Is the Finnish Spitz or the Norwegian Buhund better for families with children?

The Norwegian Buhund tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Finnish Spitz or the Norwegian Buhund?

The Finnish Spitz and Norwegian Buhund shed a similar amount (high).

Which is easier to train, the Finnish Spitz or the Norwegian Buhund?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Finnish Spitz or Norwegian Buhund bigger?

Finnish Spitz and Norwegian Buhund are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Finnish Spitz or Norwegian Buhund?

Finnish Spitz tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Norwegian Buhund is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Finnish Spitz or Norwegian Buhund?

For apartment or apartment living, Norwegian Buhund has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Finnish Spitz vs Norwegian Buhund: Which Is Quieter?

Finnish Spitz vs Norwegian Buhund: full comparison

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

Size and living space

The Finnish Spitz is a medium-sized dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. By comparison, the Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized 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 Finnish Spitz demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The Norwegian Buhund demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Finnish Spitz needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds enough that regular cleaning becomes routine. The Norwegian Buhund needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds enough that regular cleaning becomes routine. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Finnish Spitz trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, is highly vocal, which matters in an apartment or a terraced house and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. The Norwegian Buhund trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, Finnish Spitz 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, Norwegian Buhund has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Norwegian Buhund has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Finnish Spitz and Norwegian Buhund are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Finnish Spitz has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Finnish Spitz and Norwegian Buhund are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

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

Choose the Norwegian Buhund if you want the more child-friendly companion, you want a more outgoing, sociable dog, or you prefer a quieter dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Finnish Spitz or the Norwegian Buhund better for families with children?: The Norwegian Buhund tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Finnish Spitz or the Norwegian Buhund?: The Finnish Spitz and Norwegian Buhund shed a similar amount (high).
Which is easier to train, the Finnish Spitz or the Norwegian Buhund?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Finnish Spitz or Norwegian Buhund bigger?: Finnish Spitz and Norwegian Buhund are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Finnish Spitz or Norwegian Buhund?: Finnish Spitz tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Norwegian Buhund is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Finnish Spitz or Norwegian Buhund?: For apartment or apartment living, Norwegian Buhund has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Finnish Spitz vs Norwegian Buhund