Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Norwegian Buhund Versus Whippet: Introduction
- Norwegian Buhund versus Whippet: Overview
- Norwegian Buhund versus Whippet: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Norwegian Buhund and the Whippet
- The Similarities Between the Norwegian Buhund and the Whippet
- Size (Weight and Height) of Norwegian Buhund versus Whippet
- Lifespan of Norwegian Buhund versus Whippet
- The Popularity of Norwegian Buhund versus Popularity of Whippet
- Health Problems of Norwegian Buhund versus Health Problems of Whippet
- Tolerates Being Alone: Norwegian Buhund versus Whippet
- Do Norwegian Buhunds shed more than Whippets?
- Which one drools more, the Norwegian Buhund or the Whippet
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Norwegian Buhund or the Whippet?
- Does the Norwegian Buhund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Whippet?
- Do Norwegian Buhunds Bark and Howl? What about Whippets?
- Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Whippets Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Norwegian Buhund vs. Whippet
- Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Whippets Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Norwegian Buhund or the Whippet?
- Are Norwegian Buhunds good family dogs? What about Whippets?
- How Kid-friendly are Norwegian Buhunds and Whippets?
- Is the Norwegian Buhund Easier to Train than the Whippet?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Norwegian Buhund
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Whippet
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Norwegian Buhund versus Whippet. Which One is a Better Pet?
Norwegian Buhund Versus Whippet: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Norwegian Buhund and the Whippet? 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 Whippet 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 Whippet.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Norwegian Buhund and the Whippet 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 Whippet. 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 Whippet.
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 Whippet.
Norwegian Buhund versus Whippet: Overview
Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Whippet are similar in size. The Norwegian Buhund and the Whippet are both medium-sized dogs.
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 Whippet belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
Norwegian Buhund versus Whippet: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Norwegian Buhund to the Whippet 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 Whippet
| Factor | Norwegian Buhund | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 26 to 40 pounds | 18 to 48 pounds |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| 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 | 13.5 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1600 – $2600 |
| Average Price | No Data | $2120 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 168 | 58 |
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 Whippet. 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 Whippet is 86 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Whippet is a better pet than the Norwegian Buhund. So, you should get the Whippet!
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 Whippet 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 Whippet
Below is a list of where the Norwegian Buhund and the Whippet are most different:
The Similarities Between the Norwegian Buhund and the Whippet
The Norwegian Buhund and the Whippet are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Norwegian Buhund and the Whippet are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Norwegian Buhund versus Whippet
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Norwegian Buhund and the Whippet.
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, Whippets weigh 18 to 48 pounds when fully grown. Whippets are 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Norwegian Buhund versus Whippet
The lifespan of Norwegian Buhunds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Norwegian Buhunds is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Whippets is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Whippets is 13.5 years.
The Popularity of Norwegian Buhund versus Popularity of Whippet
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 Whippet over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Whippet is more popular with dog owners than the Norwegian Buhund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Whippet is 58 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 Whippet
| Year | Norwegian Buhund Popularity Rank | Whippet Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 166 | 59 |
| 2014 | 172 | 56 |
| 2015 | 165 | 57 |
| 2016 | 174 | 60 |
| 2017 | 170 | 61 |
| 2018 | 165 | 61 |
| 2019 | 169 | 57 |
| 2020 | 168 | 59 |
Health Problems of Norwegian Buhund versus Health Problems of Whippet
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 Whippet 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 Whippet is prone to more genetic health problems than the Norwegian Buhund.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Whippet than for the Norwegian Buhund.
3 health tests are recommended for Norwegian Buhund while 5 tests are recommended for the Whippet.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Norwegian Buhunds and in Whippets.
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.
Whippet Health Problems
Whippets are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Whippet 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 Whippet puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Whippet 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 Whippets for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Whippets here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Norwegian Buhunds and Whippets
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 Whippet Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.
This is because the Whippet ranks 3 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1416 Whippets, 107 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Whippets, and how common these diseases are in Whippets relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Norwegian Buhund and in Whippet and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Norwegian Buhund and the Whippet:
| Disease | Norwegian Buhund Rank | Whippet Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Eyes problems | 35 out of 182 dog breeds | 162 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 131 out of 198 dog breeds | 191 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | Not Common | 3 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 7 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Baer Hearing Test problems | Not Common | 17 out of 21 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 108 out of 115 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 Whippet
Norwegian Buhunds can be left alone for some time without problems.
Whippets do not like to be left alone.
Do Norwegian Buhunds shed more than Whippets?
Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.
Whippets do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Norwegian Buhund or the Whippet
Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Whippets do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Norwegian Buhund or the Whippet?
Norwegian Buhunds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Whippets are very easy to groom.
Does the Norwegian Buhund Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Whippet?
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.
Whippets 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 Whippets?
Norwegian Buhunds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Whippets are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Whippets Tolerate Cold Weather?
Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Whippets cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Norwegian Buhund vs. Whippet
Norwegian Buhunds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Whippets have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Whippets Tolerate Hot Weather?
Norwegian Buhunds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Whippets can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Norwegian Buhund or the Whippet?
Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.
Whippets get along very well with other dogs.
Are Norwegian Buhunds good family dogs? What about Whippets?
Norwegian Buhunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Whippets are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Norwegian Buhunds and Whippets?
Norwegian Buhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Whippets get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Norwegian Buhund Easier to Train than the Whippet?
Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.
Whippets are very easy to train.
Is the Norwegian Buhund Better for Apartment Owners than the Whippet?
Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Whippets adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Norwegian Buhund or the Whippet?
Norwegian Buhunds are OK for new dog owners.
Whippets 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 Whippet
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Whippet 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 Whippet:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Norwegian Buhund and how the Whippet compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Norwegian Buhund and of the Whippet to other breeds:
Norwegian Buhund Versus Other Dog Breeds
Norwegian Buhund versus American Foxhound Norwegian Buhund versus Akita Chow Norwegian Buhund versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Norwegian Buhund versus German Shepherd Dog Norwegian Buhund versus Papipoo Norwegian Buhund versus English Cocker Spaniel Norwegian Buhund versus American Pit Bull Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus American Hairless Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Norwich Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Pyrenean Shepherd Norwegian Buhund versus Labradoodle Norwegian Buhund versus Patterdale Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Canaan Dog Norwegian Buhund versus Aussiedoodle Norwegian Buhund versus Brussels Griffon Norwegian Buhund versus Giant Schnauzer Norwegian Buhund versus American Bulldog Norwegian Buhund versus Bolognese Norwegian Buhund versus Maltese Norwegian Buhund versus Briard Norwegian Buhund versus Pyrenean Mastiff Norwegian Buhund versus Bernedoodle Norwegian Buhund versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Norwegian Buhund versus West Highland White Terrier Norwegian Buhund versus Valley Bulldog
Whippet Versus Other Dog Breeds
Whippet versus Sussex Spaniel Whippet versus Airedale Terrier Whippet versus Kishu Ken Whippet versus Norfolk Terrier Whippet versus Catahoula Bulldog Whippet versus Standard Schnauzer Whippet versus English Toy Spaniel Whippet versus Bullmastiff Whippet versus Golden Cocker Retriever Whippet versus American Bulldog Whippet versus Norfolk Terrier Whippet versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Whippet versus Kishu Ken Whippet versus Finnish Lapphund Whippet versus Golden Cocker Retriever Whippet versus Shetland Sheepdog Whippet versus Spanish Mastiff Whippet versus Welsh Terrier Whippet versus Irish Terrier Whippet versus Miniature Poodle Whippet versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Whippet versus Japanese Spitz Whippet versus Sheepadoodle Whippet versus Ibizan Hound Whippet versus Canaan Dog
Conclusion: Norwegian Buhund versus Whippet. 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 Whippet better suits you and your family.