Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Norwegian Buhund Versus Puli: Introduction
- Norwegian Buhund versus Puli: Overview
- Norwegian Buhund versus Puli: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Norwegian Buhund and the Puli
- Size (Weight and Height) of Norwegian Buhund versus Puli
- Lifespan of Norwegian Buhund versus Puli
- The Popularity of Norwegian Buhund versus Popularity of Puli
- Health Problems of Norwegian Buhund versus Health Problems of Puli
- Tolerates Being Alone: Norwegian Buhund versus Puli
- Do Norwegian Buhunds shed more than Pulis?
- Which one drools more, the Norwegian Buhund or the Puli
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Norwegian Buhund or the Puli?
- Does the Norwegian Buhund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Puli?
- Do Norwegian Buhunds Bark and Howl? What about Pulis?
- Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pulis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Norwegian Buhund vs. Puli
- Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pulis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Norwegian Buhund or the Puli?
- Are Norwegian Buhunds good family dogs? What about Pulis?
- How Kid-friendly are Norwegian Buhunds and Pulis?
- Is the Norwegian Buhund Easier to Train than the Puli?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norwegian Buhund
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Puli
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Norwegian Buhund versus Puli. Which One is a Better Pet?
Norwegian Buhund Versus Puli: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Norwegian Buhund and the Puli? 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 Puli 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 Puli.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Norwegian Buhund and the Puli 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 Puli. 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 Puli.
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 Puli.
Norwegian Buhund versus Puli: Overview
Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Puli are similar in size. The Norwegian Buhund and the Puli are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, both the Norwegian Buhund and the Puli are Herding Dogs. This means both the Norwegian Buhund and the Puli 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.
Norwegian Buhund versus Puli: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Norwegian Buhund to the Puli 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 Puli
| Factor | Norwegian Buhund | Puli |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 15 years |
| Height | 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder | 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 26 to 40 pounds | 25 to 35 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| 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 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 | 12.5 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1875 – $2750 |
| Average Price | No Data | $2250 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 168 | 150 |
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 Puli. 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 Puli is 74 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Norwegian Buhund is a better pet than the Puli. 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 Puli so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the Norwegian Buhund and the Puli
The Norwegian Buhund and the Puli are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Norwegian Buhund and the Puli are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Norwegian Buhund versus Puli
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Norwegian Buhund and the Puli.
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, Pulis weigh 25 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Pulis are 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Norwegian Buhund versus Puli
The lifespan of Norwegian Buhunds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Norwegian Buhunds is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Pulis is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pulis is 12.5 years.
Norwegian Buhunds live longer than Pulis.
The Popularity of Norwegian Buhund versus Popularity of Puli
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 Puli over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Puli is more popular with dog owners than the Norwegian Buhund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Puli is 150 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 Puli
| Year | Norwegian Buhund Popularity Rank | Puli Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 166 | 136 |
| 2014 | 172 | 151 |
| 2015 | 165 | 154 |
| 2016 | 174 | 159 |
| 2017 | 170 | 142 |
| 2018 | 165 | 160 |
| 2019 | 169 | 160 |
| 2020 | 168 | 143 |
Health Problems of Norwegian Buhund versus Health Problems of Puli
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 Puli 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 Puli is prone to more genetic health problems than the Norwegian Buhund.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Puli than for the Norwegian Buhund.
3 health tests are recommended for Norwegian Buhund while 7 tests are recommended for the Puli.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Norwegian Buhunds and in Pulis.
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.
Puli Health Problems
Pulis are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Puli 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 Puli puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Puli 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 Pulis for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pulis here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Norwegian Buhunds and Pulis
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:
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 Puli Breed is Degenerative Myelopathy problems.
This is because the Puli ranks 37 out of 70 dog breeds for Degenerative Myelopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 201 Pulis, 6 of them had Degenerative Myelopathy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pulis, and how common these diseases are in Pulis relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Norwegian Buhund and in Puli and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Norwegian Buhund and the Puli:
| Disease | Norwegian Buhund Rank | Puli Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Eyes problems | 35 out of 182 dog breeds | 144 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 131 out of 198 dog breeds | 115 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 37 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 39 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 70 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 Puli
Norwegian Buhunds can be left alone for some time without problems.
Pulis do not like to be left alone.
Do Norwegian Buhunds shed more than Pulis?
Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.
Pulis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Norwegian Buhund or the Puli
Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Pulis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Norwegian Buhund or the Puli?
Norwegian Buhunds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Pulis require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Norwegian Buhund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Puli?
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.
Pulis 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 Pulis?
Norwegian Buhunds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Pulis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pulis Tolerate Cold Weather?
Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Pulis can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Norwegian Buhund vs. Puli
Norwegian Buhunds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Pulis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pulis Tolerate Hot Weather?
Norwegian Buhunds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Pulis 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 Puli?
Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.
Pulis get along very well with other dogs.
Are Norwegian Buhunds good family dogs? What about Pulis?
Norwegian Buhunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Pulis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Norwegian Buhunds and Pulis?
Norwegian Buhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Pulis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Norwegian Buhund Easier to Train than the Puli?
Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.
Pulis are not easy to train.
Is the Norwegian Buhund Better for Apartment Owners than the Puli?
Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Pulis adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Norwegian Buhund or the Puli?
Norwegian Buhunds are OK for new dog owners.
Pulis 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Puli
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Puli 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 Puli:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Norwegian Buhund and how the Puli compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Norwegian Buhund and of the Puli to other breeds:
Norwegian Buhund Versus Other Dog Breeds
Norwegian Buhund versus Dogo Argentino Norwegian Buhund versus Skye Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus French Spaniel Norwegian Buhund versus Maltese Norwegian Buhund versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Norwegian Buhund versus Bolognese Norwegian Buhund versus Havanese Norwegian Buhund versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Norwegian Buhund versus Westiepoo Norwegian Buhund versus Briard Norwegian Buhund versus Bernese Mountain Dog Norwegian Buhund versus Mountain Cur Norwegian Buhund versus Basenji Norwegian Buhund versus Miniature Schnauzer Norwegian Buhund versus Boxer Norwegian Buhund versus Silky Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Belgian Sheepdog Norwegian Buhund versus Irish Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Norwegian Buhund versus Cesky Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Field Spaniel Norwegian Buhund versus Affenpinscher Norwegian Buhund versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Norwegian Buhund versus American Water Spaniel
Puli Versus Other Dog Breeds
Puli versus Cockalier Puli versus English Toy Spaniel Puli versus Bedlington Terrier Puli versus Saint Bernard Puli versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Puli versus Belgian Malinois Puli versus Australian Kelpie Puli versus Bernese Mountain Dog Puli versus German Wirehaired Pointer Puli versus Basset Hound Puli versus French Spaniel Puli versus Bulldog Puli versus Australian Terrier Puli versus Pomapoo Puli versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Puli versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Puli versus German Wirehaired Pointer Puli versus Beaglier Puli versus Braque du Bourbonnais Puli versus Finnish Spitz Puli versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Puli versus Standard Schnauzer Puli versus Black Russian Terrier Puli versus Bouvier des Flandres Puli versus Canaan Dog
Conclusion: Norwegian Buhund versus Puli. 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 Puli better suits you and your family.