Norwegian Buhund vs Irish Wolfhound
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
Irish Wolfhound
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.
Irish Wolfhound Overview
Majestic Irish Wolfhounds stand as gentle giants of the canine world, with their distinctive rough coat and commanding presence. Their muscular build, deep chest, and long legs create an imposing yet graceful silhouette. Despite their formidable size, these hounds possess remarkably gentle temperaments, combining dignified bearing with patient, calm demeanors that make them exceptional companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norwegian Buhunds are more energetic than Irish Wolfhounds, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norwegian Buhunds require less grooming attention compared to Irish Wolfhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norwegian Buhunds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Irish Wolfhounds.
- Trainability: Irish Wolfhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Irish Wolfhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Norwegian Buhunds adapt better to apartment living, while Irish Wolfhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Norwegian Buhund and Irish Wolfhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norwegian Buhund | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 6-8 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norwegian Buhund | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-19 inches 41-47 cm | 30-32 inches 76-81 cm |
| Weight | 26-40 lbs 12-18 kg | 105-120 lbs 48-54 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norwegian Buhund | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Confident, Smart, Perceptive | Courageous, Dignified, Calm |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norwegian Buhund | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Irish Wolfhound Temperament
The Irish Wolfhound is characterized by being courageous, dignified, calm, 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 moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Norwegian Buhund and Irish Wolfhound, 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
Irish Wolfhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 3/5
Irish Wolfhound
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 4/5
Irish Wolfhound
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 1/5
Irish Wolfhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 3/5
Irish Wolfhound
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.
Irish Wolfhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Irish Wolfhounds need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Irish Wolfhounds 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
Irish Wolfhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Osteosarcoma
- Von Willebrand's Disease
- Bloat
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
Irish Wolfhound
Pros
- Gentle and patient temperament
- Good with children
- Minimal barking
- Noble and dignified presence
Cons
- Very short lifespan
- Requires large living space
- High food costs
- Health issues common
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norwegian Buhund and Irish Wolfhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.