German Longhaired Pointer vs Norwegian Buhund
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
German Longhaired Pointer
Foundation Stock Service
Norwegian Buhund
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
German Longhaired Pointer Overview
German Longhaired Pointers embody versatility with their athletic build and distinctive medium-length coat. Their balanced proportions combine strength with elegance, featuring a noble head, expressive eyes, and well-feathered tail. These dogs display a harmonious blend of power and grace in their movement, with their coat typically showing liver-colored patches on a white background.
Norwegian Buhund Overview
Norwegian Buhunds are medium-sized spitz-type dogs with distinctive wolf-like features, including a wedge-shaped head, pointed ears, and curled tail. Their double coat comes in wheaten or black colors, providing excellent protection. Alert and energetic, these dogs combine the agility of herding breeds with the loyalty of family companions. Their muscular build and balanced proportions reflect their heritage as working dogs.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: German Longhaired Pointers are less energetic than Norwegian Buhunds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: German Longhaired Pointers require less grooming attention compared to Norwegian Buhunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, German Longhaired Pointers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Norwegian Buhunds.
- Trainability: Norwegian Buhunds may be slightly easier to train due to their Norwegian Buhund's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Norwegian Buhunds adapt better to apartment living, while German Longhaired Pointers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer and Norwegian Buhund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | German Longhaired Pointer | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | German Longhaired Pointer | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-28 inches 56-71 cm | 16-19 inches 41-47 cm |
| Weight | 55-80 lbs 25-36 kg | 26-40 lbs 12-18 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Unknown | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | German Longhaired Pointer | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Versatile, Calm, Family-Oriented | Confident, Smart, Perceptive |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | German Longhaired Pointer | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
German Longhaired Pointer Temperament
The German Longhaired Pointer is known for being versatile, calm, family-oriented, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Norwegian Buhund Temperament
The Norwegian Buhund is characterized by being confident, smart, perceptive, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the German Longhaired Pointer and Norwegian Buhund, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 5/5
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 4/5
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 4/5
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 1/5
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 2/5
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
German Longhaired Pointer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
German Longhaired Pointers require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, German Longhaired Pointers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Norwegian Buhund Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Norwegian Buhunds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Norwegian Buhunds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
German Longhaired Pointer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Ear Infections
- Von Willebrand's
Norwegian Buhund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Patellar Luxation
- Von Willebrand's
- Skin Allergies
Pros & Cons
German Longhaired Pointer
Pros
- Excellent hunting companion
- Highly trainable
- Good family dog
- Versatile worker
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Regular grooming required
- Not suited for apartment living
- Strong hunting instincts
Norwegian Buhund
Pros
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Good with families
- Excellent watchdog
- Adaptable to different environments
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Can be vocal
- Requires regular grooming
- Strong herding instincts
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the German Longhaired Pointer and Norwegian Buhund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.