Norwegian Buhund vs Great Dane
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
Great Dane
Working 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.
Great Dane Overview
Majestic and noble, Great Danes stand tall with a powerful yet elegant build. Their smooth coat comes in various colors including fawn, brindle, and harlequin. Distinguished by their gentle expression, long neck, and well-defined muscular body, these giants possess a graceful gait despite their imposing size. Their balanced temperament combines dignity with friendliness, making them both impressive guardians and affectionate companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norwegian Buhunds are less energetic than Great Danes, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norwegian Buhunds require more grooming attention compared to Great Danes.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norwegian Buhunds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Great Danes.
- Trainability: Great Danes may be slightly easier to train due to their Great Dane's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Norwegian Buhunds adapt better to apartment living, while Great Danes typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Norwegian Buhund and Great Dane, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norwegian Buhund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 7-10 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norwegian Buhund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-19 inches 41-47 cm | 28-32 inches 71-81 cm |
| Weight | 26-40 lbs 12-18 kg | 110-175 lbs 50-79 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norwegian Buhund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Confident, Smart, Perceptive | Friendly, Patient, Dependable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norwegian Buhund | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Great Dane Temperament
The Great Dane is characterized by being friendly, patient, dependable, 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 Great Dane, 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
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 3/5
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 4/5
Great Dane
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 1/5
Great Dane
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 3/5
Great Dane
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.
Great Dane Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Great Danes 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, Great Danes 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
Great Dane Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat
- DCM
- Eye problems
- Wobbler syndrome
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
Great Dane
Pros
- Gentle with family
- Excellent guard dog
- Minimal grooming needs
- Adaptable personality
Cons
- Short lifespan
- High food costs
- Space requirements
- Health issues
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norwegian Buhund and Great Dane, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.