Norwegian Buhund

Northern Breed Group

The goals and purposes of this breed standard include: to furnish guidelines for breeders who wish to maintain the quality of their breed and to improve it; to advance this breed to a state of similarity throughout the world; and to act as a guide for judges.

Breeders and judges have the responsibility to avoid any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence and soundness of this breed, and must take the responsibility to see that these are not perpetuated.

Any departure from the following should be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.

History

The Norwegian Buhund is descended from the Spitz-like dogs that traveled with the Vikings on their long land and sea journeys. The modern breed was developed in western Norway, where they herded sheep and guarded farms, and occasionally were used for hunting bear and wolf. Today the breed works with livestock and guards home and family.

The Norwegian Buhund was recognized by the United Kennel Club January 1, 1996.

General Appearance

The Norwegian Buhund is a typical Spitz type herding dog of slightly less than medium size. It has a wedge shaped head, prick ears, a tightly curled tail, and a body that is square in appearance.

Characteristics

Courageous, energetic and friendly, the Norwegian Buhund is quick to learn and eager to please.

Head

The head is wedge shaped, clean, and not too heavy. The differences between males and females should be easily identifiable.

SKULL

Nearly flat. The toplines of the skull and muzzle lie in parallel planes. The stop is well defined, but not abrupt.

MUZZLE

About the same length as the skull, with a straight nasal bridge. The face is well filled under the eyes. The lips are tight and black.

TEETH

The Norwegian Buhund has a complete set of evenly spaced, white teeth meeting in a scissors bite.

Disqualifications: Overshot or undershot bite.
Fault: Even bite.

NOSE

Black.

Faults: Liver colored or Dudley nose.

EYES

The eyes are oval in shape, as dark in color as possible, and have black eye rims. Expression is alert and frank.

Faults: Light eyes. Bulging eyes.

EARS

Medium size, pointed in shape and carried strongly erect.

Disqualification: Ears that are not erect.

Neck

Medium long, clean, strong and well arched.

Forequarters

The shoulders are moderately sloping.

FORELEGS

Straight, with well set elbows and strong but not coarse bone. The pasterns are moderately sloping.

Body

Square when measured from top of the withers to the ground and prosternum to buttocks. The chest is deep, and the ribs are well sprung. The back and loin are short, strong and straight, and the croup is nearly flat.

Hindquarters

The hindquarters are moderately angulated.

HIND LEGS

The thighs are powerful and well muscled. There is moderate angulation at the stifle and the hock.

Feet

Compact and oval.

Tail

Set high, firmly curled and carried over the center of the back, not too much to the side.

Faults: Poorly curled tail. Hanging tail.

Coat

Double, with a thick, rich, hard outer coat that is rather close lying. The undercoat is soft and dense. On the head and the front of the legs, the coat is comparatively short, and longer on the neck, chest, back of thighs and tail.

Faults: Coat that is too long or wavy.

Color

Any shade of wheaten, from pale cream to bright orange, with or without black tipped hairs. A black mask is acceptable. As little white as possible is preferred. Also solid black, with as little bronzing as possible and small amounts of white markings, the fewer the better.

Disqualification: Any color other than those described in the standard.

Height and Weight

Ideal height for males is 17 to 18.5 inches. For females, it is 16 to 17.5 inches. Weight for males is 31 to 40 pounds for males; 26 to 35 pounds for females.

Gait

Free and effortless, with good drive and a firm topline.

Eliminating Faults

(An Eliminating Fault is a Fault serious enough that it eliminates the dog from obtaining any awards in a conformation event.)
More than one half inch under the prescribed heights. More than one inch over the prescribed heights.

Disqualifications

(A dog with a Disqualification must not be considered for placement in a conformation event, and must be reported to UKC.)
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid.
Viciousness or extreme shyness.
Albinism.
Overshot or undershot bite.
Ears that are not erect.
Any color other than those described in the standard.