Is the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen or the Norwegian Buhund better for families with children?

Both the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and the Norwegian Buhund are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen or the Norwegian Buhund?

The Norwegian Buhund sheds more than the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen. If shedding is a concern, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen or the Norwegian Buhund?

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

Is Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen or Norwegian Buhund bigger?

Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and Norwegian Buhund are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen or Norwegian Buhund?

Norwegian Buhund tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen or Norwegian Buhund?

For apartment or flat living, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen vs Norwegian Buhund: Compared

Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen vs Norwegian Buhund: full comparison

Trait	Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen	Norwegian Buhund
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	Medium	High
Barking	Medium	High
Protectiveness	Low	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	13 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a mid-sized breed that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a garden are welcome. By comparison, the Norwegian Buhund is a mid-sized breed that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a garden are welcome. 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 Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen 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 Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen 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 Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. 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, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers, whereas Norwegian Buhund announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

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

Which should you choose?

Choose the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen if you want less shedding around the home or you prefer a quieter dog.

Choose the Norwegian Buhund if you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen or the Norwegian Buhund better for families with children?: Both the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and the Norwegian Buhund are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen or the Norwegian Buhund?: The Norwegian Buhund sheds more than the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen. If shedding is a concern, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen or the Norwegian Buhund?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen or Norwegian Buhund bigger?: Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and Norwegian Buhund are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen or Norwegian Buhund?: Norwegian Buhund tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen or Norwegian Buhund?: For apartment or flat living, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen vs Norwegian Buhund