Breed Comparison: Norwegian Buhund Versus Rottweiler

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Norwegian Buhund Versus Rottweiler: Introduction

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

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

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 Rottweiler.

Norwegian Buhund versus Rottweiler

Norwegian Buhund versus Rottweiler: Overview

Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Rottweiler are similar in size. The Norwegian Buhund and the Rottweiler 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 Rottweiler 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 Rottweiler: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Norwegian Buhund to the Rottweiler 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 Rottweiler

Factor Norwegian Buhund Rottweiler
Does NOT Drool 5/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 8 to 11 years
Height 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
Weight 26 to 40 pounds 85 to 130 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 9.5 years
Price Range No Data $1300 – $2000
Average Price No Data $1740
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Cardiac Evaluation (note minimum age of 24 months as requested by ARC effective 8/1/16)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination (note minimum age of 24 months as requested by ARC effective 8/1/16)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy (JLPP)
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 168 8

    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 Rottweiler. 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 Rottweiler is 69 out of 125.

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

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

  • Norwegian Buhunds do not have the tendency to drool. However, Rottweilers have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Norwegian Buhunds require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Rottweilers are very easy to groom.
  • Norwegian Buhunds can be left alone for some time without problems. However, Rottweilers do not like to be left alone.
  • Norwegian Buhunds can tolerate cold weather. However, Rottweilers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • The Similarities Between the Norwegian Buhund and the Rottweiler

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

  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Rottweiler cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Rottweiler are very easy to train.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Rottweiler are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Rottweiler have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Rottweiler do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Rottweiler are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Rottweiler get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Rottweiler require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Rottweiler are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Norwegian Buhund versus Rottweiler

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

    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, Rottweilers weigh 85 to 130 pounds when fully grown. Rottweilers are 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Norwegian Buhund versus Rottweiler

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

    The lifespan of Rottweilers is between 8 to 11 years. The average lifespan of Rottweilers is 9.5 years.

    Norwegian Buhunds live longer than Rottweilers.

    Adopting the Norwegian Buhund versus Adopting the Rottweiler

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

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

    Also, Axel is an adorable Male Rottweiler on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

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

    The Popularity of Norwegian Buhund versus Popularity of Rottweiler

    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 Rottweiler over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Rottweiler is more popular with dog owners than the Norwegian Buhund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Rottweiler is 8 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 Rottweiler

    Popularity of Rottweiler

    Year Norwegian Buhund Popularity Rank Rottweiler Popularity Rank
    2013 166 9
    2014 172 10
    2015 165 9
    2016 174 8
    2017 170 8
    2018 165 8
    2019 169 8
    2020 168 8

    Health Problems of Norwegian Buhund versus Health Problems of Rottweiler

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

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

    3 health tests are recommended for Norwegian Buhund while 5 tests are recommended for the Rottweiler.

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

    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.

    Rottweiler Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation (note minimum age of 24 months as requested by ARC effective 8/1/16)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination (note minimum age of 24 months as requested by ARC effective 8/1/16)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy (JLPP)
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Rottweilers here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Norwegian Buhunds and Rottweilers

    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 Rottweiler Breed is Elbow problems.

    This is because the Rottweiler ranks 3 out of 144 dog breeds for Elbow problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 22339 Rottweilers, 8667 of them had Elbow problems.

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

  • Elbow problems: Rank 3 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Shoulder problems: Rank 3 out of 22 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 14 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 27 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 37 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 45 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 47 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 47 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 77 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 121 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Norwegian Buhund and in Rottweiler and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Norwegian Buhund and the Rottweiler:

    Disease Norwegian Buhund Rank Rottweiler Rank
    Eyes problems 35 out of 182 dog breeds 14 out of 182 dog breeds
    Hips problems 131 out of 198 dog breeds 37 out of 198 dog breeds
    Elbow problems Not Common 3 out of 144 dog breeds
    Shoulder problems Not Common 3 out of 22 dog breeds
    Advanced Cardiac problems Not Common 27 out of 71 dog breeds
    Dentition Database problems Not Common 45 out of 49 dog breeds
    Congenital Cardiac problems Not Common 47 out of 159 dog breeds
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems Not Common 47 out of 70 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems Not Common 77 out of 115 dog breeds
    Patella problems Not Common 121 out of 145 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 Rottweiler

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

    Rottweilers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Norwegian Buhunds shed more than Rottweilers?

    Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Norwegian Buhund or the Rottweiler

    Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Rottweilers have a very high tendency to drool.

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

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

    Rottweilers are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Rottweilers 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 Rottweilers?

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

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

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

    Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Rottweilers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Norwegian Buhund vs. Rottweiler

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

    Rottweilers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rottweilers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Rottweilers 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 Rottweiler?

    Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Rottweilers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Norwegian Buhunds good family dogs? What about Rottweilers?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Norwegian Buhunds and Rottweilers?

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

    Rottweilers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Norwegian Buhund Easier to Train than the Rottweiler?

    Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.

    Rottweilers are very easy to train.

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

    Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Rottweilers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Norwegian Buhunds are OK for new dog owners.

    Rottweilers 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 Rottweiler vs Pyredoodle.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Rottweiler

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

  • Boxer (75 percent match with Rottweiler). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Boxer.
  • Portuguese Pointer (74 percent match with Rottweiler). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Portuguese Pointer.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Norwegian Buhund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwegian Buhund versus Komondor     Norwegian Buhund versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Norwegian Buhund versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Norwegian Buhund versus Bouvier des Flandres     Norwegian Buhund versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus Mal Shi     Norwegian Buhund versus Dutch Shepherd     Norwegian Buhund versus Shih Tzu     Norwegian Buhund versus Mountain Cur     Norwegian Buhund versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Norwegian Buhund versus Labrador Retriever     Norwegian Buhund versus Boerboel     Norwegian Buhund versus Beaglier     Norwegian Buhund versus English Springer Spaniel     Norwegian Buhund versus Norwegian Lundehund     Norwegian Buhund versus Harrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Irish Water Spaniel     Norwegian Buhund versus Papipoo     Norwegian Buhund versus Belgian Tervuren     Norwegian Buhund versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Norwegian Buhund versus Brittany     Norwegian Buhund versus Akita Chow     Norwegian Buhund versus Japanese Spitz     Norwegian Buhund versus Black Mouth Cur     

    Rottweiler Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Rottweiler versus Harrier     Rottweiler versus Sheepadoodle     Rottweiler versus Akbash     Rottweiler versus Belgian Sheepdog     Rottweiler versus Swedish Vallhund     Rottweiler versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Rottweiler versus Norwich Terrier     Rottweiler versus American Foxhound     Rottweiler versus Fila Brasileiro     Rottweiler versus Stabyhoun     Rottweiler versus Keeshond     Rottweiler versus Cocker Spaniel     Rottweiler versus Boykin Spaniel     Rottweiler versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Rottweiler versus Biewer Terrier     Rottweiler versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Rottweiler versus Boykin Spaniel     Rottweiler versus Belgian Sheepdog     Rottweiler versus Spinone Italiano     Rottweiler versus Beagle     Rottweiler versus Kai Ken     Rottweiler versus Kai Ken     Rottweiler versus Shiba Inu     Rottweiler versus Hovawart     Rottweiler versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     

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