At a glance the quick version
FCI and AKC agree (AKC 31-40 lb males, 26-35 lb females).
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.13
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.132
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.42
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush more than once a week; the coat sheds heavily about twice a year.42
Home where they are happiest
Happiest with an active family and room to move; its weatherproof coat copes well with cold, wet weather.34
Company who they like around
Forms strong bonds with its family and likes to be involved in daily life; works as a natural watchdog.2
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 1926.14
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
'Bu' refers to the farmstead or mountain hut, so the name means something like 'farm dog'.1
- 2
Dogs closely resembling the Buhund were found buried in a Viking grave, a sign they were treasured companions.4
- 3
A Norse saga tells how King Olav Tryggvason obtained one after being impressed by its herding skill.1
- 4
It comes in just two colours: wheaten or black.3
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.4
- AKC
- Has an AKC standard, approved 14 January 2020 and effective 31 March 2020.3
- Norwegian Kennel Club
- First breed standard approved in 1926.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Norwegian Buhund. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard N° 237 Norsk Buhund fci.beused for recognition, size, weight, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Wikipedia: Norwegian Buhund en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, temperament, activities, shedding, related breeds
- AKC Official Standard of the Norwegian Buhund images.akc.orgused for size, weight, temperament, colours
- The Royal Kennel Club: Norwegian Buhund royalkennelclub.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, Viking grave history
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.