Breed of the Week: Norwegian Buhund

A member of the Herding Group, the Norwegian Buhund is one of the newest AKC-recognized breeds. Despite its newbie status with the AKC, the fun-loving Norwegian Buhund has existed for centuries, sailing on Viking ships and working hard on farms in Norway. Their herding abilities are tops, but the Buhund also loves to hang out with his "people," playing Frisbee, chasing sticks and stealing the hose from the unsuspecting family gardener.

A Look Back
The breed as we know it today, with its prick ears and curled tail, was nurtured in the rainy western coastlands of Norway, where they herded sheep, guarded farms and hunted bear and wolf. Ancient versions of the Buhund traveling with Vikings on their many journeys have been documented as far back as the year 900.

Did You Know...
The Norwegian Buhund belongs to a large class of dogs called the Spitz type. Bred as an energetic working dog, Buhunds have always been charged with the task of herding livestock and guarding home and family. Several early Buhund skeletons have been found in Viking graves, indicating their status as cherished possessions and that they were expected to continue their protecting and herding duties in the afterlife. Today, the breed is also trained to aid the hearing impaired, perform some types of police work, and perform in obedience and agility trials. Their thick coat is wheaten (pale cream to bright orange) or black in color.

Is a Norwegian Buhund the right breed for your family?
This breed makes a wonderful companion for active people or families and will thrive in a home where plenty of exercise is provided. As a herding dog, Buhunds will bark to communicate, keep a close watch on everything, and round up anything they can, even family members! Grooming is minimal – brushing will keep mats and tangles out of the breed's medium to short easy care coat. Training wise, the Buhund is considered by many to be the most trainable of the Spitz breeds, but obedience training is still very important.

Thinking about buying a Norwegian Buhund?
Additional information for those considering a Norwegian Buhund – including things to know before you get a dog, tips on how to find a breeder near you, or a list of training clubs in your local area – can be found on the American Kennel Club Web site. Meet the Buhund and 160 other AKC breeds at Meet the Breeds.

© The American Kennel Club, Inc.

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