Norwegian Buhund vs German Longhaired Pointer
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
German Longhaired Pointer
Foundation Stock Service
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.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norwegian Buhunds are less energetic than German Longhaired Pointers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norwegian Buhunds require more grooming attention compared to German Longhaired Pointers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norwegian Buhunds tend to be more reserved with strangers than German Longhaired Pointers.
- Trainability: German Longhaired Pointers may be slightly easier to train due to their German Longhaired Pointer'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 Norwegian Buhund and German Longhaired Pointer, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norwegian Buhund | German Longhaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norwegian Buhund | German Longhaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-19 inches 41-47 cm | 22-28 inches 56-71 cm |
| Weight | 26-40 lbs 12-18 kg | 55-80 lbs 25-36 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Unknown |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norwegian Buhund | German Longhaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Confident, Smart, Perceptive | Versatile, Calm, Family-Oriented |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norwegian Buhund | German Longhaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
German Longhaired Pointer Temperament
The German Longhaired Pointer is characterized by being versatile, calm, family-oriented, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Norwegian Buhund and German Longhaired Pointer, 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
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 3/5
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 4/5
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 1/5
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 3/5
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 2/5
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.
German Longhaired Pointer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
German Longhaired Pointers 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, German Longhaired Pointers 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
German Longhaired Pointer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Ear Infections
- Von Willebrand's
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
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norwegian Buhund and German Longhaired Pointer, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.