Other names: Norsk Buhund, Norwegian Sheepdog.
The Norwegian Buhund is a breed of dog of the spitz type. It is closely related to the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Jämthund. The Buhund is used as an all-purpose farm and herding dog, as well as a watchdog and a nanny dog.
Name origin
The name Buhund is derived from the Norwegian word “bu”, which means homestead, a simple building or mountain hut (where the shepherd lived while looking after his herd in the summer) but can also mean stock, as in livestock, and “hund” which means dog. The modern buhund was bred on the rainy western coastlands of Norway from similar dogs used by Vikings.
General appearance
The Norwegian Buhund has a square profile, is a little under medium-sized and sports a high set, tightly curled tail carried over the centre of the back. The head is wedge-shaped with pricked ears and a black nose. Their back is level with a deep chest.
History
The Norwegian Buhund belongs to a large class of dogs called the Spitz type. There are many variations in size, coat and colour among the Spitz breeds. These dogs protected farms and herded cattle and sheep.