Norwegian Buhund

The Norwegian word bu means a farm or homestead, and the Norsk Buhund (Norwegian Sheepdog) has been a farm worker for centuries. Perhaps because of this prosaic background, it did not receive the same attention as other Norwegian breeds until the 1920s, when a government official, Jon Saeland, made a concerted effort to save it. Since then the breed has become popular in Great Britain, and as a sheepdog in Australia, where it works tirelessly and does not appear to suffer in the heat. A steady, affectionate, and active breed, even tempered unless provoked, it makes a vocal watchdog and a fine companion for those who can keep up with it.

As with virtually all the Nordic spitz breeds, the Buhund requires patient training to create a reliably obedient companion. Even so, its chasing instinct remains powerful, and given the opportunity it will chase livestock. Unlike the Border Collie, the Buhund’s primary goal is to please itself rather than to please the farmer, or the pet owner for that matter. This is not an affection-demanding dog, nor is it one that slavishly worships its handler.