Tibetan Mastiff 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.
Tibetan Mastiff
Working Group
Norwegian Buhund
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Tibetan Mastiff Overview
Majestic and imposing, the Tibetan Mastiff boasts a powerful build with a thick double coat and distinctive lion-like mane. Standing up to 30 inches at the shoulder with males weighing up to 150 pounds, these ancient guardians possess deep, almond-shaped eyes and a noble bearing. Their deliberate movements and watchful demeanor reflect centuries of guardian heritage, while their muscular frame and substantial bone structure command respect.
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: Tibetan Mastiffs are less energetic than Norwegian Buhunds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Tibetan Mastiffs require more grooming attention compared to Norwegian Buhunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Tibetan Mastiffs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Norwegian Buhunds.
- Trainability: Tibetan Mastiffs may be slightly easier to train due to their Tibetan Mastiff's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Norwegian Buhunds adapt better to apartment living, while Tibetan Mastiffs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Tibetan Mastiff and Norwegian Buhund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Tibetan Mastiff | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Tibetan Mastiff | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-26 inches 61-66 cm | 16-19 inches 41-47 cm |
| Weight | 70-150 lbs 32-68 kg | 26-40 lbs 12-18 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Tibetan Mastiff | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Independent, Reserved, Intelligent | Confident, Smart, Perceptive |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Tibetan Mastiff | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Tibetan Mastiff Temperament
The Tibetan Mastiff is known for being independent, reserved, intelligent, 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. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
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 Tibetan Mastiff 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
Tibetan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Tibetan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Tibetan Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Tibetan Mastiff
Rating: 2/5
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Tibetan Mastiff
Rating: 4/5
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Tibetan Mastiff Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Tibetan Mastiffs require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Tibetan Mastiffs require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
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
Tibetan Mastiff Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Eye Problems
- Heart Issues
Norwegian Buhund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Patellar Luxation
- Von Willebrand's
- Skin Allergies
Pros & Cons
Tibetan Mastiff
Pros
- Excellent guardian
- Loyal to family
- Independent nature
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- Strong-willed personality
- High maintenance grooming
- Not suitable for apartments
- Challenging to train
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 Tibetan Mastiff and Norwegian Buhund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.