian Buhund
- Can German Wirehaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Norwegian Buhund?
- Are German Wirehaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
- How Kid-friendly are German Wirehaired Pointers and Norwegian Buhunds?
- Is the German Wirehaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Wirehaired Pointer
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norwegian Buhund
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: German Wirehaired Pointer versus Norwegian Buhund. Which One is a Better Pet?
German Wirehaired Pointer Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Wirehaired Pointer 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 German Wirehaired Pointer 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 German Wirehaired Pointer and the Norwegian Buhund.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Wirehaired Pointer 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 German Wirehaired Pointer 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 German Wirehaired Pointer 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 German Wirehaired Pointer or the Norwegian Buhund.
German Wirehaired Pointer versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview
A very important difference between the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Norwegian Buhund is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The German Wirehaired Pointer is a large-sized dog while the Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the German Wirehaired Pointer 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.
German Wirehaired Pointer versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table
The table below compares the German Wirehaired Pointer 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 German Wirehaired Pointer and the Norwegian Buhund
| Factor | German Wirehaired Pointer | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall at the | 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 60 to 70 pounds | 26 to 40 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $990 | No Data |
| Price Range | $800 – $1200 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 65 | 168 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German Wirehaired Pointer 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 German Wirehaired Pointer is 74 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 German Wirehaired Pointer. 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 German Wirehaired Pointer and the Norwegian Buhund so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Norwegian Buhund
The German Wirehaired Pointer and the Norwegian Buhund are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Norwegian Buhund are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of German Wirehaired Pointer versus Norwegian Buhund
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Norwegian Buhund.
German Wirehaired Pointers weigh 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. German Wirehaired Pointers are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall at the 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 German Wirehaired Pointer versus Norwegian Buhund
The lifespan of German Wirehaired Pointers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Wirehaired Pointers is 13.0 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 German Wirehaired Pointers.
Adopting the German Wirehaired Pointer versus Adopting the Norwegian Buhund
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many German Wirehaired Pointers 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 German Wirehaired Pointer named Gunner that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable German Wirehaired Pointers like Gunner on pefinder.com.
Also, like German Wirehaired Pointers, 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.
Cash is the name of another German Wirehaired Pointer (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
You can find more German Wirehaired Pointers and Norwegian Buhunds that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of German Wirehaired Pointer 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 German Wirehaired Pointer and the Norwegian Buhund over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the German Wirehaired Pointer is more popular with dog owners than the Norwegian Buhund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the German Wirehaired Pointer is 65 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Norwegian Buhund is 168 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of German Wirehaired Pointer
Popularity of Norwegian Buhund
| Year | German Wirehaired Pointer Popularity Rank | Norwegian Buhund Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 71 | 166 |
| 2014 | 71 | 172 |
| 2015 | 68 | 165 |
| 2016 | 64 | 174 |
| 2017 | 62 | 170 |
| 2018 | 63 | 165 |
| 2019 | 63 | 169 |
| 2020 | 60 | 168 |
Health Problems of German Wirehaired Pointer 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 German Wirehaired Pointer 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 German Wirehaired Pointer is prone to more genetic health problems than the Norwegian Buhund.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the German Wirehaired Pointer than for the Norwegian Buhund.
6 health tests are recommended for German Wirehaired Pointer while 3 tests are recommended for the Norwegian Buhund.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in German Wirehaired Pointers and in Norwegian Buhunds.
German Wirehaired Pointer Health Problems
German Wirehaired Pointers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing German Wirehaired Pointer 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 German Wirehaired Pointer puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your German Wirehaired Pointer 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 German Wirehaired Pointers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for German Wirehaired Pointers 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 German Wirehaired Pointers 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 German Wirehaired Pointer Breed is Thyroid problems.
This is because the German Wirehaired Pointer ranks 14 out of 115 dog breeds for Thyroid problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1161 German Wirehaired Pointers, 107 of them had Thyroid problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in German Wirehaired Pointers, and how common these diseases are in German Wirehaired Pointers 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 German Wirehaired Pointer and in Norwegian Buhund and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Norwegian Buhund:
| Disease | German Wirehaired Pointer Rank | Norwegian Buhund Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Thyroid problems | 14 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 35 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 37 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 87 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 126 out of 198 dog breeds | 131 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 128 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: German Wirehaired Pointer versus Norwegian Buhund
German Wirehaired Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Norwegian Buhunds can be left alone for some time without problems.
Do German Wirehaired Pointers shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?
German Wirehaired Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Norwegian Buhund
German Wirehaired Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Norwegian Buhund?
German Wirehaired Pointers are very easy to groom.
Norwegian Buhunds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the German Wirehaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?
German Wirehaired Pointers 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 German Wirehaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
German Wirehaired Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.
Norwegian Buhunds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can German Wirehaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
German Wirehaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: German Wirehaired Pointer vs. Norwegian Buhund
German Wirehaired Pointers 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 German Wirehaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
German Wirehaired Pointers 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 German Wirehaired Pointer or the Norwegian Buhund?
German Wirehaired Pointers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are German Wirehaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
German Wirehaired Pointers 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 German Wirehaired Pointers and Norwegian Buhunds?
German Wirehaired Pointers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Norwegian Buhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the German Wirehaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?
German Wirehaired Pointers are very easy to train.
Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.
Is the German Wirehaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwegian Buhund?
German Wirehaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Norwegian Buhund?
German Wirehaired Pointers are OK for new dog owners.
Norwegian Buhunds are OK for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Wirehaired Pointer
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Wirehaired Pointer 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 German Wirehaired Pointer:
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 German Wirehaired Pointer and how the Norwegian Buhund compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the German Wirehaired Pointer and of the Norwegian Buhund to other breeds:
German Wirehaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
German Wirehaired Pointer versus Basset Hound German Wirehaired Pointer versus Manchester Terrier German Wirehaired Pointer versus Xoloitzcuintli German Wirehaired Pointer versus Shiranian German Wirehaired Pointer versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi German Wirehaired Pointer versus Miniature Pinscher German Wirehaired Pointer versus Pekingese German Wirehaired Pointer versus Mastiff German Wirehaired Pointer versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen German Wirehaired Pointer versus Brittany German Wirehaired Pointer versus Scottish Terrier German Wirehaired Pointer versus Lhasa Apso German Wirehaired Pointer versus Carolina Dog German Wirehaired Pointer versus Sloughi German Wirehaired Pointer versus Whoodle German Wirehaired Pointer versus American Bulldog German Wirehaired Pointer versus Lowchen German Wirehaired Pointer versus Pharaoh Hound German Wirehaired Pointer versus Sheepadoodle German Wirehaired Pointer versus Curly-Coated Retriever German Wirehaired Pointer versus Korean Jindo Dog German Wirehaired Pointer versus Lagotto Romagnolo German Wirehaired Pointer versus American Water Spaniel German Wirehaired Pointer versus Xoloitzcuintli German Wirehaired Pointer versus Goldador
Norwegian Buhund Versus Other Dog Breeds
Norwegian Buhund versus Newfoundland Norwegian Buhund versus Samoyed Norwegian Buhund versus German Wirehaired Pointer Norwegian Buhund versus Cesky Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Briard Norwegian Buhund versus Field Spaniel Norwegian Buhund versus Bloodhound Norwegian Buhund versus Morkie Norwegian Buhund versus Black and Tan Coonhound Norwegian Buhund versus Boykin Spaniel Norwegian Buhund versus Toy Poodle Norwegian Buhund versus Borzoi Norwegian Buhund versus Sloughi Norwegian Buhund versus Karelian Bear Dog Norwegian Buhund versus Cane Corso Norwegian Buhund versus English Springer Spaniel Norwegian Buhund versus Australian Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Coton de Tulear Norwegian Buhund versus Papillon Norwegian Buhund versus Papipoo Norwegian Buhund versus Boerboel Norwegian Buhund versus Neapolitan Mastiff Norwegian Buhund versus Neapolitan Mastiff Norwegian Buhund versus Mudi Norwegian Buhund versus Newfoundland
Conclusion: German Wirehaired Pointer 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 German Wirehaired Pointer and the Norwegian Buhund better suits you and your family.