Differences and Similarities between the Japanese Spitz and the Norwegian Buhund.

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Japanese Spitz Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitz or the Norwegian Buhund.

Japanese Spitz versus Norwegian Buhund

Japanese Spitz versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Japanese Spitz belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Japanese Spitz versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitz and the Norwegian Buhund

Factor Japanese Spitz Norwegian Buhund
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Height 10 to 16 inches 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 16 years 12 to 15 years
Weight 11 to 20 pounds 26 to 40 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1600 No Data
Price Range $1500 – $2000 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 Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitz is 90 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Norwegian Buhund is 81 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Japanese Spitz is a better pet than the Norwegian Buhund. So, you should get the Japanese Spitz!

    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 Japanese Spitz and the Norwegian Buhund so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Japanese Spitz and the Norwegian Buhund

    The Japanese Spitz and the Norwegian Buhund are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Japanese Spitz and the Norwegian Buhund are most similar:

  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Norwegian Buhund do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Norwegian Buhund are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Norwegian Buhund are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Norwegian Buhund are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Norwegian Buhund have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Norwegian Buhund adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Norwegian Buhund are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Norwegian Buhund can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Norwegian Buhund are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Norwegian Buhund get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Norwegian Buhund are very easy to train.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Norwegian Buhund are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Norwegian Buhund are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Norwegian Buhund are very playful.
  • Both the Japanese Spitz and the Norwegian Buhund get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Japanese Spitz versus Norwegian Buhund

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Japanese Spitz and the Norwegian Buhund.

    Japanese Spitzs weigh 11 to 20 pounds when fully grown. Japanese Spitzs are 10 to 16 inches 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 Japanese Spitz versus Norwegian Buhund

    The lifespan of Japanese Spitzs is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Japanese Spitzs 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 Japanese Spitzs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Japanese Spitz versus Norwegian Buhund

    Japanese Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Japanese Spitzs shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?

    Japanese Spitzs shed moderately.

    Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Japanese Spitz or the Norwegian Buhund

    Japanese Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Japanese Spitz or the Norwegian Buhund?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Japanese Spitz Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?

    Japanese Spitzs 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.

    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 Japanese Spitzs Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Buhunds?

    Japanese Spitzs 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 Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Japanese Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Japanese Spitz vs. Norwegian Buhund

    Japanese Spitzs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Norwegian Buhunds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Japanese Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Japanese Spitzs 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 Japanese Spitz or the Norwegian Buhund?

    Japanese Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Japanese Spitzs good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?

    Japanese Spitzs 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 Japanese Spitzs and Norwegian Buhunds?

    Japanese Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Japanese Spitz Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?

    Japanese Spitzs are very easy to train.

    Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.

    Is the Japanese Spitz Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwegian Buhund?

    Japanese Spitzs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Japanese Spitz or the Norwegian Buhund?

    Japanese Spitzs are very good for new dog owners.

    Norwegian Buhunds are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Japanese Spitz

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitz:

  • Bergamasco Sheepdog (79 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Bergamasco Sheepdog.
  • Bordoodle (81 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Bordoodle.
  • Dutch Shepherd (79 percent match with Japanese Spitz). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Dutch Shepherd.

    • 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 Japanese Spitz vs Pyredoodle.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Japanese Spitz Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Japanese Spitz versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Japanese Spitz versus English Toy Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Belgian Sheepdog     Japanese Spitz versus Dalmatian     Japanese Spitz versus Maltipoo     Japanese Spitz versus Plott     Japanese Spitz versus Pug     Japanese Spitz versus American Water Spaniel     Japanese Spitz versus Peek A Poo     Japanese Spitz versus Puli     Japanese Spitz versus Beagle     Japanese Spitz versus Bracco Italiano     Japanese Spitz versus Aussiedoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Beagle     Japanese Spitz versus French Bulldog     Japanese Spitz versus Kai Ken     Japanese Spitz versus Sheepadoodle     Japanese Spitz versus Brittany     Japanese Spitz versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Japanese Spitz versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Japanese Spitz versus Australian Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Australian Cattle Dog     Japanese Spitz versus Italian Greyhound     Japanese Spitz versus Lakeland Terrier     Japanese Spitz versus Cockapoo     

    Norwegian Buhund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwegian Buhund versus Portuguese Pointer     Norwegian Buhund versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Norwegian Buhund versus Labradoodle     Norwegian Buhund versus German Longhaired Pointer     Norwegian Buhund versus Akbash     Norwegian Buhund versus Greyhound     Norwegian Buhund versus Labradoodle     Norwegian Buhund versus Golden Retriever     Norwegian Buhund versus Irish Wolfhound     Norwegian Buhund versus Australian Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Ibizan Hound     Norwegian Buhund versus Chinook     Norwegian Buhund versus Boxer     Norwegian Buhund versus French Bulldog     Norwegian Buhund versus Labradoodle     Norwegian Buhund versus Harrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Patterdale Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Pug     Norwegian Buhund versus Bouvier des Flandres     Norwegian Buhund versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus English Springer Spaniel     Norwegian Buhund versus Chorkie     Norwegian Buhund versus Barbet     Norwegian Buhund versus Akbash     Norwegian Buhund versus Pyredoodle     

    Conclusion: Japanese Spitz 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 Japanese Spitz and the Norwegian Buhund better suits you and your family.