Norwegian Buhund
A Norwegian farm spitz that herded, guarded and sailed with the Vikings. Vocal, tight coated, and the tail stays curled over the back.
Photo by Canossa, CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
The Norwegian Buhund is a spitz herding dog that came with the Vikings, and remains have been found in Viking burial ships, buried alongside their owners for the journey. The name comes from bu, meaning homestead or livestock.
It is a compact, square, thickly coated dog that herded, guarded the farm and did general work, and it is one of the more versatile northern breeds.
Temperament
Cheerful, alert and energetic. Buhunds are affectionate with their families, good with children, and sociable with other dogs.
They are vocal, which is the watchdog inheritance and the main practical consideration. They are intelligent and biddable, considerably more so than most spitz breeds, and they enjoy training. They do badly left alone and they need something to do.
Care and grooming
A thick double coat that needs weekly brushing and daily attention during the two enormous moults. It is largely self cleaning.
The breed is generally healthy. Hip dysplasia, cataracts and von Willebrand's disease occur at low rates. Twelve to fifteen years.
Living and exercise
An hour and a half a day plus mental work. They excel at agility, herding and obedience.
They handle cold well and heat poorly. The barking is a real consideration in close housing, and they are otherwise one of the easier northern breeds.
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