Which is Better between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund? A Very Detailed Review.

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Jack Russell Terrier Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier or the Norwegian Buhund.

Jack Russell Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund

Jack Russell Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Jack Russell 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.

Jack Russell Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund

Factor Jack Russell Terrier Norwegian Buhund
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Weight 13 to 17 pounds 26 to 40 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1100 No Data
Price Range $700 – $1250 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier is 77 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 Jack Russell Terrier. 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 Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund

    Below is a list of where the Jack Russell Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are most different:

  • Jack Russell Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Norwegian Buhunds have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund

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

  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are very easy to train.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Jack Russell Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Jack Russell Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund.

    Jack Russell Terriers weigh 13 to 17 pounds when fully grown. Jack Russell Terriers are 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Norwegian Buhunds weigh 26 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Norwegian Buhunds are 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Jack Russell Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund

    The lifespan of Jack Russell Terriers is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Jack Russell Terriers is 12.5 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 Jack Russell Terriers.

    Adopting the Jack Russell Terrier versus Adopting the Norwegian Buhund

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier named Spott that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Jack Russell Terriers like Spott on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Jack Russell 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.

    The Jack Russell Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Wishbone is the name of another Jack Russell Terrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    You can find more Jack Russell Terriers and Norwegian Buhunds that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Jack Russell Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund

    Jack Russell Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Do Jack Russell Terriers shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?

    Jack Russell Terriers shed moderately.

    Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Norwegian Buhund

    Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier or the Norwegian Buhund?

    Jack Russell Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Does the Jack Russell Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?

    Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Buhunds?

    Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Jack Russell Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Jack Russell Terrier vs. Norwegian Buhund

    Jack Russell Terriers 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 Jack Russell Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Jack Russell Terriers 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 Jack Russell Terrier or the Norwegian Buhund?

    Jack Russell Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Jack Russell Terriers good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?

    Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terriers and Norwegian Buhunds?

    Jack Russell Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Jack Russell Terrier Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?

    Jack Russell Terriers are very easy to train.

    Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.

    Is the Jack Russell Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwegian Buhund?

    Jack Russell Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Jack Russell Terrier or the Norwegian Buhund?

    Jack Russell Terriers 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 Jack Russell Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier:

  • Airedale Terrier (79 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Airedale Terrier.
  • Finnish Lapphund (80 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Finnish Lapphund.
  • Welsh Terrier (79 percent match with Jack Russell Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Welsh 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:

  • Pyredoodle (78 percent match with Norwegian Buhund). Here is our comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier vs Pyredoodle.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Jack Russell Terrier and how the Norwegian Buhund compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Jack Russell Terrier and of the Norwegian Buhund to other breeds:

    Jack Russell Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Jack Russell Terrier versus Irish Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Jack Russell Terrier versus Peek A Poo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Affenhuahua     Jack Russell Terrier versus Azawakh     Jack Russell Terrier versus Whippet     Jack Russell Terrier versus Westiepoo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Silky Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bull Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Mountain Cur     Jack Russell Terrier versus Chihuahua     Jack Russell Terrier versus Komondor     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bordoodle     Jack Russell Terrier versus Skye Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Finnish Spitz     Jack Russell Terrier versus Peek A Poo     Jack Russell Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel     Jack Russell Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bullmastiff     Jack Russell Terrier versus Collie     Jack Russell Terrier versus Harrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Bull Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Jack Russell Terrier versus Mudi     

    Norwegian Buhund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwegian Buhund versus Boxer     Norwegian Buhund versus Boykin Spaniel     Norwegian Buhund versus Boxer     Norwegian Buhund versus Westiepoo     Norwegian Buhund versus Saint Bernard     Norwegian Buhund versus Silky Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Rottweiler     Norwegian Buhund versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus Doberman Pinscher     Norwegian Buhund versus Shetland Sheepdog     Norwegian Buhund versus Lhasa Apso     Norwegian Buhund versus Australian Kelpie     Norwegian Buhund versus American Hairless Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Dogo Argentino     Norwegian Buhund versus Whoodle     Norwegian Buhund versus Scottish Deerhound     Norwegian Buhund versus Basenji     Norwegian Buhund versus American Water Spaniel     Norwegian Buhund versus Toy Fox Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Leonberger     Norwegian Buhund versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Norwegian Buhund versus Chihuahua     Norwegian Buhund versus Dachshund     Norwegian Buhund versus Portuguese Pointer     Norwegian Buhund versus Catahoula Bulldog     

    Conclusion: Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund better suits you and your family.