Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction
- Icelandic Sheepdog versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview
- Icelandic Sheepdog versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Norwegian Buhund
- The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Norwegian Buhund
- Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Norwegian Buhund
- Lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Norwegian Buhund
- Adopting the Icelandic Sheepdog versus Adopting the Norwegian Buhund
- The Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Popularity of Norwegian Buhund
- Health Problems of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Health Problems of Norwegian Buhund
- Tolerates Being Alone: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Norwegian Buhund
- Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?
- Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Norwegian Buhund
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Norwegian Buhund?
- Does the Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?
- Do Icelandic Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
- Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Norwegian Buhund
- Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Norwegian Buhund?
- Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
- How Kid-friendly are Icelandic Sheepdogs and Norwegian Buhunds?
- Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Icelandic Sheepdog
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norwegian Buhund
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Norwegian Buhund. Which One is a Better Pet?
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Norwegian Buhund.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or the Norwegian Buhund.
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview
Both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Norwegian Buhund are similar in size. The Icelandic Sheepdog and the Norwegian Buhund are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, both the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Norwegian Buhund are Herding Dogs. This means both the Icelandic Sheepdog 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.
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Norwegian Buhund
| Factor | Icelandic Sheepdog | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 14 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Height | 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder | 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 20 to 30 pounds | 26 to 40 pounds |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.5 years | 13.5 years |
| Price Range | No Data | No Data |
| Average Price | No Data | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 145 | 168 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog is 68 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 Icelandic Sheepdog. 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Norwegian Buhund
Below is a list of where the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Norwegian Buhund are most different:
The Similarities Between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Norwegian Buhund
The Icelandic Sheepdog and the Norwegian Buhund are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Norwegian Buhund are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Icelandic Sheepdog versus Norwegian Buhund
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Norwegian Buhund.
Icelandic Sheepdogs weigh 20 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Icelandic Sheepdogs are 16 to 18 inchestall 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 Icelandic Sheepdog versus Norwegian Buhund
The lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is between 14 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is 14.5 years.
The lifespan of Norwegian Buhunds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Norwegian Buhunds is 13.5 years.
Icelandic Sheepdogs live longer than Norwegian Buhunds.
Adopting the Icelandic Sheepdog versus Adopting the Norwegian Buhund
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog named Elf that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Icelandic Sheepdogs like Elf on pefinder.com.
Also, like Icelandic Sheepdogs, 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.
You can find more Icelandic Sheepdogs and Norwegian Buhunds that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Norwegian Buhund over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Icelandic Sheepdog is more popular with dog owners than the Norwegian Buhund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 145 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Norwegian Buhund is 168 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Icelandic Sheepdog
Popularity of Norwegian Buhund
| Year | Icelandic Sheepdog Popularity Rank | Norwegian Buhund Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 142 | 166 |
| 2014 | 146 | 172 |
| 2015 | 140 | 165 |
| 2016 | 153 | 174 |
| 2017 | 144 | 170 |
| 2018 | 155 | 165 |
| 2019 | 132 | 169 |
| 2020 | 154 | 168 |
Health Problems of Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Norwegian Buhund.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Icelandic Sheepdog than for the Norwegian Buhund.
8 health tests are recommended for Icelandic Sheepdog while 3 tests are recommended for the Norwegian Buhund.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Icelandic Sheepdogs and in Norwegian Buhunds.
Icelandic Sheepdog Health Problems
Icelandic Sheepdogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Icelandic Sheepdog ranks 55 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 769 Icelandic Sheepdogs, 137 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Icelandic Sheepdogs, and how common these diseases are in Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and in Norwegian Buhund and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Norwegian Buhund:
| Disease | Icelandic Sheepdog Rank | Norwegian Buhund Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 55 out of 198 dog breeds | 131 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 149 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: Icelandic Sheepdog versus Norwegian Buhund
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Norwegian Buhunds can be left alone for some time without problems.
Do Icelandic Sheepdogs shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?
Icelandic Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Norwegian Buhund
Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Norwegian Buhund?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Icelandic Sheepdog vs. Norwegian Buhund
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or the Norwegian Buhund?
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Icelandic Sheepdogs good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs and Norwegian Buhunds?
Icelandic Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Norwegian Buhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.
Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.
Is the Icelandic Sheepdog Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwegian Buhund?
Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Norwegian Buhund?
Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Norwegian Buhunds are OK for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Icelandic Sheepdog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog:
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 Icelandic Sheepdog and how the Norwegian Buhund compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Icelandic Sheepdog and of the Norwegian Buhund to other breeds:
Icelandic Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bluetick Coonhound Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pyredoodle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bernese Mountain Dog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Greyhound Icelandic Sheepdog versus Saint Berdoodle Icelandic Sheepdog versus Shihpoo Icelandic Sheepdog versus Havanese Icelandic Sheepdog versus Whippet Icelandic Sheepdog versus Ibizan Hound Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pomsky Icelandic Sheepdog versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Icelandic Sheepdog versus Karelian Bear Dog Icelandic Sheepdog versus Bouvier des Flandres Icelandic Sheepdog versus West Highland White Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Schipperke Icelandic Sheepdog versus Clumber Spaniel Icelandic Sheepdog versus French Spaniel Icelandic Sheepdog versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cockalier Icelandic Sheepdog versus Mal Shi Icelandic Sheepdog versus Lhasa Apso Icelandic Sheepdog versus Morkie Icelandic Sheepdog versus Swedish Vallhund Icelandic Sheepdog versus Clumber Spaniel Icelandic Sheepdog versus Cavapoo
Norwegian Buhund Versus Other Dog Breeds
Norwegian Buhund versus Welsh Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Goldador Norwegian Buhund versus Black Russian Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Norwegian Buhund versus Dachshund Norwegian Buhund versus Schipperke Norwegian Buhund versus Black Mouth Cur Norwegian Buhund versus Chihuahua Norwegian Buhund versus Plott Norwegian Buhund versus Schipperke Norwegian Buhund versus German Shepherd Dog Norwegian Buhund versus Ibizan Hound Norwegian Buhund versus Canaan Dog Norwegian Buhund versus Portuguese Water Dog Norwegian Buhund versus Tibetan Mastiff Norwegian Buhund versus Whippet Norwegian Buhund versus Australian Cattle Dog Norwegian Buhund versus Finnish Spitz Norwegian Buhund versus Briard Norwegian Buhund versus Spinone Italiano Norwegian Buhund versus Basenji Norwegian Buhund versus Saluki Norwegian Buhund versus Cesky Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Norwegian Buhund versus German Pinscher
Conclusion: Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog and the Norwegian Buhund better suits you and your family.