Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Norwegian Buhund Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction
- Norwegian Buhund versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview
- Norwegian Buhund versus Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Norwegian Buhund and the Shetland Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Norwegian Buhund versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Norwegian Buhund versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Adopting the Norwegian Buhund versus Adopting the Shetland Sheepdog
- The Popularity of Norwegian Buhund versus Popularity of Shetland Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Norwegian Buhund versus Health Problems of Shetland Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Norwegian Buhund versus Shetland Sheepdog
- Do Norwegian Buhunds shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Which one drools more, the Norwegian Buhund or the Shetland Sheepdog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Norwegian Buhund or the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Does the Norwegian Buhund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Do Norwegian Buhunds Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Norwegian Buhund vs. Shetland Sheepdog
- Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Norwegian Buhund or the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Are Norwegian Buhunds good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Norwegian Buhunds and Shetland Sheepdogs?
- Is the Norwegian Buhund Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norwegian Buhund
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shetland Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Norwegian Buhund versus Shetland Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Norwegian Buhund Versus Shetland Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Norwegian Buhund and the Shetland Sheepdog? 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Norwegian Buhund and the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog.
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 Shetland Sheepdog.
Norwegian Buhund versus Shetland Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Norwegian Buhund and the Shetland Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized dog while the Shetland Sheepdog is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, both the Norwegian Buhund and the Shetland Sheepdog are Herding Dogs. This means both the Norwegian Buhund and the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Norwegian Buhund to the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog
| Factor | Norwegian Buhund | Shetland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Height | 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder | 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 26 to 40 pounds | Starts at 20 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| 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 | 4/5 |
| 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 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.5 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1000 – $2000 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1590 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
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| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 168 | 23 |
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 Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog is 85 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shetland Sheepdog is a better pet than the Norwegian Buhund. So, you should get the Shetland Sheepdog!
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 Shetland Sheepdog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Similarities Between the Norwegian Buhund and the Shetland Sheepdog
The Norwegian Buhund and the Shetland Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Norwegian Buhund and the Shetland Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Norwegian Buhund versus Shetland Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Norwegian Buhund and the Shetland Sheepdog.
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, Shetland Sheepdogs weigh Starts at 20 pounds when fully grown. Shetland Sheepdogs are 13 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Norwegian Buhund versus Shetland Sheepdog
The lifespan of Norwegian Buhunds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Norwegian Buhunds is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdogs is 13.5 years.
Adopting the Norwegian Buhund versus Adopting the Shetland Sheepdog
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Norwegian Buhunds and many Shetland Sheepdogs 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, Shetland Sheepdogs are also available for adoption. For example, Scooter is a Male Shetland Sheepdog that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Shetland Sheepdogs like Scooter that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Also, Nash (In Foster) is an adorable Male Shetland Sheepdog on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Norwegian Buhunds and Shetland Sheepdogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Norwegian Buhund versus Popularity of Shetland Sheepdog
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 Shetland Sheepdog over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Shetland Sheepdog is more popular with dog owners than the Norwegian Buhund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Shetland Sheepdog is 23 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 Shetland Sheepdog
| Year | Norwegian Buhund Popularity Rank | Shetland Sheepdog Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 166 | 21 |
| 2014 | 172 | 21 |
| 2015 | 165 | 23 |
| 2016 | 174 | 24 |
| 2017 | 170 | 24 |
| 2018 | 165 | 25 |
| 2019 | 169 | 25 |
| 2020 | 168 | 27 |
Health Problems of Norwegian Buhund versus Health Problems of Shetland Sheepdog
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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Norwegian Buhund.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Shetland Sheepdog than for the Norwegian Buhund.
3 health tests are recommended for Norwegian Buhund while 4 tests are recommended for the Shetland Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Norwegian Buhunds and in Shetland Sheepdogs.
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.
Shetland Sheepdog Health Problems
Shetland Sheepdogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Shetland Sheepdogs here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Norwegian Buhunds and Shetland Sheepdogs
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 Shetland Sheepdog Breed is Collie Eye Anomaly problems.
This is because the Shetland Sheepdog ranks 3 out of 7 dog breeds for Collie Eye Anomaly problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 633 Shetland Sheepdogs, 5 of them had Collie Eye Anomaly problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Shetland Sheepdogs, and how common these diseases are in Shetland Sheepdogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Norwegian Buhund and in Shetland Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Norwegian Buhund and the Shetland Sheepdog:
| Disease | Norwegian Buhund Rank | Shetland Sheepdog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Eyes problems | 35 out of 182 dog breeds | 122 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 131 out of 198 dog breeds | 166 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Collie Eye Anomaly problems | Not Common | 3 out of 7 dog breeds |
| Multiple Drug Resistance (Mdr1) problems | Not Common | 4 out of 7 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 5 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Dentition Database problems | Not Common | 6 out of 49 dog breeds |
| Von Willebrands problems | Not Common | 6 out of 15 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 46 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 89 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 101 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 Shetland Sheepdog
Norwegian Buhunds can be left alone for some time without problems.
Shetland Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Norwegian Buhunds shed more than Shetland Sheepdogs?
Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.
Shetland Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Norwegian Buhund or the Shetland Sheepdog
Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shetland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Norwegian Buhund or the Shetland Sheepdog?
Norwegian Buhunds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Shetland Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Norwegian Buhund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shetland Sheepdog?
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.
Shetland Sheepdogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Norwegian Buhunds Bark and Howl? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
Norwegian Buhunds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Shetland Sheepdogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Shetland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Norwegian Buhund vs. Shetland Sheepdog
Norwegian Buhunds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Norwegian Buhunds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdog?
Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.
Shetland Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Norwegian Buhunds good family dogs? What about Shetland Sheepdogs?
Norwegian Buhunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shetland Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Norwegian Buhunds and Shetland Sheepdogs?
Norwegian Buhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shetland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Norwegian Buhund Easier to Train than the Shetland Sheepdog?
Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.
Shetland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.
Is the Norwegian Buhund Better for Apartment Owners than the Shetland Sheepdog?
Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Shetland Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Norwegian Buhund or the Shetland Sheepdog?
Norwegian Buhunds are OK for new dog owners.
Shetland Sheepdogs are OK 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 Shetland Sheepdog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Norwegian Buhund and how the Shetland Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Norwegian Buhund and of the Shetland Sheepdog to other breeds:
Norwegian Buhund Versus Other Dog Breeds
Norwegian Buhund versus American Hairless Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Irish Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Australian Shepherd Norwegian Buhund versus Akita Chow Norwegian Buhund versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Norwegian Buhund versus Beagle Norwegian Buhund versus Mudi Norwegian Buhund versus Newfoundland Norwegian Buhund versus Sealyham Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Shiranian Norwegian Buhund versus Bluetick Coonhound Norwegian Buhund versus Frenchton Norwegian Buhund versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Norwegian Buhund versus Japanese Spitz Norwegian Buhund versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Norwegian Buhund versus Chinese Shar-Pei Norwegian Buhund versus Lagotto Romagnolo Norwegian Buhund versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Boxer Norwegian Buhund versus Manchester Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Vizsla Norwegian Buhund versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Norwegian Buhund versus Mountain Cur Norwegian Buhund versus Akita Norwegian Buhund versus Mal Shi
Shetland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shetland Sheepdog versus American Staffordshire Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Clumber Spaniel Shetland Sheepdog versus Ibizan Hound Shetland Sheepdog versus Cesky Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Bulldog Shetland Sheepdog versus Harrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Border Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Lhasapoo Shetland Sheepdog versus Pyredoodle Shetland Sheepdog versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog Shetland Sheepdog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Shetland Sheepdog versus Bulldog Shetland Sheepdog versus Beagle Shetland Sheepdog versus English Toy Spaniel Shetland Sheepdog versus Newfoundland Shetland Sheepdog versus Bull Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Pug Shetland Sheepdog versus Bolognese Shetland Sheepdog versus Samoyed Shetland Sheepdog versus Japanese Spitz Shetland Sheepdog versus West Highland White Terrier Shetland Sheepdog versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Shetland Sheepdog versus Morkie Shetland Sheepdog versus Cockalier Shetland Sheepdog versus Bordoodle
Conclusion: Norwegian Buhund versus Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Shetland Sheepdog better suits you and your family.