DogMatchUp

Norwegian Buhund vs Cane Corso

Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.

Norwegian Buhund
Small

Norwegian Buhund

Herding Group

Cane Corso
Medium

Cane Corso

Working Group

Quick Comparison

Size

Norwegian Buhund Small
Cane Corso Medium

Lifespan

Norwegian Buhund 12-15 years
Cane Corso 9-12 years

Exercise Needs

Norwegian Buhund 4/5
Cane Corso 4/5

Grooming Needs

Norwegian Buhund 3/5
Cane Corso 2/5

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.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Size: Small
Temperament: Confident, Smart, Perceptive

Cane Corso Overview

Majestic and muscular, the Cane Corso exhibits a powerful build with a large head, pronounced jaw, and athletic stance. Their short coat comes in various colors, including black, gray, and fawn. Distinguished by their noble bearing and confident demeanor, these dogs combine strength with remarkable agility. Their alert expression and imposing presence reflect their heritage as guardians.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 9-12 years
Size: Medium
Temperament: Affectionate, Intelligent, Majestic

Key Differences

  • Energy Level: Norwegian Buhunds are less energetic than Cane Corsos, requiring less daily exercise.
  • Grooming: Norwegian Buhunds require more grooming attention compared to Cane Corsos.
  • Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norwegian Buhunds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Cane Corsos.
  • Trainability: Cane Corsos may be slightly easier to train due to their Cane Corso's higher intelligence ranking.
  • Living Situation: Norwegian Buhunds adapt better to apartment living, while Cane Corsos typically prefer homes with more space.

Detailed Comparison

Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Norwegian Buhund and Cane Corso, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.

Basic Information

Feature Norwegian Buhund Cane Corso
Size Small Medium
Life Expectancy 12-15 years 9-12 years
Country of Origin Unknown Unknown
Breed Group Herding Group Working Group

Physical Characteristics

Feature Norwegian Buhund Cane Corso
Height
16-19 inches
41-47 cm
24-27 inches
60-70 cm
Weight
26-40 lbs
12-18 kg
Unknown
Unknown
Coat Type Short, dense coat Short, dense coat
Coat Length Short Short
Shedding Seasonal Occasional

Temperament & Behavior

Feature Norwegian Buhund Cane Corso
Temperament Confident, Smart, Perceptive Affectionate, Intelligent, Majestic
Energy Level
4/5
4/5
Intelligence
1/5
2/5

Compatibility

Feature Norwegian Buhund Cane Corso
Good with Children
3/5
3/5
Good with Other Dogs
3/5
3/5
Apartment Friendly
3/5
2/5

Temperament & Personality

Norwegian Buhund Temperament

Confident Smart Perceptive

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.

Cane Corso Temperament

Affectionate Intelligent Majestic

The Cane Corso is characterized by being affectionate, intelligent, majestic, 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 Cane Corso, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:

Sociability with Strangers

Norwegian Buhund
3/5
Cane Corso
3/5

Good with Children

Norwegian Buhund
3/5
Cane Corso
3/5

Side-by-Side Trait Ratings

GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Norwegian Buhund

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

Cane Corso

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS

Norwegian Buhund

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

Cane Corso

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

ENERGY LEVEL

Norwegian Buhund

Low High

Rating: 4/5

Cane Corso

Low High

Rating: 4/5

TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE

Norwegian Buhund

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 1/5

Cane Corso

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 2/5

GROOMING NEEDS

Norwegian Buhund

Low High

Rating: 3/5

Cane Corso

Low High

Rating: 2/5

Care & Maintenance

Norwegian Buhund Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

4/5

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

3/5

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.

Cane Corso Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

4/5

Cane Corsos 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

2/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Cane Corsos 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

Average Lifespan: 12-15 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Eye Problems
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Von Willebrand's
  • Skin Allergies

Cane Corso Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 9-12 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Cherry Eye
  • Entropion

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

Cane Corso

Pros

  • Loyal and protective
  • Intelligent
  • Athletic
  • Good with family

Cons

  • Strong-willed
  • Needs extensive training
  • High exercise needs
  • May be intimidating to strangers

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

Now that you've compared the Norwegian Buhund and Cane Corso, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.