Is the Norwegian Buhund Better than the Pekingese as a Pet? Answer…

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Norwegian Buhund Versus Pekingese: Introduction

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

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

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 Pekingese.

Norwegian Buhund versus Pekingese

Norwegian Buhund versus Pekingese: Overview

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

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 Pekingese 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.

Norwegian Buhund versus Pekingese: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Norwegian Buhund to the Pekingese 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 Pekingese

Factor Norwegian Buhund Pekingese
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Height 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder 6 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Weight 26 to 40 pounds 7 to 14 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data $1288 – $2500
Average Price No Data $1930
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 168 86

    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 Pekingese. 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 Pekingese is 77 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Norwegian Buhund is a better pet than the Pekingese. 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 Norwegian Buhund and the Pekingese 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 Pekingese

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

  • Norwegian Buhunds have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Pekingeses have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Norwegian Buhunds do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Pekingeses do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Norwegian Buhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, Pekingeses do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
  • Norwegian Buhunds require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Pekingeses have low exercise needs.
  • The Similarities Between the Norwegian Buhund and the Pekingese

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

  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Pekingese do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Pekingese cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Pekingese require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Pekingese can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Pekingese are very easy to train.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Pekingese are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Pekingese have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Pekingese can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Pekingese are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Norwegian Buhund versus Pekingese

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

    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, Pekingeses weigh 7 to 14 pounds when fully grown. Pekingeses are 6 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Norwegian Buhund versus Pekingese

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

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

    Adopting the Norwegian Buhund versus Adopting the Pekingese

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Norwegian Buhunds and many Pekingeses 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 Norwegian Buhund named Odie that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Norwegian Buhunds like Odie on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Norwegian Buhunds, Pekingeses are also available for adoption. For example, Leo is a Male Pekingese that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Pekingeses like Leo that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Norwegian Buhund and the Pekingese can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Also, Noodles is an adorable Male Pekingese on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    You can find more Norwegian Buhunds and Pekingeses that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    The Popularity of Norwegian Buhund versus Popularity of Pekingese

    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 Pekingese over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Pekingese is more popular with dog owners than the Norwegian Buhund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Pekingese is 86 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Norwegian Buhund is 168 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Norwegian Buhund

    Popularity of Norwegian Buhund

    Popularity of Pekingese

    Popularity of Pekingese

    Year Norwegian Buhund Popularity Rank Pekingese Popularity Rank
    2013 166 77
    2014 172 82
    2015 165 80
    2016 174 93
    2017 170 88
    2018 165 92
    2019 169 83
    2020 168 95

    Tolerates Being Alone: Norwegian Buhund versus Pekingese

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

    Pekingeses can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Norwegian Buhunds shed more than Pekingeses?

    Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.

    Pekingeses shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Norwegian Buhund or the Pekingese

    Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pekingeses do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

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

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

    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.

    Pekingeses 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.

    Do Norwegian Buhunds Bark and Howl? What about Pekingeses?

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

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

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

    Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Pekingeses can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Norwegian Buhund vs. Pekingese

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

    Pekingeses have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pekingeses Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Pekingeses cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Pekingeses do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Norwegian Buhunds good family dogs? What about Pekingeses?

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

    Pekingeses are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Norwegian Buhunds and Pekingeses?

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

    Pekingeses do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Is the Norwegian Buhund Easier to Train than the Pekingese?

    Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.

    Pekingeses are fairly easy to train.

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

    Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Pekingeses adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Norwegian Buhunds are OK for new dog owners.

    Pekingeses are very good 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 Pekingese vs Pyredoodle.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pekingese

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

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier (72 percent match with Pekingese). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Mal Shi (72 percent match with Pekingese). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Mal Shi.
  • Pomeranian (72 percent match with Pekingese). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Pomeranian.
  • Pomsky (72 percent match with Pekingese). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Pomsky.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Norwegian Buhund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwegian Buhund versus Pomeranian     Norwegian Buhund versus Mal Shi     Norwegian Buhund versus Irish Setter     Norwegian Buhund versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus Saint Bernard     Norwegian Buhund versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus Pomeranian     Norwegian Buhund versus Vizsla     Norwegian Buhund versus Pomapoo     Norwegian Buhund versus Sloughi     Norwegian Buhund versus Canaan Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus Maremma Sheepdog     Norwegian Buhund versus Giant Schnauzer     Norwegian Buhund versus Hovawart     Norwegian Buhund versus Frenchton     Norwegian Buhund versus Boston Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Yorkipoo     Norwegian Buhund versus English Springer Spaniel     Norwegian Buhund versus Lakeland Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Norwegian Buhund versus Labrador Retriever     Norwegian Buhund versus English Toy Spaniel     Norwegian Buhund versus Briard     Norwegian Buhund versus Cocker Spaniel     Norwegian Buhund versus Samoyed     

    Pekingese Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pekingese versus Boxer     Pekingese versus Sussex Spaniel     Pekingese versus Mastiff     Pekingese versus Bull Terrier     Pekingese versus Beagle     Pekingese versus Bloodhound     Pekingese versus German Pinscher     Pekingese versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Pekingese versus Beagle     Pekingese versus King Shepherd     Pekingese versus Welsh Terrier     Pekingese versus Biewer Terrier     Pekingese versus Belgian Malinois     Pekingese versus Xoloitzcuintli     Pekingese versus Irish Terrier     Pekingese versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Pekingese versus Maltipoo     Pekingese versus Whippet     Pekingese versus Saint Bernard     Pekingese versus Miniature Schnauzer     Pekingese versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Pekingese versus Biewer Terrier     Pekingese versus Harrier     Pekingese versus Morkie     Pekingese versus Golden Retriever     

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