Overview
The Buhund is the old all-purpose dog of Norwegian farms, used to herd sheep and cattle, guard the yard and keep the family company. It is a classic spitz in outline, with a wheaten or black coat, pricked ears and a tightly curled tail, but it is softer in temperament than the Nordic hunting breeds.
Most Buhunds are outgoing, keen to please and very fond of people. They are also talkative, and a dog that barks to announce every bike and squirrel is part of the deal. Owners who have done the training tend to have polite dogs; those who have not will have noisy ones.
Exercise and walking needs
An hour and a quarter a day keeps an adult happy, with some of it off the lead and some of it occupied. Buhunds excel at obedience and agility, and five minutes of trick work on a walk does more for them than another lap of the park.
The coat laughs at rain and cold. Warm weather is less welcome, so slow down and carry water from late spring.
On the walk
- Recall: Good by spitz standards, because the breed was bred to work with a shepherd. Wildlife can still override it, so test before you trust.
- Barking: Loud and frequent if unmanaged. Reward quiet, move on quickly past triggers and do not let the dog stand and shout at something.
- Herding: Some will nip at heels or circle children and other dogs. Keep the dog moving and give it a toy or a task when a group forms.
- Other dogs: Typically friendly and happy to play, with a bouncy style that suits similar dogs. Good candidates for group walks.
Tips for professional walkers
- Carry treats for recall and for quiet; the Buhund learns fast in both directions.
- Brush out loose undercoat in shedding season before putting the dog in the van.
- Vary the route. These dogs notice repetition and get louder when they are bored.
What to ask the owner
- What does the dog bark at, and what does the owner do to interrupt it?
- Does the dog herd or nip at children, joggers or other dogs?
- How reliable is the recall around deer, rabbits and livestock?