Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Norwegian Buhund Versus Saint Bernard: Introduction
- Norwegian Buhund versus Saint Bernard: Overview
- Norwegian Buhund versus Saint Bernard: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Norwegian Buhund and the Saint Bernard
- The Similarities Between the Norwegian Buhund and the Saint Bernard
- Size (Weight and Height) of Norwegian Buhund versus Saint Bernard
- Lifespan of Norwegian Buhund versus Saint Bernard
- Adopting the Norwegian Buhund versus Adopting the Saint Bernard
- The Popularity of Norwegian Buhund versus Popularity of Saint Bernard
- Health Problems of Norwegian Buhund versus Health Problems of Saint Bernard
- Tolerates Being Alone: Norwegian Buhund versus Saint Bernard
- Do Norwegian Buhunds shed more than Saint Bernards?
- Which one drools more, the Norwegian Buhund or the Saint Bernard
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Norwegian Buhund or the Saint Bernard?
- Does the Norwegian Buhund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Saint Bernard?
- Do Norwegian Buhunds Bark and Howl? What about Saint Bernards?
- Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Saint Bernards Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Norwegian Buhund vs. Saint Bernard
- Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Saint Bernards Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Norwegian Buhund or the Saint Bernard?
- Are Norwegian Buhunds good family dogs? What about Saint Bernards?
- How Kid-friendly are Norwegian Buhunds and Saint Bernards?
- Is the Norwegian Buhund Easier to Train than the Saint Bernard?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norwegian Buhund
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Saint Bernard
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Norwegian Buhund versus Saint Bernard. Which One is a Better Pet?
Norwegian Buhund Versus Saint Bernard: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Norwegian Buhund and the Saint Bernard? 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 Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Norwegian Buhund and the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard. 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 Saint Bernard.
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 Saint Bernard.
Norwegian Buhund versus Saint Bernard: Overview
A very important difference between the Norwegian Buhund and the Saint Bernard is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized dog while the Saint Bernard is a giant-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 Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Norwegian Buhund to the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard
| Factor | Norwegian Buhund | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 8 to 10 years |
| Height | 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder | 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 26 to 40 pounds | 120 to 180 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 9.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $875 – $1525 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1320 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 168 | 49 |
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 Saint Bernard. 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 Saint Bernard is 81 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Saint Bernard is not better or worse than the Norwegian Buhund. So, you can get the Saint Bernard or 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 Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard
Below is a list of where the Norwegian Buhund and the Saint Bernard are most different:
The Similarities Between the Norwegian Buhund and the Saint Bernard
The Norwegian Buhund and the Saint Bernard are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Norwegian Buhund and the Saint Bernard are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Norwegian Buhund versus Saint Bernard
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Norwegian Buhund and the Saint Bernard.
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, Saint Bernards weigh 120 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Saint Bernards are 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s when fully grown.
Lifespan of Norwegian Buhund versus Saint Bernard
The lifespan of Norwegian Buhunds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Norwegian Buhunds is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Saint Bernards is between 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Saint Bernards is 9.0 years.
Norwegian Buhunds live longer than Saint Bernards.
Adopting the Norwegian Buhund versus Adopting the Saint Bernard
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Norwegian Buhunds and many Saint Bernards 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, Saint Bernards are also available for adoption. For example, Coon-Foster Home Needed is a Male Saint Bernard that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Saint Bernards like Coon-Foster Home Needed that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Also, Mezcal is an adorable Male Saint Bernard on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Norwegian Buhunds and Saint Bernards that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Norwegian Buhund versus Popularity of Saint Bernard
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 Saint Bernard over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Saint Bernard is more popular with dog owners than the Norwegian Buhund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Saint Bernard is 49 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 Saint Bernard
| Year | Norwegian Buhund Popularity Rank | Saint Bernard Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 166 | 47 |
| 2014 | 172 | 51 |
| 2015 | 165 | 50 |
| 2016 | 174 | 49 |
| 2017 | 170 | 48 |
| 2018 | 165 | 48 |
| 2019 | 169 | 48 |
| 2020 | 168 | 52 |
Health Problems of Norwegian Buhund versus Health Problems of Saint Bernard
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 Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard is prone to more genetic health problems than the Norwegian Buhund.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Saint Bernard than for the Norwegian Buhund.
3 health tests are recommended for Norwegian Buhund while 6 tests are recommended for the Saint Bernard.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Norwegian Buhunds and in Saint Bernards.
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.
Saint Bernard Health Problems
Saint Bernards are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernards for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Saint Bernards here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Norwegian Buhunds and Saint Bernards
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 Saint Bernard Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Saint Bernard ranks 7 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 2618 Saint Bernards, 1295 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Saint Bernards, and how common these diseases are in Saint Bernards relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Norwegian Buhund and in Saint Bernard and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Norwegian Buhund and the Saint Bernard:
| Disease | Norwegian Buhund Rank | Saint Bernard Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Eyes problems | 35 out of 182 dog breeds | 23 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 131 out of 198 dog breeds | 7 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 33 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 45 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 99 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 Saint Bernard
Norwegian Buhunds can be left alone for some time without problems.
Saint Bernards do not like to be left alone.
Do Norwegian Buhunds shed more than Saint Bernards?
Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.
Saint Bernards shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Norwegian Buhund or the Saint Bernard
Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Saint Bernards have a very high tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Norwegian Buhund or the Saint Bernard?
Norwegian Buhunds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Saint Bernards require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Norwegian Buhund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Saint Bernard?
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.
Saint Bernards 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 Saint Bernards?
Norwegian Buhunds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Saint Bernards are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Saint Bernards Tolerate Cold Weather?
Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Saint Bernards can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Norwegian Buhund vs. Saint Bernard
Norwegian Buhunds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Saint Bernards 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 Saint Bernards Tolerate Hot Weather?
Norwegian Buhunds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Saint Bernards cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Norwegian Buhund or the Saint Bernard?
Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.
Saint Bernards get along very well with other dogs.
Are Norwegian Buhunds good family dogs? What about Saint Bernards?
Norwegian Buhunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Saint Bernards are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Norwegian Buhunds and Saint Bernards?
Norwegian Buhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Saint Bernards get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Norwegian Buhund Easier to Train than the Saint Bernard?
Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.
Saint Bernards are not easy to train.
Is the Norwegian Buhund Better for Apartment Owners than the Saint Bernard?
Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Saint Bernards adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Norwegian Buhund or the Saint Bernard?
Norwegian Buhunds are OK for new dog owners.
Saint Bernards 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 Saint Bernard
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Norwegian Buhund and how the Saint Bernard compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Norwegian Buhund and of the Saint Bernard to other breeds:
Norwegian Buhund Versus Other Dog Breeds
Norwegian Buhund versus Berger Picard Norwegian Buhund versus Sloughi Norwegian Buhund versus Finnish Spitz Norwegian Buhund versus Portuguese Pointer Norwegian Buhund versus Mudi Norwegian Buhund versus Cockalier Norwegian Buhund versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Norwegian Buhund versus Collie Norwegian Buhund versus Briard Norwegian Buhund versus West Highland White Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Pekingese Norwegian Buhund versus Cavachon Norwegian Buhund versus Bull Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Shiba Inu Norwegian Buhund versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Norwegian Buhund versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Norwegian Buhund versus Australian Cattle Dog Norwegian Buhund versus Portuguese Water Dog Norwegian Buhund versus Siberian Husky Norwegian Buhund versus Shihpoo Norwegian Buhund versus Border Collie Norwegian Buhund versus English Springer Spaniel Norwegian Buhund versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Norwegian Buhund versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Norwegian Buhund versus Golden Cocker Retriever
Saint Bernard Versus Other Dog Breeds
Saint Bernard versus Chinese Crested Saint Bernard versus Black Russian Terrier Saint Bernard versus Clumber Spaniel Saint Bernard versus Pomsky Saint Bernard versus Tibetan Spaniel Saint Bernard versus Akita Chow Saint Bernard versus American Water Spaniel Saint Bernard versus Collie Saint Bernard versus Pyrenean Mastiff Saint Bernard versus Shetland Sheepdog Saint Bernard versus Boerboel Saint Bernard versus American Hairless Terrier Saint Bernard versus Bernedoodle Saint Bernard versus Maltese Saint Bernard versus Norwich Terrier Saint Bernard versus Pointer Saint Bernard versus Japanese Spitz Saint Bernard versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Saint Bernard versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Saint Bernard versus Belgian Malinois Saint Bernard versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Saint Bernard versus Norfolk Terrier Saint Bernard versus Portuguese Water Dog Saint Bernard versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Saint Bernard versus Scottish Deerhound
Conclusion: Norwegian Buhund versus Saint Bernard. 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 Saint Bernard better suits you and your family.