Norwegian BuhundCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the Buhund can be traced far back in Norwegian history: its type probably existed before the Viking age, so it is more than a thousand years old. Remains of a small spitz that lived alongside people have been found in Viking burial mounds.

The word “buhund” means farm dog, and it appears in Snorri Sturluson's sagas of the Norse kings. One of the stories tells how King Olav Tryggvason met a farmer in Ireland with a very clever Buhund, Vige, and received the dog as a gift, giving the farmer a gold ring and his friendship. The first standard was approved in 1926.

How the breed developed

• Before the Viking age – Small spitz dogs live alongside people in Norway.
• Viking age – Dogs of this type are buried in burial mounds.
• 1926 – The Norwegian Kennel Club approves the first standard.
• 25 February 1963 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a typical spitz, slightly under medium size, square in build, with an alert, open expression, erect, pointed ears and a tail curled tightly over the back.

General appearance

The head is well balanced, wedge-shaped and not too heavy. The outer coat is dense, hard and smooth, shorter on the head and the front of the legs and longer on the neck, chest, backs of the thighs and tail. The undercoat is soft and dense.

The accepted colours are wheaten (biscuit), from fairly light to yellowish red, with or without dark tips, and black, preferably solid. In both colours, there should be as little white as possible.

The AKC says that, compared with other spitz and Nordic dogs, the Buhund is easier to train, but it keeps its independence. It wants to please, but its independence is often stronger, so it can be hard to hold its attention.

Fortunately, most Buhunds are highly food-motivated, which helps with training.

Tips for effective training

• Use food rewards. It is highly food-motivated.
• Keep sessions short. Its attention can wander.
• Teach it not to bark at everything. It is an alert watchdog.
• Be consistent. It keeps its independence.

The AKC says it was bred to work and herd for hours on end, so it needs sustained exercise that lets it run fast, twice a day. It loves running alongside a bicycle, fetching balls or going on day-long hikes.

Tips for a balanced life

• It suits active people.
• It copes well with cold.
• The fence must be solid.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says it does not need much grooming. It is naturally clean and almost odourless, even when wet. The coat sheds dirt easily and dries by itself after a bath.

Common health problems

The AKC says it is generally healthy and hardy, and responsible breeders screen their dogs for:

Other care

• Ask for the parents' test results.
• Trim the nails regularly.
• Go for regular check-ups.

The AKC says some dogs gain weight easily, so calories and weight should be watched, especially as they are so food-motivated.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give it its food in two meals a day.
• Training treats count towards the daily portion.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• A farm dog. That is what “buhund” means in Norwegian.
• In Viking graves. Remains of small spitz dogs have been found in Viking burial mounds.
• Given for a gold ring. King Olav Tryggvason gave a gold ring for the Buhund Vige.
• No smell. The AKC says it does not smell even when wet.
• Nordic relatives. Wikipedia says it is related to the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Jämthund.

Vige, in the sagas of the Norse kings

The FCI standard recalls the story from Snorri Sturluson's sagas: King Olav Tryggvason was so impressed by the Buhund Vige, which was gathering the flock, that he received it as a gift from the farmer, giving him a gold ring and his friendship in return.

What does “buhund” mean?

Farm dog.

How big does it get?

Males measure 43–47 cm and weigh ~14–18 kg; females measure 41–45 cm and weigh ~12–16 kg.

Is it easy to train?

More easily than other spitz breeds, but it remains independent.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 12–15 years.