Norwegian Buhun

History, origin & features

The Norwegian Buhund is an ancient breed. Its distant ancestors accompanied the Vikings on raids and in times of peace. Norwegians bred them primarily as farm dogs to protect livestock. In fact, the Norwegian word “bu” means “farm”. The Norwegian Buhund was also introduced to Iceland, where it excelled as a sheepdog. A role it continues to fulfill today, as well as being an excellent family companion. The Norwegian Buhund breed was definitively recognized by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) on February 25, 1963. A dog with a balanced personality, the Norwegian Buhund is a canine with typical Spitz and Nordic features. Over the generations, they have demonstrated their many qualities at work, both on the farm and in their owners' homes, where they stand guard. There aren't many representatives of this breed outside Norway and Scandinavia, or even in the UK, but with its interesting characteristics and aptitudes, the Norwegian Buhund deserves to be better known. Coat: double, the topcoat being thick, full, hard, smooth and close-lying, while the undercoat is soft. Longer on neck, tail and chest, shorter on head and front of legs.
Color: either wheaten or cookie, or black, preferably without markings or discoloration.
Head: cone-shaped. The skull is almost flat, the stop well defined and the nose black.
Ears: Medium-sized, straight and pointed.
Eyes: oval, dark, with a lively, confident expression.
Body: Powerful. Strong, medium-length neck, short, straight back and loins, deep chest.
Tail: thickly coated, curled over the back.