Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Norwegian Buhund Versus Spinone Italiano: Introduction
- Norwegian Buhund versus Spinone Italiano: Overview
- Norwegian Buhund versus Spinone Italiano: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Norwegian Buhund and the Spinone Italiano
- The Similarities Between the Norwegian Buhund and the Spinone Italiano
- Size (Weight and Height) of Norwegian Buhund versus Spinone Italiano
- Lifespan of Norwegian Buhund versus Spinone Italiano
- The Popularity of Norwegian Buhund versus Popularity of Spinone Italiano
- Health Problems of Norwegian Buhund versus Health Problems of Spinone Italiano
- Tolerates Being Alone: Norwegian Buhund versus Spinone Italiano
- Do Norwegian Buhunds shed more than Spinone Italianos?
- Which one drools more, the Norwegian Buhund or the Spinone Italiano
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Norwegian Buhund or the Spinone Italiano?
- Does the Norwegian Buhund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spinone Italiano?
- Do Norwegian Buhunds Bark and Howl? What about Spinone Italianos?
- Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spinone Italianos Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Norwegian Buhund vs. Spinone Italiano
- Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Spinone Italianos Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Norwegian Buhund or the Spinone Italiano?
- Are Norwegian Buhunds good family dogs? What about Spinone Italianos?
- How Kid-friendly are Norwegian Buhunds and Spinone Italianos?
- Is the Norwegian Buhund Easier to Train than the Spinone Italiano?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norwegian Buhund
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Spinone Italiano
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Norwegian Buhund versus Spinone Italiano. Which One is a Better Pet?
Norwegian Buhund Versus Spinone Italiano: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Norwegian Buhund and the Spinone Italiano? 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 Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Norwegian Buhund and the Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano. 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 Spinone Italiano.
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 Spinone Italiano.
Norwegian Buhund versus Spinone Italiano: Overview
A very important difference between the Norwegian Buhund and the Spinone Italiano is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized dog while the Spinone Italiano is a large-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 Spinone Italiano belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
Norwegian Buhund versus Spinone Italiano: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Norwegian Buhund to the Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano
| Factor | Norwegian Buhund | Spinone Italiano |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Height | 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder | 22 to 28 inches |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 26 to 40 pounds | 61 to 86 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 | 12.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1000 – $1000 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1180 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 168 | 112 |
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 Spinone Italiano. 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 Spinone Italiano is 86 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Spinone Italiano is a better pet than the Norwegian Buhund. So, you should get the Spinone Italiano!
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 Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano
Below is a list of where the Norwegian Buhund and the Spinone Italiano are most different:
The Similarities Between the Norwegian Buhund and the Spinone Italiano
The Norwegian Buhund and the Spinone Italiano are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Norwegian Buhund and the Spinone Italiano are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Norwegian Buhund versus Spinone Italiano
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Norwegian Buhund and the Spinone Italiano.
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, Spinone Italianos weigh 61 to 86 pounds when fully grown. Spinone Italianos are 22 to 28 inches when fully grown.
Lifespan of Norwegian Buhund versus Spinone Italiano
The lifespan of Norwegian Buhunds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Norwegian Buhunds is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Spinone Italianos is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Spinone Italianos is 12.0 years.
Norwegian Buhunds live longer than Spinone Italianos.
The Popularity of Norwegian Buhund versus Popularity of Spinone Italiano
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 Spinone Italiano over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Spinone Italiano is more popular with dog owners than the Norwegian Buhund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Spinone Italiano is 112 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 Spinone Italiano
| Year | Norwegian Buhund Popularity Rank | Spinone Italiano Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 166 | 117 |
| 2014 | 172 | 118 |
| 2015 | 165 | 112 |
| 2016 | 174 | 105 |
| 2017 | 170 | 111 |
| 2018 | 165 | 109 |
| 2019 | 169 | 116 |
| 2020 | 168 | 110 |
Health Problems of Norwegian Buhund versus Health Problems of Spinone Italiano
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 Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano is prone to more genetic health problems than the Norwegian Buhund.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Spinone Italiano than for the Norwegian Buhund.
3 health tests are recommended for Norwegian Buhund while 5 tests are recommended for the Spinone Italiano.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Norwegian Buhunds and in Spinone Italianos.
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.
Spinone Italiano Health Problems
Spinone Italianos are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italianos for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Spinone Italianos here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Norwegian Buhunds and Spinone Italianos
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 Spinone Italiano Breed is Shoulder problems.
This is because the Spinone Italiano ranks 5 out of 22 dog breeds for Shoulder problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 50 Spinone Italianos, 2 of them had Shoulder problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Spinone Italianos, and how common these diseases are in Spinone Italianos relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Norwegian Buhund and in Spinone Italiano and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Norwegian Buhund and the Spinone Italiano:
| Disease | Norwegian Buhund Rank | Spinone Italiano Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Eyes problems | 35 out of 182 dog breeds | 164 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 131 out of 198 dog breeds | 77 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Shoulder problems | Not Common | 5 out of 22 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 16 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 20 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 61 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 Spinone Italiano
Norwegian Buhunds can be left alone for some time without problems.
Spinone Italianos do not like to be left alone.
Do Norwegian Buhunds shed more than Spinone Italianos?
Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.
Spinone Italianos shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Norwegian Buhund or the Spinone Italiano
Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Spinone Italianos have a very high tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Norwegian Buhund or the Spinone Italiano?
Norwegian Buhunds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Spinone Italianos require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Norwegian Buhund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Spinone Italiano?
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.
Spinone Italianos 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 Spinone Italianos?
Norwegian Buhunds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Spinone Italianos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Spinone Italianos Tolerate Cold Weather?
Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Spinone Italianos can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Norwegian Buhund vs. Spinone Italiano
Norwegian Buhunds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Spinone Italianos 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 Spinone Italianos Tolerate Hot Weather?
Norwegian Buhunds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Spinone Italianos 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 Spinone Italiano?
Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.
Spinone Italianos get along very well with other dogs.
Are Norwegian Buhunds good family dogs? What about Spinone Italianos?
Norwegian Buhunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Spinone Italianos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Norwegian Buhunds and Spinone Italianos?
Norwegian Buhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Spinone Italianos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Norwegian Buhund Easier to Train than the Spinone Italiano?
Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.
Spinone Italianos are very easy to train.
Is the Norwegian Buhund Better for Apartment Owners than the Spinone Italiano?
Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Spinone Italianos adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Norwegian Buhund or the Spinone Italiano?
Norwegian Buhunds are OK for new dog owners.
Spinone Italianos are very good 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 Spinone Italiano
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Spinone Italiano 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 Spinone Italiano:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Norwegian Buhund and how the Spinone Italiano compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Norwegian Buhund and of the Spinone Italiano to other breeds:
Norwegian Buhund Versus Other Dog Breeds
Norwegian Buhund versus Siberian Husky Norwegian Buhund versus Peek A Poo Norwegian Buhund versus Papillon Norwegian Buhund versus Tibetan Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Pomsky Norwegian Buhund versus Swedish Vallhund Norwegian Buhund versus Coton de Tulear Norwegian Buhund versus Portuguese Pointer Norwegian Buhund versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Norwegian Buhund versus Black Russian Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Shiranian Norwegian Buhund versus Miniature Poodle Norwegian Buhund versus Ibizan Hound Norwegian Buhund versus Cavapoo Norwegian Buhund versus Scottish Deerhound Norwegian Buhund versus Neapolitan Mastiff Norwegian Buhund versus Bluetick Coonhound Norwegian Buhund versus Kai Ken Norwegian Buhund versus Azawakh Norwegian Buhund versus Samoyed Norwegian Buhund versus Kishu Ken Norwegian Buhund versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Norwegian Buhund versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Norwegian Buhund versus Flat-Coated Retriever Norwegian Buhund versus Labradoodle
Spinone Italiano Versus Other Dog Breeds
Spinone Italiano versus Dutch Shepherd Spinone Italiano versus Norwegian Lundehund Spinone Italiano versus Australian Kelpie Spinone Italiano versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Spinone Italiano versus Japanese Spitz Spinone Italiano versus West Highland White Terrier Spinone Italiano versus Miniature Poodle Spinone Italiano versus American Hairless Terrier Spinone Italiano versus Cockapoo Spinone Italiano versus Bloodhound Spinone Italiano versus Standard Schnauzer Spinone Italiano versus Sussex Spaniel Spinone Italiano versus Bich Poo Spinone Italiano versus Bernese Mountain Dog Spinone Italiano versus Bluetick Coonhound Spinone Italiano versus Estrela Mountain Dog Spinone Italiano versus Mastiff Spinone Italiano versus English Springer Spaniel Spinone Italiano versus Sussex Spaniel Spinone Italiano versus Chihuahua Spinone Italiano versus German Longhaired Pointer Spinone Italiano versus Keeshond Spinone Italiano versus Newfoundland Spinone Italiano versus Berger Picard Spinone Italiano versus Collie
Conclusion: Norwegian Buhund versus Spinone Italiano. 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 Spinone Italiano better suits you and your family.