Is the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Norwegian Buhund better for families with children?

The Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or the Norwegian Buhund?

The Icelandic Sheepdog sheds more than the Norwegian Buhund. If shedding is a concern, the Norwegian Buhund is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Norwegian Buhund?

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

Is Icelandic Sheepdog or Norwegian Buhund bigger?

Icelandic Sheepdog and Norwegian Buhund are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Icelandic Sheepdog or Norwegian Buhund?

Both bark a similar amount (high).

Which is better for apartment living, Icelandic Sheepdog or Norwegian Buhund?

For apartment or apartment living, Icelandic Sheepdog and Norwegian Buhund are an even match — either can work well.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Norwegian Buhund: Which Sheds Less?

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Norwegian Buhund: full comparison

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

Size and living space

The Icelandic Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. 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 Icelandic Sheepdog is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and is famously gentle and patient with children. The Norwegian Buhund is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Icelandic Sheepdog will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Norwegian Buhund will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Icelandic Sheepdog and Norwegian Buhund are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Icelandic Sheepdog has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Icelandic Sheepdog and Norwegian Buhund are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Icelandic Sheepdog and Norwegian Buhund are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Norwegian Buhund has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Icelandic Sheepdog if you want the more child-friendly companion or you want a more outgoing, sociable dog.

Choose the Norwegian Buhund if you prefer lower grooming upkeep or you want less shedding around the home.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Norwegian Buhund better for families with children?: The Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog or the Norwegian Buhund?: The Icelandic Sheepdog sheds more than the Norwegian Buhund. If shedding is a concern, the Norwegian Buhund is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Icelandic Sheepdog or the Norwegian Buhund?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Icelandic Sheepdog or Norwegian Buhund bigger?: Icelandic Sheepdog and Norwegian Buhund are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Icelandic Sheepdog or Norwegian Buhund?: Both bark a similar amount (high).
Which is better for apartment living, Icelandic Sheepdog or Norwegian Buhund?: For apartment or apartment living, Icelandic Sheepdog and Norwegian Buhund are an even match — either can work well.

Icelandic Sheepdog vs Norwegian Buhund