Differences and Similarities between the Norwegian Buhund and the Pharaoh Hound.

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Norwegian Buhund Versus Pharaoh Hound: Introduction

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

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

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 Pharaoh Hound.

Norwegian Buhund versus Pharaoh Hound

Norwegian Buhund versus Pharaoh Hound: Overview

Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Pharaoh Hound are similar in size. The Norwegian Buhund and the Pharaoh Hound 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 Pharaoh Hound belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Norwegian Buhund versus Pharaoh Hound: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Norwegian Buhund to the Pharaoh Hound 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 Pharaoh Hound

Factor Norwegian Buhund Pharaoh Hound
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 14 years
Height 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder 21 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Weight 26 to 40 pounds 45 to 55 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.5 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
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 168 168

    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 Pharaoh Hound. 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 Pharaoh Hound is 84 out of 125.

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

    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 Pharaoh Hound 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 Pharaoh Hound

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

  • Norwegian Buhunds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments. However, Pharaoh Hounds can tolerate hot weather.
  • Norwegian Buhunds have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Pharaoh Hounds have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Norwegian Buhunds can tolerate cold weather. However, Pharaoh Hounds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • The Similarities Between the Norwegian Buhund and the Pharaoh Hound

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

  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Pharaoh Hound do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Pharaoh Hound are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Pharaoh Hound are very easy to train.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Pharaoh Hound are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Pharaoh Hound have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Pharaoh Hound do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Pharaoh Hound are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Pharaoh Hound get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Pharaoh Hound require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Pharaoh Hound are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Norwegian Buhund versus Pharaoh Hound

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

    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, Pharaoh Hounds weigh 45 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Pharaoh Hounds are 21 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Norwegian Buhund versus Pharaoh Hound

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

    The lifespan of Pharaoh Hounds is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Pharaoh Hounds is 12.5 years.

    Norwegian Buhunds live longer than Pharaoh Hounds.

    Adopting the Norwegian Buhund versus Adopting the Pharaoh Hound

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Norwegian Buhunds and many Pharaoh Hounds 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, Pharaoh Hounds are also available for adoption. For example, Ruffles is a Male Pharaoh Hound that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Pharaoh Hounds like Ruffles that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

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

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

    The Popularity of Norwegian Buhund versus Popularity of Pharaoh Hound

    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 Pharaoh Hound over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Norwegian Buhund is as popular as the Pharaoh Hound with dog owners. 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 Pharaoh Hound is 168 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Norwegian Buhund

    Popularity of Norwegian Buhund

    Popularity of Pharaoh Hound

    Popularity of Pharaoh Hound

    Year Norwegian Buhund Popularity Rank Pharaoh Hound Popularity Rank
    2013 166 160
    2014 172 164
    2015 165 171
    2016 174 168
    2017 170 174
    2018 165 172
    2019 169 161
    2020 168 180

    Health Problems of Norwegian Buhund versus Health Problems of Pharaoh Hound

    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 Pharaoh Hound 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 Pharaoh Hound is prone to more genetic health problems than the Norwegian Buhund.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Pharaoh Hound than for the Norwegian Buhund.

    3 health tests are recommended for Norwegian Buhund while 4 tests are recommended for the Pharaoh Hound.

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

    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.

    Pharaoh Hound Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pharaoh Hounds here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Norwegian Buhunds and Pharaoh Hounds

    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:

  • Eyes problems: Rank 35 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 131 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • 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 Pharaoh Hound Breed is Thyroid problems.

    This is because the Pharaoh Hound ranks 18 out of 115 dog breeds for Thyroid problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 220 Pharaoh Hounds, 18 of them had Thyroid problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pharaoh Hounds, and how common these diseases are in Pharaoh Hounds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Thyroid problems: Rank 18 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 60 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 69 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 86 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 184 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Norwegian Buhund and in Pharaoh Hound and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Norwegian Buhund and the Pharaoh Hound:

    Disease Norwegian Buhund Rank Pharaoh Hound Rank
    Eyes problems 35 out of 182 dog breeds 86 out of 182 dog breeds
    Hips problems 131 out of 198 dog breeds 184 out of 198 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems Not Common 18 out of 115 dog breeds
    Patella problems Not Common 60 out of 145 dog breeds
    Elbow problems Not Common 69 out of 144 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: Norwegian Buhund versus Pharaoh Hound

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

    Pharaoh Hounds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Norwegian Buhunds shed more than Pharaoh Hounds?

    Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.

    Pharaoh Hounds do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Norwegian Buhund or the Pharaoh Hound

    Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pharaoh Hounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Norwegian Buhund or the Pharaoh Hound?

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

    Pharaoh Hounds are very easy to groom.

    Does the Norwegian Buhund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pharaoh Hound?

    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.

    Pharaoh Hounds 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 Pharaoh Hounds?

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

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

    Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pharaoh Hounds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Pharaoh Hounds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Norwegian Buhund vs. Pharaoh Hound

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

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

    Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pharaoh Hounds Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Pharaoh Hounds can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Pharaoh Hounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Norwegian Buhunds good family dogs? What about Pharaoh Hounds?

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

    Pharaoh Hounds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Norwegian Buhunds and Pharaoh Hounds?

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

    Pharaoh Hounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Norwegian Buhund Easier to Train than the Pharaoh Hound?

    Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.

    Pharaoh Hounds are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Norwegian Buhund Better for Apartment Owners than the Pharaoh Hound?

    Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Pharaoh Hounds adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Norwegian Buhunds are OK for new dog owners.

    Pharaoh Hounds 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 Pharaoh Hound vs Pyredoodle.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pharaoh Hound

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

  • Italian Greyhound (76 percent match with Pharaoh Hound). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Italian Greyhound.
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (75 percent match with Pharaoh Hound). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
  • Tibetan Spaniel (75 percent match with Pharaoh Hound). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Tibetan Spaniel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Norwegian Buhund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwegian Buhund versus Lhasa Apso     Norwegian Buhund versus Cockalier     Norwegian Buhund versus Portuguese Pointer     Norwegian Buhund versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus Berger Picard     Norwegian Buhund versus Pomsky     Norwegian Buhund versus Papillon     Norwegian Buhund versus Skye Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Puggle     Norwegian Buhund versus Sussex Spaniel     Norwegian Buhund versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Norwegian Buhund versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Norwegian Buhund versus Saint Berdoodle     Norwegian Buhund versus Black Russian Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Australian Cattle Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Norwegian Buhund versus King Shepherd     Norwegian Buhund versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Norwegian Buhund versus Great Pyrenees     Norwegian Buhund versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Norwegian Buhund versus Brittany     Norwegian Buhund versus Basenji     Norwegian Buhund versus Keeshond     Norwegian Buhund versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Norwegian Buhund versus Miniature Pinscher     

    Pharaoh Hound Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pharaoh Hound versus Fila Brasileiro     Pharaoh Hound versus Spanish Mastiff     Pharaoh Hound versus Whippet     Pharaoh Hound versus Lancashire Heeler     Pharaoh Hound versus Cane Corso     Pharaoh Hound versus Scottish Deerhound     Pharaoh Hound versus Chinese Crested     Pharaoh Hound versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Pharaoh Hound versus Aussiedoodle     Pharaoh Hound versus Boxerdoodle     Pharaoh Hound versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Pharaoh Hound versus Keeshond     Pharaoh Hound versus Brittany     Pharaoh Hound versus American Eskimo Dog     Pharaoh Hound versus Barbet     Pharaoh Hound versus Newfoundland     Pharaoh Hound versus Biewer Terrier     Pharaoh Hound versus Miniature Schnauzer     Pharaoh Hound versus Beagle     Pharaoh Hound versus Cockalier     Pharaoh Hound versus Biewer Terrier     Pharaoh Hound versus Cesky Terrier     Pharaoh Hound versus Biewer Terrier     Pharaoh Hound versus Irish Wolfhound     Pharaoh Hound versus Akbash     

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