Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Norwegian Buhund
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Terrier Group
Norwegian Buhund
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Overview
Staffordshire Bull Terriers showcase a muscular, compact build with distinctive broad heads and rose-shaped ears. Their short, smooth coat comes in various colors, complementing their strong, athletic physique. Known for combining remarkable strength with agility, these terriers display a confident stance and move with determined grace. Their expressive eyes and characteristic 'Staffie smile' reflect their warm, affectionate nature.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Staffordshire Bull Terriers are less energetic than Norwegian Buhunds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Staffordshire Bull Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Norwegian Buhunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Staffordshire Bull Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Norwegian Buhunds.
- Trainability: Staffordshire Bull Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Staffordshire Bull Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Norwegian Buhunds adapt better to apartment living, while Staffordshire Bull Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Norwegian Buhund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 14-16 inches 36-41 cm | 16-19 inches 41-47 cm |
| Weight | 24-38 lbs 11-17 kg | 26-40 lbs 12-18 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Clever, Brave, Tenacious | Confident, Smart, Perceptive |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Temperament
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is known for being clever, brave, tenacious, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Norwegian Buhund Temperament
The Norwegian Buhund is characterized by being confident, smart, perceptive, 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Norwegian Buhund, 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
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Staffordshire Bull Terriers 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, Staffordshire Bull Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Norwegian Buhund Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Norwegian Buhunds 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, Norwegian Buhunds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- L-2-HGA
- Cataracts
- Skin allergies
- Heart problems
Norwegian Buhund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Patellar Luxation
- Von Willebrand's
- Skin Allergies
Pros & Cons
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Pros
- Loyal and affectionate
- Good with children
- Low maintenance grooming
- Compact size
- Athletic and agile
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- High exercise needs
- May be dog-aggressive
- Strong prey drive
- Not suitable for novice owners
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Norwegian Buhund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.