About the Norwegian Buhund
(NORSK BUHUND - NORSKBUHUND - NORWEGIAN SHEEPDOG - NORDISKE SITZ-HUNDE)
Description
Norwegian Buhund is a very ancient breed with records of existence
that dates as far back as 870. This breed has been the constant and
trusted companions of Vikings. These dogs were taken to different
settlement in Iceland and in Britain. It is believed that this breed
is the foundation stock of many present day herding breeds.
A Norwegian Buhund is a medium sized spitz type of dog that
originated in Norway. In its native land, the breed also goes by the
name Norsk Buhund and Norwegian Sheepdog. Although
medium sized, it is a compact dog and its light build make it agile.
In Norwegian "bu" means
livestock, homestead or the mountain hut that is used by the
shepherds in summer pastures and "hund"
means dog. In Norway the dog is still used in herding sheep, cattle,
reindeer and even pigs. The dog is also used as farm dogs that
perform varied tasks that include hunting bears, wolf and other
large prey. The Norwegian Buhund however is very versatile. Apart
from scoring well in agility and obedience trials, the dog can be
seen guiding and aiding handicapped people, guarding homes and
family as well as performing police work. These robust and healthy
dogs are noted for their tenacity and endurance. Their excellent and
keen sense of smell, hearing and sight make them excel in search and
rescue operations as well as in narcotics detection.
This breed love to work. Herding is in their nature. A Norwegian
Buhund owner should make sure that the pet would not chase other
people's pets. This breed has worked with Vikings and ancient
farmers for centuries and it would be a crime to curtail the natural
working ability of the dog by keeping it kenneled or leashed alone
in a yard. Buhunds that does not have the opportunity to do stock
work would enjoy helping out with the chores. Mental stimulation can
be provided by letting the dog join in family activities. The dog
would certainly enjoy a game of fetch or Frisbee with the kids.
These dogs can be reasonably happy in an urban or a rural setting as
long as they are provided with the companionship and attention of
the human family.
These are hardy dogs. Most would need to be in a vet's clinic only
for the annual booster shots. Norwegian Buhund is a healthy breed
and has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years although many Buhunds
have lived much longer.
Appearance
A Norwegian Buhund is an ideal size for a family pet - a little
under medium size. These are lightly built but compact dogs. This
breed has an almost square proportion as the height measured from
the ground to the withers is equal to the length of the body
measured from the prosternum to the rear of the upper thigh. A
Buhund has deep chest and well sprung ribs. The lean medium length
neck is slightly arched. The set on high tail is thick, even made
thicker by the long hair on the underside. The tail forms a tight
curl and always carried over the dog's back. The average height of a
male dog is 17 to 18 inches and 16 to 17.5 inches for females.
Average weight for females is 26.5 to 35 pounds and 31 to 40 pounds
for males.
The dog's head is wedge shaped and proportionate to the body. The
short muzzle tapers to a black nose. The dog has tight lips, full
dentition that meet in a scissor bite. Oval shaped dark brown eyes
are not protruding. Eye shape and the black eye rims give the eyes a
lively and alert expression. Set on high pointed ears are erect and
very mobile though the ears would go back when the dog is showing
affection.
A Norwegian Buhund has two coats - a soft wooly thick undercoat and
an outer coat that is smooth but harsh or rough to the touch.
Commonly the coat is wheaten or ranging from pale shades of cream to
yellowish red or orange although there are also black or wolf sable
Buhunds. The head and the front of legs are covered with shorter
hair while the coat on the back of thighs, chest and neck is longer.
The rather small feet of the Buhund is oval shaped and webbed.
Personality
From being a herding and hunting dog, the Norwegian Buhund has
evolved into an excellent and loyal house pet that would untiringly
shower the master with affectionate kisses. These dogs are fun
loving and would play vigorously. A lot of outdoor games and
exercises should therefore be provided. Because the dog loves to
play a lot they are good with children in fact they are very gentle
especially with the little ones. This breed gets along well with
other dog and with other smaller pets especially when properly
socialized.
The dog is a barker; they communicate by barking. These are very
alert dogs and would never fail to warn you of approaching
strangers. Despite the small size having a Norwegian Buhund on your
doorstep is like having a security guard on duty 24/7. Buhunds are
friendly by nature; the breed is not aggressive but the dog is
fearless and protective. They will never fail to protect the master
and his family if needed.
The Norwegian Buhund is an ideal house pet that would respond to
training easily. However, this breed may not be the right one for
you. A puppy is rowdy and exuberant. This breed is highly
intelligent and has a high learning rate. But then again the dog is
strong willed and they have a mind of their own. Oftentimes the dog
is manipulative. A Buhund will look at a weak owner as his equal
never his master, and would please himself rather that bend to the
will of the master. The master would need to be firm and consistent
in order to curb the stubbornness of the dog.
More than other breeds a Norwegian Buhund would demand lots of
attention and companionship from the master. A Buhund is known to
suffer from separation anxiety. These dogs would not appreciate
being left alone even for a few hours as the dog would manifest its
boredom through barking and destructive chewing.
A Buhund can easily adapt to urban or city living. Because they are
relatively small they would do well in an apartment provided they
are given chances to exercise outdoors. This is a versatile breed.
They actually prefer cooler climates but can adapt to warmer
temperatures.
Care
The Buhund has a sleek outer coat that naturally sheds collected
dirt and mud. As the dog cleans himself like a cat, very little
human care is needed. Very little grooming is required. A once a
week brushing will keep the coat neat and clean as well as remove
dead hair.
A Norwegian Buhund is a heavy shedder. During molting time, you
would need to brush the coat daily if you do not want dog hair to
decorate your furniture, to garnish your food and to clog your
vacuum cleaner. Bathing the dog with warm water and regular brushing
will accelerate the shedding process. Nail clipping and ear cleaning
must be regularly done. Wearing black in the spring and fall is a
fashion no-no if you have a buhund on premises.
History
Norwegian Buhunds like other Nordic herding types are believed to
have accompanied Vikings in their colonization journeys. In one
ancient excavation in Norway, a Viking grave that dates back about
year 900 was excavated and skeletons of six dogs were found. These
skeletons are believed to be the representatives of present day
Buhunds. It is the custom of Vikings to be buried with their most
valued possessions. The dogs that helped the Vikings care for their
animals and protect their homes are expected to perform the same
services and duties in the afterlife.
The 900 AD to 1300 AD Icelandic Sagas documented how the Norwegian
people brought the breed to Iceland. These dogs were primarily used
to herd sheep. Later on they become all purpose farm dogs as they
are now given the task of herding reindeer, sled pulling as well as
hunting. These dogs are the invaluable helpers of shepherds who move
the herds from one pasture to another in the Scandinavian mountains.
Many of these dogs worked in the homestead thus gaining the name
"buhund" from the word bu which
means homestead (or hut) and hund
which means dog.
The impressive and more refined appearance of present day Norwegian
Buhund was developed in Norway's western coastland. During the
1920's, John Saeland, a state counsel of Norway initiated the first
Buhund show that was held in Jaeren. In 1939 the Norsk
Buhundklubb was organized. In 1940 the breed was first imported
to Britain and in the late 1980's in America.
The impressive and more refined appearance of present day Norwegian
Buhund was developed in Norway's western coastland. During the
1920's, John Saeland, a state counsel of Norway initiated the first
Buhund show that was held in Jaeren. In 1939 the Norsk Buhundklubb
was organized. In 1940 the breed was first imported to Britain and
in the late 1980's in America.
During the ancient times, the Norwegian Buhund is utilized in
hunting bear and wolf, now the breed is given other task to perform.
The Buhund is now seen aiding handicapped people, scoring well in
agility and obedience trials, being utilized by the police force as
in search and rescue operations as well as in narcotics detection.
And most of all the breed has developed into a well loved family
companion.
(Much of this text thanks to: http://www.sarahsdogs.com)
