Norwegian Buhund vs Beagle
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Norwegian Buhund
Herding Group
Beagle
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Beagle Overview
Beagles captivate with their compact, muscular frames and expressive brown or hazel eyes. Their distinctive tri-colored coats combine white, black, and warm brown tones, complemented by long, velvety ears. These merry hounds possess remarkable scenting abilities, coupled with a gentle, determined nature that makes them exceptional family companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norwegian Buhunds are less energetic than Beagles, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norwegian Buhunds require less grooming attention compared to Beagles.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norwegian Buhunds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Beagles.
- Trainability: Beagles may be slightly easier to train due to their Beagle's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Beagles adapt better to apartment living, while Norwegian Buhunds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Norwegian Buhund and Beagle, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norwegian Buhund | Beagle |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 10-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norwegian Buhund | Beagle |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-19 inches 41-47 cm | 13-15 inches 33-38 cm |
| Weight | 26-40 lbs 12-18 kg | 13-30 lbs 6-14 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norwegian Buhund | Beagle |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Confident, Smart, Perceptive | Friendly, Curious, Merry |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norwegian Buhund | Beagle |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Norwegian Buhund Temperament
The Norwegian Buhund is known for being confident, smart, perceptive, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Beagle Temperament
The Beagle is characterized by being friendly, curious, merry, which makes them great companions for families. 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 Norwegian Buhund and Beagle, 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
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 3/5
Beagle
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 3/5
Beagle
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 4/5
Beagle
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 1/5
Beagle
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 3/5
Beagle
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Norwegian Buhund Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Norwegian Buhunds 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, Norwegian Buhunds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Beagle Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Beagles 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, Beagles require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Norwegian Buhund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Patellar Luxation
- Von Willebrand's
- Skin Allergies
Beagle Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism
- Disk Disease
Pros & Cons
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
Beagle
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Low grooming needs
- Friendly disposition
- Adaptable to various homes
Cons
- Strong hunting instincts
- Frequent barking
- Can be stubborn
- Escape artists
- Food motivated/prone to obesity
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norwegian Buhund and Beagle, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.