Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Labrador Retriever Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction
- Labrador Retriever versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview
- Labrador Retriever versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Labrador Retriever and the Norwegian Buhund
- The Similarities Between the Labrador Retriever and the Norwegian Buhund
- Size (Weight and Height) of Labrador Retriever versus Norwegian Buhund
- Lifespan of Labrador Retriever versus Norwegian Buhund
- Adopting the Labrador Retriever versus Adopting the Norwegian Buhund
- The Popularity of Labrador Retriever versus Popularity of Norwegian Buhund
- Health Problems of Labrador Retriever versus Health Problems of Norwegian Buhund
- Tolerates Being Alone: Labrador Retriever versus Norwegian Buhund
- Do Labrador Retrievers shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?
- Which one drools more, the Labrador Retriever or the Norwegian Buhund
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Labrador Retriever or the Norwegian Buhund?
- Does the Labrador Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?
- Do Labrador Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
- Can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Labrador Retriever vs. Norwegian Buhund
- Can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Labrador Retriever or the Norwegian Buhund?
- Are Labrador Retrievers good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
- How Kid-friendly are Labrador Retrievers and Norwegian Buhunds?
- Is the Labrador Retriever Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labrador Retriever
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norwegian Buhund
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Labrador Retriever versus Norwegian Buhund. Which One is a Better Pet?
Labrador Retriever Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Norwegian Buhund.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever or the Norwegian Buhund.
Labrador Retriever versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview
A very important difference between the Labrador Retriever and the Norwegian Buhund is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Labrador Retriever is a large-sized dog while the Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Labrador Retriever 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.
Labrador Retriever versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Norwegian Buhund
| Factor | Labrador Retriever | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Height | 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder | 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 |
| Weight | 55 to 80 pounds | 26 to 40 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $1290 | No Data |
| Price Range | $850 – $1500 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 1 | 168 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever. 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Norwegian Buhund
Below is a list of where the Labrador Retriever and the Norwegian Buhund are most different:
The Similarities Between the Labrador Retriever and the Norwegian Buhund
The Labrador Retriever and the Norwegian Buhund are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Labrador Retriever and the Norwegian Buhund are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Labrador Retriever versus Norwegian Buhund
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Labrador Retriever and the Norwegian Buhund.
Labrador Retrievers weigh 55 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Labrador Retrievers are 21 to 24 inches 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 Labrador Retriever versus Norwegian Buhund
The lifespan of Labrador Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Labrador Retrievers is 11.0 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 Labrador Retrievers.
Adopting the Labrador Retriever versus Adopting the Norwegian Buhund
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retriever named 21-284 Shadow that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Labrador Retrievers like 21-284 Shadow on pefinder.com.
Also, like Labrador Retrievers, 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.
Ernest is the name of another Labrador Retriever (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
You can find more Labrador Retrievers and Norwegian Buhunds that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Norwegian Buhund over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Labrador Retriever is more popular with dog owners than the Norwegian Buhund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Labrador Retriever is 1 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Norwegian Buhund is 168 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Labrador Retriever
Popularity of Norwegian Buhund
| Year | Labrador Retriever Popularity Rank | Norwegian Buhund Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 | 166 |
| 2014 | 1 | 172 |
| 2015 | 1 | 165 |
| 2016 | 1 | 174 |
| 2017 | 1 | 170 |
| 2018 | 1 | 165 |
| 2019 | 1 | 169 |
| 2020 | 1 | 168 |
Health Problems of Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever is prone to more genetic health problems than the Norwegian Buhund.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Labrador Retriever than for the Norwegian Buhund.
8 health tests are recommended for Labrador Retriever while 3 tests are recommended for the Norwegian Buhund.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Labrador Retrievers and in Norwegian Buhunds.
Labrador Retriever Health Problems
Labrador Retrievers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retrievers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retriever Breed is Achromatopsia Day Blindness problems.
This is because the Labrador Retriever ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Achromatopsia Day Blindness problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 87 Labrador Retrievers, 0 of them had Achromatopsia Day Blindness problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Labrador Retrievers, and how common these diseases are in Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retriever and in Norwegian Buhund and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Labrador Retriever and the Norwegian Buhund:
| Disease | Labrador Retriever Rank | Norwegian Buhund Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Achromatopsia Day Blindness problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| D Locus problems | 1 out of 3 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Copper Toxicosis problems | 2 out of 2 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Exercise Induced Collapse problems | 3 out of 6 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | 8 out of 40 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Shoulder problems | 13 out of 22 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | 16 out of 32 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 25 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 29 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 39 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 41 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 66 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 76 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 78 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 103 out of 198 dog breeds | 131 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 119 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: Labrador Retriever versus Norwegian Buhund
Labrador Retrievers do not like to be left alone.
Norwegian Buhunds can be left alone for some time without problems.
Do Labrador Retrievers shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?
Labrador Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Labrador Retriever or the Norwegian Buhund
Labrador Retrievers drool moderately.
Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Labrador Retriever or the Norwegian Buhund?
Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom.
Norwegian Buhunds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Labrador Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?
Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Labrador Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Labrador Retriever vs. Norwegian Buhund
Labrador Retrievers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Norwegian Buhunds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retriever or the Norwegian Buhund?
Labrador Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.
Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Labrador Retrievers good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
Labrador Retrievers 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 Labrador Retrievers and Norwegian Buhunds?
Labrador Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Norwegian Buhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Labrador Retriever Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?
Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train.
Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.
Is the Labrador Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwegian Buhund?
Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Labrador Retriever or the Norwegian Buhund?
Labrador Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.
Norwegian Buhunds are OK for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labrador Retriever
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever:
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 Labrador Retriever and how the Norwegian Buhund compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Labrador Retriever and of the Norwegian Buhund to other breeds:
Labrador Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds
Labrador Retriever versus Kerry Blue Terrier Labrador Retriever versus Doberman Pinscher Labrador Retriever versus Collie Labrador Retriever versus Boerboel Labrador Retriever versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Labrador Retriever versus Australian Kelpie Labrador Retriever versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Labrador Retriever versus Australian Terrier Labrador Retriever versus French Bulldog Labrador Retriever versus Pomapoo Labrador Retriever versus Pekingese Labrador Retriever versus Manchester Terrier Labrador Retriever versus Pyredoodle Labrador Retriever versus Havanese Labrador Retriever versus Frenchton Labrador Retriever versus Papillon Labrador Retriever versus Border Terrier Labrador Retriever versus Icelandic Sheepdog Labrador Retriever versus Affenpinscher Labrador Retriever versus Finnish Lapphund Labrador Retriever versus Coton de Tulear Labrador Retriever versus Schipperke Labrador Retriever versus Kishu Ken Labrador Retriever versus Field Spaniel Labrador Retriever versus Maltipoo
Norwegian Buhund Versus Other Dog Breeds
Norwegian Buhund versus Norwich Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Boxerdoodle Norwegian Buhund versus Boykin Spaniel Norwegian Buhund versus American Foxhound Norwegian Buhund versus Bluetick Coonhound Norwegian Buhund versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Norwegian Buhund versus Bernedoodle Norwegian Buhund versus Golden Retriever Norwegian Buhund versus Norfolk Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Norwegian Buhund versus Akita Norwegian Buhund versus Chi-Poo Norwegian Buhund versus Pomchi Norwegian Buhund versus Braque du Bourbonnais Norwegian Buhund versus Welsh Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Dachshund Norwegian Buhund versus Estrela Mountain Dog Norwegian Buhund versus Norfolk Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Australian Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Norwegian Buhund versus Shichon Norwegian Buhund versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Norwegian Buhund versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Norwegian Buhund versus Golden Retriever
Conclusion: Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and the Norwegian Buhund better suits you and your family.