Norwegian Buhund

Temperament: Confident, Smart, Perceptive

Group: Herding Group

Height: 40.6–47.0 in

Weight: 11.8–18.1 lb

Life Expectancy: 12.0–15.0 yrs

Energy Level: Energetic

Trainability: Easy Training

Shedding: Seasonal

Grooming Frequency: Weekly Brushing

The Buhund, a prototypical spitz, provides a good opportunity to explain the term. Spitz are cold-weather breeds characterized by a dense coat, a tail curved tightly over the back, a wedge-shaped head, and erect, pointed ears (“spitz” means “pointed” in ancient German). They can be pint-sized like Pomeranians, mighty like Malamutes, or mid-sized like the lithe but sturdy Buhund. Males can stand 18.5 inches high and weight up to 40 pounds. Coat colors are wheaten or black. The densely coated Norwegian Buhund, a Nordic spitz-type closely associated with the Vikings, is a medium-sized cold-weather worker adept at herding and guarding. As family dogs, Buhunds are smart, affectionate, and steadfastly devoted.