Differences and Similarities between the Norwegian Buhund and the Welsh Terrier.

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Norwegian Buhund Versus Welsh Terrier: Introduction

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

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

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 Welsh Terrier.

Norwegian Buhund versus Welsh Terrier

Norwegian Buhund versus Welsh Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Norwegian Buhund and the Welsh Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized dog while the Welsh Terrier is a small-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 Welsh Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Norwegian Buhund versus Welsh Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Norwegian Buhund to the Welsh Terrier 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 Welsh Terrier

Factor Norwegian Buhund Welsh Terrier
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 14 years
Height 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder 14 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Weight 26 to 40 pounds Up to 20 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.0 years
Price Range No Data $1350 – $3834
Average Price No Data $2510
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 168 108

    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 Welsh Terrier. 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 Welsh Terrier is 77 out of 125.

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

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

  • Norwegian Buhunds have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Welsh Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Norwegian Buhunds can tolerate cold weather. However, Welsh Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • The Similarities Between the Norwegian Buhund and the Welsh Terrier

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

  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Welsh Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Welsh Terrier cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Welsh Terrier require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Welsh Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Welsh Terrier are very easy to train.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Welsh Terrier are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Welsh Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Welsh Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Welsh Terrier do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Welsh Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Welsh Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Welsh Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Welsh Terrier are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Norwegian Buhund versus Welsh Terrier

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

    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, Welsh Terriers weigh Up to 20 pounds when fully grown. Welsh Terriers are 14 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Norwegian Buhund versus Welsh Terrier

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

    The lifespan of Welsh Terriers is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Welsh Terriers is 12.0 years.

    Norwegian Buhunds live longer than Welsh Terriers.

    The Popularity of Norwegian Buhund versus Popularity of Welsh Terrier

    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 Welsh Terrier over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Welsh Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Norwegian Buhund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Welsh Terrier is 108 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 Welsh Terrier

    Popularity of Welsh Terrier

    Year Norwegian Buhund Popularity Rank Welsh Terrier Popularity Rank
    2013 166 104
    2014 172 106
    2015 165 108
    2016 174 111
    2017 170 109
    2018 165 107
    2019 169 110
    2020 168 112

    Health Problems of Norwegian Buhund versus Health Problems of Welsh Terrier

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

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

    3 health tests are recommended for Norwegian Buhund while 2 tests are recommended for the Welsh Terrier.

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

    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.

    Welsh Terrier Health Problems

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

  • Eye Examination
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Welsh Terriers here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Norwegian Buhunds and Welsh Terriers

    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 Welsh Terrier Breed is Primary Lens Luxation problems.

    This is because the Welsh Terrier ranks 14 out of 17 dog breeds for Primary Lens Luxation problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 365 Welsh Terriers, 1 of them had Primary Lens Luxation problems.

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

  • Primary Lens Luxation problems: Rank 14 out of 17 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 24 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 89 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 108 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Norwegian Buhund and in Welsh Terrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Norwegian Buhund and the Welsh Terrier:

    Disease Norwegian Buhund Rank Welsh Terrier Rank
    Eyes problems 35 out of 182 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 131 out of 198 dog breeds 89 out of 198 dog breeds
    Primary Lens Luxation problems Not Common 14 out of 17 dog breeds
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems Not Common 24 out of 70 dog breeds
    Patella problems Not Common 108 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 Welsh Terrier

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

    Welsh Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Norwegian Buhunds shed more than Welsh Terriers?

    Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Norwegian Buhund or the Welsh Terrier

    Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Welsh Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Norwegian Buhund or the Welsh Terrier?

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

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

    Does the Norwegian Buhund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Welsh Terrier?

    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.

    Welsh Terriers 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 Welsh Terriers?

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

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

    Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Welsh Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Welsh Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Norwegian Buhund vs. Welsh Terrier

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

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

    Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Welsh Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Welsh Terriers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Welsh Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Norwegian Buhunds good family dogs? What about Welsh Terriers?

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

    Welsh Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Norwegian Buhunds and Welsh Terriers?

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

    Welsh Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Norwegian Buhund Easier to Train than the Welsh Terrier?

    Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.

    Welsh Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Norwegian Buhund Better for Apartment Owners than the Welsh Terrier?

    Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Welsh Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Norwegian Buhunds are OK for new dog owners.

    Welsh Terriers 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:

  • Pyredoodle (78 percent match with Norwegian Buhund). Here is our comparison of the Welsh Terrier vs Pyredoodle.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Welsh Terrier

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

  • Jack Russell Terrier (79 percent match with Welsh Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Jack Russell Terrier.
  • Stabyhoun (76 percent match with Welsh Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Norwegian Buhund vs Stabyhoun.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Norwegian Buhund Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Norwegian Buhund versus Chinook     Norwegian Buhund versus Aussiedoodle     Norwegian Buhund versus Cockapoo     Norwegian Buhund versus Mastiff     Norwegian Buhund versus Chinese Crested     Norwegian Buhund versus Vizsla     Norwegian Buhund versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Norwegian Buhund versus Affenpinscher     Norwegian Buhund versus Labradoodle     Norwegian Buhund versus Finnish Spitz     Norwegian Buhund versus Whippet     Norwegian Buhund versus Japanese Spitz     Norwegian Buhund versus Bouvier des Flandres     Norwegian Buhund versus Bulldog     Norwegian Buhund versus Finnish Spitz     Norwegian Buhund versus Norwich Terrier     Norwegian Buhund versus Pyredoodle     Norwegian Buhund versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Norwegian Buhund versus Dogo Argentino     Norwegian Buhund versus English Toy Spaniel     Norwegian Buhund versus American Bulldog     Norwegian Buhund versus Spanish Mastiff     Norwegian Buhund versus Kooikerhondje     Norwegian Buhund versus Lhasapoo     Norwegian Buhund versus Collie     

    Welsh Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Welsh Terrier versus Scottish Deerhound     Welsh Terrier versus Hovawart     Welsh Terrier versus Pomapoo     Welsh Terrier versus Labrador Retriever     Welsh Terrier versus Shihpoo     Welsh Terrier versus Australian Terrier     Welsh Terrier versus Cavachon     Welsh Terrier versus Bearded Collie     Welsh Terrier versus Cane Corso     Welsh Terrier versus Plott     Welsh Terrier versus Akita     Welsh Terrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Welsh Terrier versus Pomapoo     Welsh Terrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Welsh Terrier versus Finnish Lapphund     Welsh Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     Welsh Terrier versus Barbet     Welsh Terrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Welsh Terrier versus Bulldog     Welsh Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Welsh Terrier versus Afghan Hound     Welsh Terrier versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Welsh Terrier versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Welsh Terrier versus Black Russian Terrier     Welsh Terrier versus Brussels Griffon     

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