Pet Wiki

Norwegian Buhund

Also called Norsk Buhund, Norwegian Sheepdog

An upbeat, self-assured farm dog that bonds closely with its people.

SizeMedium
Weight12 to 18 kg (26 to 40 lb)males 14 to 18 kg, females 12 to 16 kg12
Height41 to 47 cm (16 to 19 in)males 43 to 47 cm, females 41 to 45 cm12
Lifespanfrom 12 years3
CoatHarsh double coat
OriginNorway, especially the rainy western coast, where it worked as an all-round farm dog.14
GroupSpitz and Primitive types (FCI group 5)
Recognised breedShort profile
cheerful and very affectionate
confident and brave
quick to learn and suited to dog sports
124

Personality what they are like

An upbeat, self-assured farm dog that bonds closely with its people. It is energetic, talkative and brave, and its sharp mind makes it a keen partner, though it can have a stubborn streak.124

Coat and looks how to spot one

harsh double coat

A square, medium-sized spitz with a thick, harsh outer coat over a soft, dense undercoat. The coat is shorter on the head and front legs and fuller on the neck, chest, thighs and tightly curled tail.12

Colourswheaten (pale cream to bright orange, may have a black mask)black12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Norwegian Buhund. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
  • Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
  • Bathevery 10 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Up to about an hour of exercise a day plus mental work; it enjoys herding, agility and obedience.34

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush more than once a week; the coat sheds heavily about twice a year.34

Home where they are happiest

Happiest with an active family and room to move; its weatherproof coat copes well with cold, wet weather.23

Company who they like around

Forms strong bonds with its family and likes to be involved in daily life; works as a natural watchdog.4

The story where it all began

The Buhund has helped Norwegian farmers for more than a thousand years, herding sheep and guarding the homestead. Dogs of its type have been found in Viking graves, and it appears in the Norse King Sagas. The first official breed standard followed in 1926.13

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    'Bu' refers to the farmstead or mountain hut, so the name means something like 'farm dog'.1

  2. 2

    Dogs closely resembling the Buhund were found buried in a Viking grave, a sign they were treasured companions.3

  3. 3

    A Norse saga tells how King Olav Tryggvason obtained one after being impressed by its herding skill.1

  4. 4

    It comes in just two colours: wheaten or black.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Buhund' comes from the Norwegian word 'bu' meaning 'farmstead' or 'homestead,' and 'hund' meaning 'dog,' reflecting its role as a versatile farm and herding dog.5

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

BjornAstridFridaOlafSigridLarsIngridKariNilsSagaToveErik

A day in the life told by a Norwegian Buhund

I'm a Buhund, and every morning starts with a chorus of barks – my own included. I have opinions about everything: the postman, the squirrel, the leaf that blew past. My human says I'm talkative, but I prefer to call it expressive. After a hearty breakfast, we head to the farm. I help round up the sheep, darting in and out with joyful precision. My human laughs and calls me a natural. In the afternoon, we do a bit of agility – I love weaving through poles and leaping over jumps. I'm fast, but I also like to stop and check if my human is watching. They always are. When we get home, I curl up beside them, tired but happy. I give a final, satisfied 'woof' – just to make sure they know I had the best day.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 237, Group 5 Spitz and primitive types, Section 3 Nordic Watchdogs and Herders; standard published 11.02.2026, country of origin Norway.1
The Royal Kennel Club
Pastoral group; not a vulnerable native breed.3
AKC
Has an AKC standard, approved 14 January 2020 and effective 31 March 2020.2
Norwegian Kennel Club
First breed standard approved in 1926.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Norwegian Buhund, and at what times?

Feed your Norwegian Buhund at least two meals a day, ideally morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Follow the food label for amounts and check with your vet.7

What should a Norwegian Buhund eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food suited to your Buhund's age and activity. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Always consult your vet for specific dietary advice.8

How often should I bathe a Norwegian Buhund?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests bathing your Buhund every 70 days, but general guidance is at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues.9 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Norwegian Buhund need brushing?

Brush your Norwegian Buhund more than once a week, and daily during the heavy shedding seasons twice a year. Pet Wiki's plan is every three days, increasing to daily when shedding heavily.34 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Norwegian Buhund's nails, and how often?

Trim your Buhund's nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 28 days according to Pet Wiki's plan. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer.9 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Norwegian Buhund need?

Your Norwegian Buhund needs up to about an hour of exercise daily, plus mental challenges like herding or agility. Pet Wiki suggests daily walks and play. This energetic breed thrives with an active family.34 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Norwegian Buhund's teeth and ears?

Brush your Buhund's teeth two to three times a week using dog toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check ears every two weeks for dirt or redness, and clean gently with a vet-recommended solution. Never insert anything into the ear canal.9 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Norwegian Buhund live?

A Norwegian Buhund typically lives at least 12 years, with many living longer with good care. Provide a healthy diet, regular exercise, and vet checkups.3

Is a Norwegian Buhund good with children and other pets?

The Norwegian Buhund forms strong bonds with its family and is generally good with children when properly socialized. It can get along with other pets, especially if raised together, but its herding instinct may lead it to try to herd. Early socialization is key.4

Can a Norwegian Buhund be left alone?

The Norwegian Buhund thrives on family involvement and may become anxious if left alone for many hours. Each dog is different, so ask your breeder or vet for guidance on your specific Buhund.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard N° 237 Norsk Buhund fci.beused for recognition, size, weight, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. AKC Official Standard of the Norwegian Buhund images.akc.orgused for size, weight, temperament, colours
  3. The Royal Kennel Club: Norwegian Buhund royalkennelclub.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, Viking grave history
  4. Wikipedia: Norwegian Buhund en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, temperament, activities, shedding, related breeds
  5. akc.org akc.org
  6. akc.org akc.org
  7. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  9. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.