|
The Canine Chronicles Directory
Norwegian Buhund
Norwegian Buhund (also known as the Norsk Buhund and the Norwegian Sheepdog) has
a double coat with the outer coat being short and coarse and the under coat being
soft and smooth. The color is generally wheaten, biscuit (ranging from light to
reddish yellow) or black. The head is wedge shaped with oval-shaped, dark brown
eyes and nose of medium length. The triangular shaped ears are erect and sit high
upon the head. The topline is level and the chest is deep with well-sprung ribs.
The forelegs should be straight while the hindlegs should be muscular and slightly
angled. The small, oval-shaped feet are webbed and the tail curls over the back.
|
|
Temperament
|
Norwegian Buhunds are affectionate, cheerful, active and attentive. They are excellent
with children and love being a part of family life. They are generally not aggressive,
but may bite or snap if provoked. Norwegian Buhunds are an intelligent, highly trainable
breed. Being creatures of habit, they train best in a firm, consistent routine manner.
This also helps curve their strong wills.
|
|
Height, Weight
|
Male Height: 17-18" ; Weight: 31-40 lbs.
Female Height: 16-17" ; Weight: 26-35 lbs.
|
|
Health Problems
|
This breed is prone to hip dysplasia, epilepsy and cataracts.
|
|
Living Conditions
|
The Buhund's small size makes it an excellent apartment dweller. Make sure that
they get plenty of outdoor exercise. This vocal breed prefers cooler temperatures.
|
|
Exercise
|
This breed loves to play and exercise. A daily walk is a good source of exercise
as well.
|
|
Life Expectancy
|
About 12-15 years
|
|
Grooming
|
The Buhund is easy to groom. Brushing regularly will keep them neat as well as remove
dead hair. They shed heavily twice a year.
|
|
Origin
|
The Norwegian Buhunds are one of the earliest known Nordic herding breed. They were
also used to hunt bears and wolves. The Norwegian Buhunds are an ancestor to the
Iceland Dog as well as influenced the Collie breed. Buhunds were known to be buried
with their owners. This was verified during an excavation in Gokstad, Norway. A
grave from the year 900 was found with skeletons of six dogs near their owner. The
Vikings were generally buried with their worldly possessions. Like the Egyptians,
they believed these items would go with them to the afterlife. Documents have been
found notating the inclusion of this breed on long Viking voyages. The first Norwegian
Buhund was shown at Jared in the 1920s and the Norsk Buhundklubb (Norwegian Buhund
Club) was formed in 1939. In the 1940s they were imported to Great Britain and imported
to the United States during the 1980s. "Bu" means homestead and "hund" means dog
in Norwegian. The Norwegian Buhund is recognized by the UKC and the FCI and has recently been given full recognition by the AKC.
|
|
Group
|
AKC Herding, UKC Northern Breed
|