Tibetan 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.
Tibetan Terrier
Non-Sporting Group
Norwegian Buhund
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Tibetan Terrier Overview
Tibetan Terriers showcase a medium-sized, square-proportioned build with a distinctive long, thick double coat that protected them from harsh Himalayan weather. Their unique broad head, pendant ears, and well-feathered tail carried over the back create an appealing silhouette. Naturally agile and sure-footed, these dogs move with remarkable grace and power, reflecting their mountainous heritage.
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 Terriers are less energetic than Norwegian Buhunds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Tibetan Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Norwegian Buhunds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Tibetan Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Norwegian Buhunds.
- Trainability: Tibetan Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Tibetan Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Norwegian Buhunds adapt better to apartment living, while Tibetan Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Tibetan Terrier and Norwegian Buhund, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Tibetan Terrier | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 15-16 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Tibetan Terrier | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 14-17 inches 36-43 cm | 16-19 inches 41-47 cm |
| Weight | 18-30 lbs 8-14 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 Terrier | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Loyal, Sensitive | Confident, Smart, Perceptive |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Tibetan Terrier | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Tibetan Terrier Temperament
The Tibetan Terrier is known for being affectionate, loyal, sensitive, 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.
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 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
Tibetan Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Tibetan Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Tibetan Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Tibetan Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Tibetan Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Norwegian Buhund
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Tibetan Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Tibetan 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, Tibetan Terriers 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 Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Lens Luxation
- CCL
- Hypothyroidism
Norwegian Buhund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Patellar Luxation
- Von Willebrand's
- Skin Allergies
Pros & Cons
Tibetan Terrier
Pros
- Affectionate with family
- Good with children
- Minimal shedding
- Adaptable to various homes
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Can be stubborn
- Reserved with strangers
- Requires regular exercise
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 Terrier and Norwegian Buhund, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.