Golden Retriever 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.
Golden Retriever
Sporting Group
Norwegian Buhund
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Golden Retriever Overview
Golden Retrievers embody grace and athleticism with their sturdy, well-balanced frame and distinctive golden coat. Their broad head features intelligent dark eyes and a friendly expression, while their thick, water-repellent double coat comes in various golden shades. Known for their gentle mouth, developed for retrieving game without damage, these dogs combine strength with elegance in their fluid movement.
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: Golden Retrievers are more energetic than Norwegian Buhunds, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Golden Retrievers require less grooming attention compared to Norwegian Buhunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retrievers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Golden Retriever and Norwegian Buhund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Golden Retriever | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Golden Retriever | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-24 inches 55-61 cm | 16-19 inches 41-47 cm |
| Weight | 55-75 lbs 25-34 kg | 26-40 lbs 12-18 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Golden Retriever | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Intelligent, Devoted | Confident, Smart, Perceptive |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Golden Retriever | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Golden Retriever Temperament
The Golden Retriever is known for being friendly, intelligent, devoted, 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 Golden Retriever 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
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Golden Retriever
Rating: 1/5
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Golden Retriever
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Golden Retriever Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Golden Retrievers 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, Golden Retrievers 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
Golden Retriever Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Heart Issues
- Cancer
Norwegian Buhund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Patellar Luxation
- Von Willebrand's
- Skin Allergies
Pros & Cons
Golden Retriever
Pros
- Excellent family dog
- Highly trainable
- Great with children
- Friendly disposition
- Versatile working ability
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- High exercise needs
- Prone to health issues
- Can be mouthy
- Requires regular grooming
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 Golden Retriever and Norwegian Buhund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.