Differences and Similarities between the Norwegian Buhund and the Shihpoo.

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Norwegian Buhund Versus Shihpoo: Introduction

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

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

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 Shihpoo.

Norwegian Buhund versus Shihpoo: Overview

A very important difference between the Norwegian Buhund and the Shihpoo is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized dog while the Shihpoo is a tiny-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 Shihpoo belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Norwegian Buhund versus Shihpoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Norwegian Buhund to the Shihpoo 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 Shihpoo

Factor Norwegian Buhund Shihpoo
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 13 to 17 years
Height 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 18 inches
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 4/5
Weight 26 to 40 pounds 8 to 18 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 5/5
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 2/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 15.0 years
Price Range No Data $1200 – $2000
Average Price No Data $1590
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

    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 Shihpoo. 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 Shihpoo is 84 out of 125.

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

    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 Shihpoo 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 Shihpoo

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

  • Norwegian Buhunds do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Shihpoos do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Norwegian Buhunds require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Shihpoos have low exercise needs.
  • The Similarities Between the Norwegian Buhund and the Shihpoo

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

  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Shihpoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Shihpoo cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Shihpoo require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Shihpoo have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Shihpoo are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Shihpoo have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Shihpoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Shihpoo are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Norwegian Buhund versus Shihpoo

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

    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, Shihpoos weigh 8 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Shihpoos are 8 to 18 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Norwegian Buhund versus Shihpoo

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

    The lifespan of Shihpoos is between 13 to 17 years . The average lifespan of Shihpoos is 15.0 years.

    Shihpoos live longer than Norwegian Buhunds.

    Adopting the Norwegian Buhund versus Adopting the Shihpoo

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

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

    Also, Polo is an adorable Male Shihpoo on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Norwegian Buhund versus Shihpoo

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

    Shihpoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Norwegian Buhunds shed more than Shihpoos?

    Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Norwegian Buhund or the Shihpoo

    Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shihpoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

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

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

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

    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.

    Shihpoos 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 Shihpoos?

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

    Shihpoos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Shihpoos can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Norwegian Buhund vs. Shihpoo

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

    Shihpoos 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 Shihpoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Shihpoos cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Shihpoos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Norwegian Buhunds good family dogs? What about Shihpoos?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Norwegian Buhunds and Shihpoos?

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

    Shihpoos get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Norwegian Buhund Easier to Train than the Shihpoo?

    Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.

    Shihpoos are not easy to train.

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

    Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Shihpoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Norwegian Buhunds are OK for new dog owners.

    Shihpoos 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 Shihpoo vs Pyredoodle.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shihpoo

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

  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Japanese Chin.
  • Shiranian (76 percent match with Shihpoo). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Shiranian.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Norwegian Buhund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwegian Buhund versus Azawakh     Norwegian Buhund versus Azawakh     Norwegian Buhund versus Kuvasz     Norwegian Buhund versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus Lhasapoo     Norwegian Buhund versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Norwegian Buhund versus Belgian Sheepdog     Norwegian Buhund versus Yorkshire Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Yorkshire Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Chorkie     Norwegian Buhund versus Beaglier     Norwegian Buhund versus Saint Berdoodle     Norwegian Buhund versus Carolina Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus American Bulldog     Norwegian Buhund versus Pug     Norwegian Buhund versus Brittany     Norwegian Buhund versus Chorkie     Norwegian Buhund versus Cairn Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Australian Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Norwegian Buhund versus Pointer     Norwegian Buhund versus Goldendoodle     Norwegian Buhund versus Tibetan Spaniel     Norwegian Buhund versus Sussex Spaniel     Norwegian Buhund versus Affenhuahua     

    Shihpoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shihpoo versus Australian Shepherd     Shihpoo versus Portuguese Pointer     Shihpoo versus Pointer     Shihpoo versus Collie     Shihpoo versus Yorkshire Terrier     Shihpoo versus Dogo Argentino     Shihpoo versus Tibetan Terrier     Shihpoo versus Redbone Coonhound     Shihpoo versus Tibetan Terrier     Shihpoo versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Shihpoo versus Affenhuahua     Shihpoo versus Weimaraner     Shihpoo versus Brussels Griffon     Shihpoo versus Maltese     Shihpoo versus Leonberger     Shihpoo versus Korean Jindo Dog     Shihpoo versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Shihpoo versus Alaskan Malamute     Shihpoo versus Japanese Chin     Shihpoo versus German Shepherd Dog     Shihpoo versus Goldendoodle     Shihpoo versus Pomsky     Shihpoo versus English Setter     Shihpoo versus Maltipoo     

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