Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Maltese Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction
- Maltese versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview
- Maltese versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Maltese and the Norwegian Buhund
- The Similarities Between the Maltese and the Norwegian Buhund
- Size (Weight and Height) of Maltese versus Norwegian Buhund
- Lifespan of Maltese versus Norwegian Buhund
- Adopting the Maltese versus Adopting the Norwegian Buhund
- The Popularity of Maltese versus Popularity of Norwegian Buhund
- Health Problems of Maltese versus Health Problems of Norwegian Buhund
- Tolerates Being Alone: Maltese versus Norwegian Buhund
- Do Malteses shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?
- Which one drools more, the Maltese or the Norwegian Buhund
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Maltese or the Norwegian Buhund?
- Does the Maltese Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?
- Do Malteses Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
- Can Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Maltese vs. Norwegian Buhund
- Can Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Maltese or the Norwegian Buhund?
- Are Malteses good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
- How Kid-friendly are Malteses and Norwegian Buhunds?
- Is the Maltese Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maltese
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norwegian Buhund
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Maltese versus Norwegian Buhund. Which One is a Better Pet?
Maltese Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Maltese 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 Maltese 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 Maltese and the Norwegian Buhund.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Maltese 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 Maltese 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 Maltese 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 Maltese or the Norwegian Buhund.
Maltese versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview
A very important difference between the Maltese and the Norwegian Buhund is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Maltese is a tiny-sized dog while the Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Maltese 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.
Maltese versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Maltese 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 Maltese and the Norwegian Buhund
| Factor | Maltese | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder | 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | Up to 7 pounds | 26 to 40 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $2580 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1800 – $3000 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 33 | 168 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Maltese 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 Maltese is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Norwegian Buhund is 81 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Maltese is a better pet than the Norwegian Buhund. So, you should get the Maltese!
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 Maltese 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 Maltese and the Norwegian Buhund
Below is a list of where the Maltese and the Norwegian Buhund are most different:
The Similarities Between the Maltese and the Norwegian Buhund
The Maltese and the Norwegian Buhund are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Maltese and the Norwegian Buhund are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Maltese versus Norwegian Buhund
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Maltese and the Norwegian Buhund.
Malteses weigh Up to 7 pounds when fully grown. Malteses are 8 to 10 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 Maltese versus Norwegian Buhund
The lifespan of Malteses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Malteses is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Norwegian Buhunds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Norwegian Buhunds is 13.5 years.
Adopting the Maltese versus Adopting the Norwegian Buhund
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Malteses 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 Maltese named Stewart (Bonded Pair With Gucci) that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Malteses like Stewart (Bonded Pair With Gucci) on pefinder.com.
Also, like Malteses, 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.
Scruffy is the name of another Maltese (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
You can find more Malteses and Norwegian Buhunds that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Maltese 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 Maltese and the Norwegian Buhund over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Maltese is more popular with dog owners than the Norwegian Buhund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Maltese is 33 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Norwegian Buhund is 168 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Maltese
Popularity of Norwegian Buhund
| Year | Maltese Popularity Rank | Norwegian Buhund Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 27 | 166 |
| 2014 | 29 | 172 |
| 2015 | 31 | 165 |
| 2016 | 33 | 174 |
| 2017 | 33 | 170 |
| 2018 | 37 | 165 |
| 2019 | 36 | 169 |
| 2020 | 38 | 168 |
Health Problems of Maltese 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 Maltese 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 Maltese.
3 health tests are recommended for Maltese while 3 tests are recommended for the Norwegian Buhund.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Malteses and in Norwegian Buhunds.
Maltese Health Problems
Malteses are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Maltese 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 Maltese puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Maltese 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 Malteses for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Malteses 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 Malteses 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 Maltese Breed is Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
This is because the Maltese ranks 6 out of 40 dog breeds for Legg-Calve-Perthes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 155 Malteses, 2 of them had Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Malteses, and how common these diseases are in Malteses 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 Maltese and in Norwegian Buhund and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Maltese and the Norwegian Buhund:
| Disease | Maltese Rank | Norwegian Buhund Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | 6 out of 40 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 16 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Patella problems | 41 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 98 out of 198 dog breeds | 131 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 139 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: Maltese versus Norwegian Buhund
Malteses do not like to be left alone.
Norwegian Buhunds can be left alone for some time without problems.
Do Malteses shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?
Malteses do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Maltese or the Norwegian Buhund
Malteses do have a very low tendency to drool.
Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Maltese or the Norwegian Buhund?
Malteses require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Norwegian Buhunds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Maltese Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?
Malteses 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 Malteses Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
Malteses 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 Malteses Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Malteses cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Maltese vs. Norwegian Buhund
Malteses 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 Malteses Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Malteses 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 Maltese or the Norwegian Buhund?
Malteses get along very well with other dogs.
Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Malteses good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
Malteses 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 Malteses and Norwegian Buhunds?
Malteses get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Norwegian Buhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Maltese Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?
Malteses are very easy to train.
Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.
Is the Maltese Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwegian Buhund?
Malteses adapt very well to apartment living.
Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Maltese or the Norwegian Buhund?
Malteses are very good for new dog owners.
Norwegian Buhunds are OK for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maltese
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Maltese 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 Maltese:
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 Maltese and how the Norwegian Buhund compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Maltese and of the Norwegian Buhund to other breeds:
Maltese Versus Other Dog Breeds
Maltese versus Bernese Mountain Dog Maltese versus Chinook Maltese versus Clumber Spaniel Maltese versus Irish Water Spaniel Maltese versus Flat-Coated Retriever Maltese versus Irish Setter Maltese versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Maltese versus Komondor Maltese versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Maltese versus Saint Berdoodle Maltese versus Pomapoo Maltese versus King Shepherd Maltese versus German Longhaired Pointer Maltese versus Tibetan Mastiff Maltese versus Pomchi Maltese versus Jack Russell Terrier Maltese versus Xoloitzcuintli Maltese versus Coton de Tulear Maltese versus Chow Chow Maltese versus Kooikerhondje Maltese versus Pyrenean Shepherd Maltese versus Pomeranian Maltese versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Maltese versus Braque du Bourbonnais Maltese versus Mountain Cur
Norwegian Buhund Versus Other Dog Breeds
Norwegian Buhund versus Bull Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Australian Kelpie Norwegian Buhund versus Bichon Frise Norwegian Buhund versus Pomapoo Norwegian Buhund versus Bluetick Coonhound Norwegian Buhund versus Chihuahua Norwegian Buhund versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Norwegian Buhund versus American Foxhound Norwegian Buhund versus English Toy Spaniel Norwegian Buhund versus West Highland White Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Norwegian Buhund versus Australian Shepherd Norwegian Buhund versus Welsh Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Belgian Malinois Norwegian Buhund versus Black Russian Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Chow Chow Norwegian Buhund versus Shiranian Norwegian Buhund versus Pomapoo Norwegian Buhund versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Norwegian Buhund versus German Shepherd Dog Norwegian Buhund versus Irish Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Pug Norwegian Buhund versus Irish Wolfhound Norwegian Buhund versus Brussels Griffon
Conclusion: Maltese 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 Maltese and the Norwegian Buhund better suits you and your family.