Norwegian Buhund vs Old English Sheepdog
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
Old English Sheepdog
Herding 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.
Old English Sheepdog Overview
Majestic and shaggy, the Old English Sheepdog boasts a distinctive bear-like appearance with a thick, weather-resistant double coat. Their muscular build and agile movement reflect their herding heritage. Standing 22-24 inches at the shoulder, these gentle giants combine strength with remarkable agility. Their most striking feature is the abundant coat that flows over their eyes, giving them their characteristic peaked appearance.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Norwegian Buhunds are more energetic than Old English Sheepdogs, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Norwegian Buhunds require less grooming attention compared to Old English Sheepdogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Norwegian Buhunds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Old English Sheepdogs.
- Trainability: Old English Sheepdogs may be slightly easier to train due to their Old English Sheepdog's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Old English Sheepdogs adapt better to apartment living, while Norwegian Buhunds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Norwegian Buhund and Old English Sheepdog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Norwegian Buhund | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Norwegian Buhund | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-19 inches 41-47 cm | 21-22 inches 53-56 cm |
| Weight | 26-40 lbs 12-18 kg | 60-100 lbs 27-45 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Norwegian Buhund | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Confident, Smart, Perceptive | Adaptable, Gentle, Smart |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Norwegian Buhund | Old English Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Old English Sheepdog Temperament
The Old English Sheepdog is characterized by being adaptable, gentle, smart, which makes them great companions for families. 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 Old English Sheepdog, 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
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 3/5
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 4/5
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 1/5
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 3/5
Old English Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
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.
Old English Sheepdog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Old English Sheepdogs 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, Old English Sheepdogs require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Norwegian Buhund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Patellar Luxation
- Von Willebrand's
- Skin Allergies
Old English Sheepdog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Deafness
- Thyroid Issues
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
Old English Sheepdog
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Intelligent and trainable
- Adaptable to different living situations
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- High grooming requirements
- Can be stubborn
- Requires significant exercise
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Norwegian Buhund and Old English Sheepdog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.