Herding spitz Medium size 12-18 kg

Norwegian Buhund

An energetic, trainable herding spitz that needs a job and plenty of exercise; bright, friendly, and vocal by nature.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Medium
Size
12-18 kg, 41-47 cm at the shoulder
Very high
Activity
Very high; thrives on activity
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Handles moderate alone time
Easy
Trainability
Bright and eager to please
Moderate
Coat care
Dense double coat sheds seasonally
Good
Fit with kids
Good, active family dog
Moderate
Other pets
Generally sociable with other animals
Light
Health burden
Generally a healthy breed

The Norwegian Buhund typically weighs 12-18 kg, stands 41-47 cm, and lives 12-15 years.

Consider this breed if…

you are active and want a trainable, versatile companion,
you enjoy dog sport or daily training sessions,
you can give real daily exercise plus a job to do,
you can manage a friendly but vocal, alert dog.

Do not consider this breed if…

you want a quiet, low-energy dog,
the dog would be alone most of the day,
you have no time for daily exercise and training,
you want a calm couch companion.

A typical day with a Norwegian Buhund

  1. 6:30 · Morning
    Run, brisk walk, or a training game
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Rest and a chew after activity
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Short walk with sniffing
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Training or dog sport, 15-20 minutes
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Longer walk or active play
  6. 21:00 · Night
    A worked dog settles calmly

Temperament and training

Energy Very high
Trainability High
Sociability High
Vocality High
Independence Moderate
Watchfulness High
Common owner mistakes
Not giving enough exercise and mental work for a herding breed · Ignoring the barking tendency until it becomes a habit · Leaving a busy, social dog alone too long

Family and environment

Kids Excellent
Playful and sturdy; great with active children.
Dogs Good
Usually sociable with early socialization.
Cats Conditional
Works when raised together; may herd or chase.
Apartment Conditional
Only with heavy daily exercise; watch the barking.
House with a yard Suitable
A yard helps, but does not replace real work.
City Conditional
Manageable with an active routine.
Countryside Ideal
Space and the herding work it loves.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Light

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Hip dysplasia Screen breeding stock and manage weight and activity
Hereditary cataracts Can affect vision; reputable breeders screen for it
Dental disease Routine brushing and cleanings help

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Friendly, vocal Nordic herding spitz
Icelandic Sheepdog
A friendly, vocal Nordic herding spitz - trainable and great with family, but talkative and shedding heavily, needing daily activity.
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Active, vocal Scandinavian breed
Finnish Spitz
A bright, foxy spitz and a famously vocal barker, rewarding for an active owner who can manage the noise and independence.
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Small, hardy Swedish herding dog
Vastgotaspets
A sturdy little Swedish herder full of energy and smarts - a fun family dog that needs a job to do.
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a Norwegian Buhund cost in the US?
The Buhund is uncommon in the US, so expect breeder waitlists; puppies from health-tested lines commonly run into the low-to-mid thousands. Over a 12-15 year life, food, routine vet care and supplies for a medium, generally healthy dog typically add $12,000-$20,000 or more.
Does the Norwegian Buhund bark a lot?
Yes. It is a herding spitz that is naturally alert and vocal, and it will use its voice to communicate and when under-stimulated. Training and enough exercise keep it in check, but it is not a quiet breed and can trouble close neighbors.
How much exercise does it need?
A lot. This is a very high-energy working dog that needs vigorous daily exercise plus mental work like training or dog sport. Without it, expect barking, restlessness and destructive habits regardless of home size.
Is it good with kids?
Yes, it is typically a friendly, playful family dog that does well with children, especially active older ones. As with any herding breed, supervise around toddlers, since it may try to herd running kids.