A Detailed Comparison of the Norwegian Buhund and the Norwegian Lundehund.

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Norwegian Buhund Versus Norwegian Lundehund: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Norwegian Buhund and the Norwegian Lundehund 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 Norwegian Buhund and for the Norwegian Lundehund. 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 Norwegian Buhund and the Norwegian Lundehund.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Norwegian Buhund or the Norwegian Lundehund.

Norwegian Buhund versus Norwegian Lundehund: Overview

Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Norwegian Lundehund are similar in size. The Norwegian Buhund and the Norwegian Lundehund are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Norwegian Lundehund 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.

Norwegian Buhund versus Norwegian Lundehund: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Norwegian Buhund to the Norwegian Lundehund 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 Norwegian Buhund and the Norwegian Lundehund

Factor Norwegian Buhund Norwegian Lundehund
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Height 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Weight 26 to 40 pounds 13 to 16 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Price Range No Data No Data
Average Price No Data No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 168 187

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Norwegian Buhund 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 Lundehund. 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 Norwegian Buhund is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Norwegian Lundehund is 83 out of 125.

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

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Norwegian Buhund and the Norwegian Lundehund

    Below is a list of where the Norwegian Buhund and the Norwegian Lundehund are most different:

  • Norwegian Buhunds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Norwegian Lundehunds are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • The Similarities Between the Norwegian Buhund and the Norwegian Lundehund

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

  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Norwegian Lundehund do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Norwegian Lundehund cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Norwegian Lundehund have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Norwegian Lundehund are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Norwegian Lundehund are very easy to train.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Norwegian Lundehund have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Norwegian Lundehund have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Norwegian Lundehund do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Norwegian Lundehund can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Norwegian Lundehund are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Norwegian Lundehund get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Norwegian Lundehund require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Norwegian Lundehund are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Norwegian Buhund versus Norwegian Lundehund

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

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

    On the other hand, Norwegian Lundehunds weigh 13 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Norwegian Lundehunds are 1 foot to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Norwegian Buhund versus Norwegian Lundehund

    The lifespan of Norwegian Buhunds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Norwegian Buhunds is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Norwegian Lundehunds is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Norwegian Lundehunds is 11.0 years.

    Norwegian Buhunds live longer than Norwegian Lundehunds.

    The Popularity of Norwegian Buhund versus Popularity of Norwegian Lundehund

    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 Norwegian Buhund and the Norwegian Lundehund over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Norwegian Buhund is more popular with dog owners than the Norwegian Lundehund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Norwegian Buhund is 168 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Norwegian Lundehund is 187 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Norwegian Buhund

    Popularity of Norwegian Buhund

    Popularity of Norwegian Lundehund

    Popularity of Norwegian Lundehund

    Year Norwegian Buhund Popularity Rank Norwegian Lundehund Popularity Rank
    2013 166 175
    2014 172 184
    2015 165 182
    2016 174 188
    2017 170 190
    2018 165 191
    2019 169 192
    2020 168 195

    Health Problems of Norwegian Buhund versus Health Problems of Norwegian Lundehund

    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 Norwegian Buhund and the Norwegian Lundehund 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 Lundehund is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Norwegian Buhund.

    3 health tests are recommended for Norwegian Buhund while 3 tests are recommended for the Norwegian Lundehund.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Norwegian Buhunds and in Norwegian Lundehunds.

    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:

  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Norwegian Buhunds here.

    Norwegian Lundehund Health Problems

    Norwegian Lundehunds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Norwegian Lundehund 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 Lundehund puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Norwegian Lundehund 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 Lundehunds for:

  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Norwegian Lundehunds here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Norwegian Buhund versus Norwegian Lundehund

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

    Norwegian Lundehunds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Norwegian Buhunds shed more than Norwegian Lundehunds?

    Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.

    Norwegian Lundehunds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Norwegian Buhund or the Norwegian Lundehund

    Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Norwegian Lundehunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Norwegian Buhund or the Norwegian Lundehund?

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

    Norwegian Lundehunds are very easy to groom.

    Does the Norwegian Buhund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Lundehund?

    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.

    Norwegian Lundehunds 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 Norwegian Buhunds Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Lundehunds?

    Norwegian Buhunds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Norwegian Lundehunds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Lundehunds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Norwegian Lundehunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Norwegian Buhund vs. Norwegian Lundehund

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

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

    Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Lundehunds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Norwegian Buhunds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Norwegian Lundehunds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Norwegian Buhund or the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Norwegian Lundehunds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Norwegian Buhunds good family dogs? What about Norwegian Lundehunds?

    Norwegian Buhunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Norwegian Lundehunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Norwegian Buhunds and Norwegian Lundehunds?

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

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

    Is the Norwegian Buhund Easier to Train than the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.

    Norwegian Lundehunds are very easy to train.

    Is the Norwegian Buhund Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwegian Lundehund?

    Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Norwegian Lundehunds do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Norwegian Buhunds are OK for new dog owners.

    Norwegian Lundehunds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    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 Norwegian Lundehund vs Pyredoodle.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norwegian Lundehund

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Norwegian Lundehund 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 Lundehund:

  • Dalmatian (74 percent match with Norwegian Lundehund). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Dalmatian.
  • Field Spaniel (74 percent match with Norwegian Lundehund). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Field Spaniel.
  • Flat-Coated Retriever (74 percent match with Norwegian Lundehund). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Norwegian Buhund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwegian Buhund versus Aussiedoodle     Norwegian Buhund versus Cockapoo     Norwegian Buhund versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Norwegian Buhund versus Australian Cattle Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus Basset Hound     Norwegian Buhund versus Schnoodle     Norwegian Buhund versus American Eskimo Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus Italian Greyhound     Norwegian Buhund versus Tibetan Mastiff     Norwegian Buhund versus American Eskimo Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Norwegian Buhund versus Japanese Chin     Norwegian Buhund versus Bolognese     Norwegian Buhund versus Black Russian Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Silky Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Harrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Pug     Norwegian Buhund versus Toy Fox Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Jack Russell Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Korean Jindo Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus Borzoi     Norwegian Buhund versus Jack Russell Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Karelian Bear Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus Cane Corso     Norwegian Buhund versus Dutch Shepherd     

    Norwegian Lundehund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwegian Lundehund versus Papipoo     Norwegian Lundehund versus American Eskimo Dog     Norwegian Lundehund versus Borzoi     Norwegian Lundehund versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Norwegian Lundehund versus Shiba Inu     Norwegian Lundehund versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Norwegian Lundehund versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Norwegian Lundehund versus Dutch Shepherd     Norwegian Lundehund versus Jack Russell Terrier     Norwegian Lundehund versus Cavachon     Norwegian Lundehund versus Havanese     Norwegian Lundehund versus Shiloh Shepherd     Norwegian Lundehund versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Norwegian Lundehund versus English Toy Spaniel     Norwegian Lundehund versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Norwegian Lundehund versus Akbash     Norwegian Lundehund versus Scottish Deerhound     Norwegian Lundehund versus Finnish Spitz     Norwegian Lundehund versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Norwegian Lundehund versus Tibetan Spaniel     Norwegian Lundehund versus Bernedoodle     Norwegian Lundehund versus English Springer Spaniel     Norwegian Lundehund versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Norwegian Lundehund versus Bluetick Coonhound     Norwegian Lundehund versus Dalmatian     

    Conclusion: Norwegian Buhund versus Norwegian Lundehund. 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 Norwegian Buhund and the Norwegian Lundehund better suits you and your family.