Norwegian Buhund vs Borzoi
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
Borzoi
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.
Borzoi Overview
Graceful and aristocratic, the Borzoi exhibits a distinctive silhouette with its long, curved neck, deep chest, and flowing silky coat. Standing tall with elegant proportions, these sighthounds possess remarkable speed and agility. Their refined features include a narrow, elongated head, dark almond-shaped eyes, and small ears that lay back against their neck when relaxed.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norwegian Buhunds are less energetic than Borzois, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norwegian Buhunds require less grooming attention compared to Borzois.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norwegian Buhunds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Borzois.
- Trainability: Borzois may be slightly easier to train due to their Borzoi's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Norwegian Buhunds adapt better to apartment living, while Borzois typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Norwegian Buhund and Borzoi, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norwegian Buhund | Borzoi |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 9-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norwegian Buhund | Borzoi |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-19 inches 41-47 cm | 26-28 inches 66-71 cm |
| Weight | 26-40 lbs 12-18 kg | 60-105 lbs 27-48 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norwegian Buhund | Borzoi |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Confident, Smart, Perceptive | Affectionate, Loyal, Regally Dignified |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norwegian Buhund | Borzoi |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Borzoi Temperament
The Borzoi is characterized by being affectionate, loyal, regally dignified, 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 Norwegian Buhund and Borzoi, 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
Borzoi
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 3/5
Borzoi
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 4/5
Borzoi
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 1/5
Borzoi
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 3/5
Borzoi
Rating: 3/5
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.
Borzoi Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Borzois 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, Borzois require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Norwegian Buhund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Patellar Luxation
- Von Willebrand's
- Skin Allergies
Borzoi Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Bloat
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Osteochondrosis
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
Borzoi
Pros
- Elegant and graceful appearance
- Gentle and calm indoors
- Low barking tendency
- Good with other dogs
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
- Requires secure fencing
- Regular grooming needed
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norwegian Buhund and Borzoi, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.