Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Leonberger Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction
- Leonberger versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview
- Leonberger versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Leonberger and the Norwegian Buhund
- The Similarities Between the Leonberger and the Norwegian Buhund
- Size (Weight and Height) of Leonberger versus Norwegian Buhund
- Lifespan of Leonberger versus Norwegian Buhund
- The Popularity of Leonberger versus Popularity of Norwegian Buhund
- Health Problems of Leonberger versus Health Problems of Norwegian Buhund
- Tolerates Being Alone: Leonberger versus Norwegian Buhund
- Do Leonbergers shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?
- Which one drools more, the Leonberger or the Norwegian Buhund
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Leonberger or the Norwegian Buhund?
- Does the Leonberger Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?
- Do Leonbergers Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
- Can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Leonberger vs. Norwegian Buhund
- Can Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Leonberger or the Norwegian Buhund?
- Are Leonbergers good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
- How Kid-friendly are Leonbergers and Norwegian Buhunds?
- Is the Leonberger Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Leonberger
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norwegian Buhund
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Leonberger versus Norwegian Buhund. Which One is a Better Pet?
Leonberger Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Leonberger 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Norwegian Buhund.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Leonberger 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger or the Norwegian Buhund.
Leonberger versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview
A very important difference between the Leonberger and the Norwegian Buhund is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Leonberger is a giant-sized dog while the Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Leonberger belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
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.
Leonberger versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Norwegian Buhund
| Factor | Leonberger | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Weight | 120 to 170 pounds | 26 to 40 pounds |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 25 to 31 inches tall at the shoulder | 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 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 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $870 | No Data |
| Price Range | $300 – $1150 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 97 | 168 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Leonberger 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 Leonberger is 63 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 Leonberger. 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Norwegian Buhund
Below is a list of where the Leonberger and the Norwegian Buhund are most different:
The Similarities Between the Leonberger and the Norwegian Buhund
The Leonberger and the Norwegian Buhund are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Leonberger and the Norwegian Buhund are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Leonberger versus Norwegian Buhund
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Leonberger and the Norwegian Buhund.
Leonbergers weigh 120 to 170 pounds when fully grown. Leonbergers are 25 to 31 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 Leonberger versus Norwegian Buhund
The lifespan of Leonbergers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers.
The Popularity of Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Norwegian Buhund over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Leonberger is more popular with dog owners than the Norwegian Buhund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Leonberger is 97 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Norwegian Buhund is 168 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Leonberger
Popularity of Norwegian Buhund
| Year | Leonberger Popularity Rank | Norwegian Buhund Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 98 | 166 |
| 2014 | 104 | 172 |
| 2015 | 93 | 165 |
| 2016 | 95 | 174 |
| 2017 | 100 | 170 |
| 2018 | 93 | 165 |
| 2019 | 95 | 169 |
| 2020 | 98 | 168 |
Health Problems of Leonberger 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 Leonberger 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 Leonberger is prone to more genetic health problems than the Norwegian Buhund.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Leonberger than for the Norwegian Buhund.
10 health tests are recommended for Leonberger while 3 tests are recommended for the Norwegian Buhund.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Leonbergers and in Norwegian Buhunds.
Leonberger Health Problems
Leonbergers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Leonberger 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 Leonberger puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Leonberger 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 Leonbergers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers 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 Leonberger Breed is Leonberger Polyneuropathy 1 problems.
This is because the Leonberger ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Leonberger Polyneuropathy 1 problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1600 Leonbergers, 22 of them had Leonberger Polyneuropathy 1 problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Leonbergers, and how common these diseases are in Leonbergers 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 Leonberger and in Norwegian Buhund and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Leonberger and the Norwegian Buhund:
| Disease | Leonberger Rank | Norwegian Buhund Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Leonberger Polyneuropathy 1 problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Leonberger Polyneuropathy 2 problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Leukoencephalomyelopathy problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 20 out of 182 dog breeds | 35 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 34 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 38 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 41 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 74 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 83 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: Leonberger versus Norwegian Buhund
Leonbergers do not like to be left alone.
Norwegian Buhunds can be left alone for some time without problems.
Do Leonbergers shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?
Leonbergers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Leonberger or the Norwegian Buhund
Leonbergers drool moderately.
Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Leonberger or the Norwegian Buhund?
Leonbergers are very easy to groom.
Norwegian Buhunds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Leonberger Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?
Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
Leonbergers bark and howl, but not very much.
Norwegian Buhunds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Leonbergers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Leonbergers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Leonberger vs. Norwegian Buhund
Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Leonbergers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Norwegian Buhunds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Leonberger or the Norwegian Buhund?
Leonbergers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Leonbergers good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
Leonbergers 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 Leonbergers and Norwegian Buhunds?
Leonbergers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Norwegian Buhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Leonberger Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?
Leonbergers are not easy to train.
Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.
Is the Leonberger Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwegian Buhund?
Leonbergers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Leonberger or the Norwegian Buhund?
Leonbergers 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 Leonberger
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Leonberger 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 Leonberger:
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 Leonberger and how the Norwegian Buhund compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Leonberger and of the Norwegian Buhund to other breeds:
Leonberger Versus Other Dog Breeds
Leonberger versus Shihpoo Leonberger versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Leonberger versus Japanese Spitz Leonberger versus Manchester Terrier Leonberger versus Shihpoo Leonberger versus Clumber Spaniel Leonberger versus Lagotto Romagnolo Leonberger versus Affenhuahua Leonberger versus Gordon Setter Leonberger versus Aussiedoodle Leonberger versus Border Collie Leonberger versus American Pit Bull Terrier Leonberger versus Pomchi Leonberger versus Manchester Terrier Leonberger versus Spanish Mastiff Leonberger versus Lhasa Apso Leonberger versus English Springer Spaniel Leonberger versus Lancashire Heeler Leonberger versus Lakeland Terrier Leonberger versus Standard Poodle Leonberger versus Clumber Spaniel Leonberger versus Swedish Vallhund Leonberger versus Chorkie Leonberger versus Brittany Leonberger versus Ibizan Hound
Norwegian Buhund Versus Other Dog Breeds
Norwegian Buhund versus Japanese Chin Norwegian Buhund versus Kai Ken Norwegian Buhund versus Havanese Norwegian Buhund versus Basset Hound Norwegian Buhund versus Siberian Husky Norwegian Buhund versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Norwegian Buhund versus Chinese Shar-Pei Norwegian Buhund versus Barbet Norwegian Buhund versus Akita Norwegian Buhund versus Italian Greyhound Norwegian Buhund versus Australian Kelpie Norwegian Buhund versus Barbet Norwegian Buhund versus Morkie Norwegian Buhund versus Bouvier des Flandres Norwegian Buhund versus Korean Jindo Dog Norwegian Buhund versus Field Spaniel Norwegian Buhund versus Tibetan Spaniel Norwegian Buhund versus Cavapoo Norwegian Buhund versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Norwegian Buhund versus Karelian Bear Dog Norwegian Buhund versus Field Spaniel Norwegian Buhund versus Azawakh Norwegian Buhund versus Norwich Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Puli Norwegian Buhund versus Dalmatian
Conclusion: Leonberger 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 Leonberger and the Norwegian Buhund better suits you and your family.