Is the American Water Spaniel or the Norwegian Buhund better for families with children?

Both the American Water Spaniel and the Norwegian Buhund are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the American Water Spaniel or the Norwegian Buhund?

The Norwegian Buhund sheds more than the American Water Spaniel. If shedding is a concern, the American Water Spaniel is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the American Water Spaniel or the Norwegian Buhund?

The American Water Spaniel is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is American Water Spaniel or Norwegian Buhund bigger?

American Water Spaniel and Norwegian Buhund are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, American Water Spaniel or Norwegian Buhund?

Norwegian Buhund tends to be the more vocal of the two, so American Water Spaniel is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, American Water Spaniel or Norwegian Buhund?

For apartment or apartment living, American Water Spaniel has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

American Water Spaniel vs Norwegian Buhund: Sheds Less?

American Water Spaniel vs Norwegian Buhund: full comparison

Trait	American Water Spaniel	Norwegian Buhund
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	High	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	Medium	High
Barking	Medium	High
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	13 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The American Water Spaniel is a moderately built dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. By comparison, the Norwegian Buhund is a moderately built dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The American Water Spaniel needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The Norwegian Buhund needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The American Water Spaniel needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Norwegian Buhund needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The American Water Spaniel takes to training fast and works willingly, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and suits families with children particularly well. The Norwegian Buhund picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, American Water Spaniel announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Norwegian Buhund announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, American Water Spaniel has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, American Water Spaniel and Norwegian Buhund are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, American Water Spaniel has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, American Water Spaniel has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, American Water Spaniel has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the American Water Spaniel if you want an easier dog to train, you want less shedding around the home, or you prefer a quieter dog.

Choose the Norwegian Buhund if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the American Water Spaniel on temperament, size and care.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the American Water Spaniel or the Norwegian Buhund better for families with children?: Both the American Water Spaniel and the Norwegian Buhund are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the American Water Spaniel or the Norwegian Buhund?: The Norwegian Buhund sheds more than the American Water Spaniel. If shedding is a concern, the American Water Spaniel is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the American Water Spaniel or the Norwegian Buhund?: The American Water Spaniel is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is American Water Spaniel or Norwegian Buhund bigger?: American Water Spaniel and Norwegian Buhund are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, American Water Spaniel or Norwegian Buhund?: Norwegian Buhund tends to be the more vocal of the two, so American Water Spaniel is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, American Water Spaniel or Norwegian Buhund?: For apartment or apartment living, American Water Spaniel has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

American Water Spaniel vs Norwegian Buhund