Norwegian Buhund
| Norwegian Buhund | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 A wheaten Norwegian Buhund. | |||||||||
| Other names | Norsk Buhund Norwegian Sheepdog | ||||||||
| Origin | Norway | ||||||||
| |||||||||
| Notes | The United Kennel Club (US) uses the Fédération Cynologique Internationale breed standard. | ||||||||
| Dog (domestic dog) | |||||||||
The Norwegian Buhund is a breed of dog of the spitz type. It is closely related to the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Jämthund. The name Buhund is derived from the Norwegian word "bu" which means farm, homestead or mountain hut, where the shepherd lived while looking after his herd in the summer. The Buhund is used as an all purpose farm and herding dog, as well as watch dog.[1]
Description
General Appearance
The Norwegian Buhund has a square profile, are a little under medium sized and sport a high set,tightly curled tail carried over the center of the back. The head is wedge shaped with pricked ears and a black nose. [2] Their back is level with as little of a slope as possible along with a deep chest.
Measurements
The Buhund ranges in size from about 17 to 18 inches with the males being 17-18 1/2 inches and females to 17 1/2 inches in height. Weight for dogs is 31-40 pounds and for females, 26-35 pounds.
Coat
Wheaten - Any shade from pale cream to bright orange, with or without dark tipped hairs; as little white as possible; black mask acceptable. Black - Preferably without too much bronzing; with as little white as possible. Areas where white is permissible: a narrow white ring around the neck, a narrow blaze on the face, a small patch of white hairs on the chest, white feet and tip of the tail. In the UK Wolf Sable is also listed in the Kennel Club Breed Standard[3].
Temperament
The Norwegian Buhund is a highly cheerful and active breed. They do not tire easily and require extensive exercise on a daily basis. The Norwegian Buhund needs to expel its energy and becomes destructive and ill-mannered if ignored or made to stay still frequently. In conjunction with their high level of activity and energy, they are also extremely lovable and are known for their love of children. However, due to their high level of energy and need for intensive training, Norwegian Buhunds should always be supervised, especially around children and the elderly. This breed loves to cuddle and give kisses to their masters and families. They form strong bonds with their owners and therefore are natural watch dogs. This can result in aloof behavior and wariness around strangers. However, the Norwegian Buhund is highly intelligent. They are communicative and brave, but rarely will snap or bite without provocation. However, not all dogs of this breed are steady; they are sometimes found to be nervous dogs. They can even have a suspicious nature about them. New owners may find this problematic, since the Norwegian Buhund may bark at each new alarming noise or movement.
This breed is also extremely headstrong and demonstrates an intense desire to be taught and to learn new things. If appropriate stimulus is not made available, the breed may resort to destructive or inappropriate behavior. The Buhund breed does become bored easily and is known to become restless. A constant state of activity is required, attention, praise and new information. This breed is ideal for owners who can dedicate time to exercise and training. With this desire for activity and learning combined with a high level of energy, the Norwegian Buhund makes an excellent obedience and agility dog. People who live active lifestyles, or are seeking a dog with which they can become involved in dog sports, will appreciate the personality of the Norwegian Buhund. It is also an ideal dog for people who are athletic and desire a dog to go running, hiking or biking with. This breed makes an excellent companion for a sports enthusiast. [4]
Health
The Norwegian Buhund are prone to an inherited eye issues and hip dysplasia.
Grooming
The Norwegian Buhund breed has a short to medium length, easy cared for coat, that does not tangle, or mat, when shedding. Brushing weekly will be fine, but extra brushing is required, when the dog is shedding, this is seasonal and is fairly heavy.
History
The Norwegian Buhund belongs to a large class of dogs called the Spitz type. They all have in common the prick up-ears and a curled tail. There are many variations in size, coat and color among the Spitz breeds. In the ancient Gokstad excavation in Norway, where a Viking grave from about the year 900 was opened, skeletons from six dogs of various sizes were found. They would be the representatives of modern-day Buhunds. When Vikings died, their most cherished and necessary possessions were buried alongside their owners. This was to care for the Vikings in their afterlife. Then these Buhunds who protected farms and herded cattle and sheep were expected to continue these duties in the afterlife. It has been documented that these dogs travelled with Vikings on their many journeys, by sea and by land.[5]
References
- ^ "Norwegian Buhund, Norwegian Buhund Club of America Breed History." Norwegian Buhund, Norwegian Buhund Club of America Home. Web. 15 Oct. 2010. <http://buhund.org/breedhistory.html>.
- ^ "Norwegian Buhund, Norwegian Buhund Club of America Breed Standard." Norwegian Buhund, Norwegian Buhund Club of America Home. Web. 15 Oct. 2010. <http://buhund.org/breedhistory/breedstandard.html>.
- ^ http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk/services/public/breed/standard.aspx?id=5132 , Kennel Club Breed Standard
- ^ "Norwegian Buhund Breed Information & Pictures (Norsk Buhund, Norwegian Sheepdog, Homestead Dog, Farm Dog)." Dogs - Cats - Horses - TerrificPets.com. Web. 15 Oct. 2010. <http://www.terrificpets.com/dog_breeds/Norwegian_Buhund.asp>.
- ^ "American Kennel Club - Norwegian Buhund." American Kennel Club - Akc.org. 11 Apr. 2006. Web. 15 Oct. 2010. <http://www.akc.org/breeds/norwegian_buhund/>.
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