Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Irish Setter Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction
- Irish Setter versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview
- Irish Setter versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Setter and the Norwegian Buhund
- The Similarities Between the Irish Setter and the Norwegian Buhund
- Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Setter versus Norwegian Buhund
- Lifespan of Irish Setter versus Norwegian Buhund
- Adopting the Irish Setter versus Adopting the Norwegian Buhund
- The Popularity of Irish Setter versus Popularity of Norwegian Buhund
- Health Problems of Irish Setter versus Health Problems of Norwegian Buhund
- Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Setter versus Norwegian Buhund
- Do Irish Setters shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?
- Which one drools more, the Irish Setter or the Norwegian Buhund
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Setter or the Norwegian Buhund?
- Does the Irish Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?
- Do Irish Setters Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
- Can Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Irish Setter vs. Norwegian Buhund
- Can Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Setter or the Norwegian Buhund?
- Are Irish Setters good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
- How Kid-friendly are Irish Setters and Norwegian Buhunds?
- Is the Irish Setter Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Setter
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norwegian Buhund
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Irish Setter versus Norwegian Buhund. Which One is a Better Pet?
Irish Setter Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Norwegian Buhund.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter or the Norwegian Buhund.
Irish Setter versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview
A very important difference between the Irish Setter and the Norwegian Buhund is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Irish Setter is a large-sized dog while the Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Irish Setter 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.
Irish Setter versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Norwegian Buhund
| Factor | Irish Setter | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 11 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho | 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 | $1680 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1200 – $2200 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 74 | 168 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter is 73 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 Irish Setter. 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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Norwegian Buhund
Below is a list of where the Irish Setter and the Norwegian Buhund are most different:
The Similarities Between the Irish Setter and the Norwegian Buhund
The Irish Setter and the Norwegian Buhund are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Irish Setter and the Norwegian Buhund are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Setter versus Norwegian Buhund
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Setter and the Norwegian Buhund.
Irish Setters weigh 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Irish Setters are 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho 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 Irish Setter versus Norwegian Buhund
The lifespan of Irish Setters is between 11 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters.
Adopting the Irish Setter versus Adopting the Norwegian Buhund
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter named Conan that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Irish Setters like Conan on pefinder.com.
Also, like Irish Setters, 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.
Oliver & Maggie Together Only is the name of another Irish Setter (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
You can find more Irish Setters and Norwegian Buhunds that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Norwegian Buhund over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Irish Setter is more popular with dog owners than the Norwegian Buhund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Irish Setter is 74 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Norwegian Buhund is 168 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Irish Setter
Popularity of Norwegian Buhund
| Year | Irish Setter Popularity Rank | Norwegian Buhund Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 72 | 166 |
| 2014 | 73 | 172 |
| 2015 | 72 | 165 |
| 2016 | 76 | 174 |
| 2017 | 72 | 170 |
| 2018 | 77 | 165 |
| 2019 | 79 | 169 |
| 2020 | 75 | 168 |
Health Problems of Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter 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 Norwegian Buhund is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Irish Setter.
3 health tests are recommended for Irish Setter while 3 tests are recommended for the Norwegian Buhund.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Irish Setters and in Norwegian Buhunds.
Irish Setter Health Problems
Irish Setters are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Irish Setter 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 Irish Setters for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter Breed is Thyroid problems.
This is because the Irish Setter ranks 13 out of 115 dog breeds for Thyroid problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1455 Irish Setters, 139 of them had Thyroid problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Irish Setters, and how common these diseases are in Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter and in Norwegian Buhund and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Irish Setter and the Norwegian Buhund:
| Disease | Irish Setter Rank | Norwegian Buhund Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Thyroid problems | 13 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 35 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 67 out of 182 dog breeds | 35 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 92 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 99 out of 198 dog breeds | 131 out of 198 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: Irish Setter versus Norwegian Buhund
Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.
Norwegian Buhunds can be left alone for some time without problems.
Do Irish Setters shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?
Irish Setters shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Irish Setter or the Norwegian Buhund
Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.
Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Setter or the Norwegian Buhund?
Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.
Norwegian Buhunds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Irish Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?
Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.
Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Irish Setter vs. Norwegian Buhund
Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Irish Setters 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 Irish Setter or the Norwegian Buhund?
Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.
Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Irish Setters good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
Irish Setters 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 Irish Setters and Norwegian Buhunds?
Irish Setters get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Norwegian Buhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Irish Setter Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?
Irish Setters are very easy to train.
Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.
Is the Irish Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwegian Buhund?
Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.
Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Irish Setter or the Norwegian Buhund?
Irish Setters are OK for new dog owners.
Norwegian Buhunds are OK for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Setter
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter:
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 Irish Setter and how the Norwegian Buhund compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Irish Setter and of the Norwegian Buhund to other breeds:
Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds
Irish Setter versus Plott Irish Setter versus Spanish Mastiff Irish Setter versus American Staffordshire Terrier Irish Setter versus Keeshond Irish Setter versus Beaglier Irish Setter versus Finnish Lapphund Irish Setter versus Saluki Irish Setter versus King Shepherd Irish Setter versus Bordoodle Irish Setter versus Gordon Setter Irish Setter versus Morkie Irish Setter versus Briard Irish Setter versus Miniature Pinscher Irish Setter versus Miniature Pinscher Irish Setter versus Briard Irish Setter versus Standard Schnauzer Irish Setter versus Swedish Vallhund Irish Setter versus Briard Irish Setter versus Afghan Hound Irish Setter versus German Wirehaired Pointer Irish Setter versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Irish Setter versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Irish Setter versus Cocker Spaniel Irish Setter versus Australian Terrier
Norwegian Buhund Versus Other Dog Breeds
Norwegian Buhund versus Swedish Vallhund Norwegian Buhund versus Australian Cattle Dog Norwegian Buhund versus Lhasapoo Norwegian Buhund versus German Shorthaired Pointer Norwegian Buhund versus Australian Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Greyhound Norwegian Buhund versus French Spaniel Norwegian Buhund versus Beaglier Norwegian Buhund versus Brussels Griffon Norwegian Buhund versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Plott Norwegian Buhund versus German Pinscher Norwegian Buhund versus Papillon Norwegian Buhund versus American Bulldog Norwegian Buhund versus Norfolk Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Kai Ken Norwegian Buhund versus German Wirehaired Pointer Norwegian Buhund versus Japanese Chin Norwegian Buhund versus Irish Water Spaniel Norwegian Buhund versus Brittany Norwegian Buhund versus Bernese Mountain Dog Norwegian Buhund versus Tibetan Mastiff Norwegian Buhund versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Norwegian Buhund versus Great Pyrenees
Conclusion: Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter and the Norwegian Buhund better suits you and your family.