Is the Norwegian Buhund or the Norwegian Elkhound better for families with children?

Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Norwegian Elkhound are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Norwegian Buhund or the Norwegian Elkhound?

The Norwegian Elkhound 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 Norwegian Buhund or the Norwegian Elkhound?

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

Is Norwegian Buhund or Norwegian Elkhound bigger?

Norwegian Buhund and Norwegian Elkhound are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Norwegian Buhund or Norwegian Elkhound?

Both bark a similar amount (high).

Which is better for apartment living, Norwegian Buhund or Norwegian Elkhound?

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

Norwegian Buhund vs Norwegian Elkhound: Which Sheds Less?

Norwegian Buhund vs Norwegian Elkhound: full comparison

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

Size and living space

The Norwegian Buhund is a mid-sized breed that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the Norwegian Elkhound is a mid-sized breed 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 Norwegian Buhund needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Norwegian Elkhound needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Norwegian Buhund needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. The Norwegian Elkhound needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Norwegian Buhund is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Norwegian Elkhound is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Norwegian Buhund announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Norwegian Elkhound announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Norwegian Buhund and Norwegian Elkhound are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Norwegian Buhund and Norwegian Elkhound are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Norwegian Buhund and Norwegian Elkhound are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Norwegian Elkhound has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Norwegian Buhund has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

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

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

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Norwegian Buhund or the Norwegian Elkhound better for families with children?: Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Norwegian Elkhound are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Norwegian Buhund or the Norwegian Elkhound?: The Norwegian Elkhound 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 Norwegian Buhund or the Norwegian Elkhound?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Norwegian Buhund or Norwegian Elkhound bigger?: Norwegian Buhund and Norwegian Elkhound are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Norwegian Buhund or Norwegian Elkhound?: Both bark a similar amount (high).
Which is better for apartment living, Norwegian Buhund or Norwegian Elkhound?: For apartment or apartment living, Norwegian Buhund and Norwegian Elkhound are an even match — either can work well.

Norwegian Buhund vs Norwegian Elkhound