Is the Norwegian Buhund or the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever better for families with children?

Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Norwegian Buhund or the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

The Norwegian Buhund and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever shed a similar amount (high).

Which is easier to train, the Norwegian Buhund or the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Norwegian Buhund or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever bigger?

Norwegian Buhund and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Norwegian Buhund or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

Both bark a similar amount (high).

Which is better for apartment living, Norwegian Buhund or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

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

Norwegian Buhund vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Norwegian Buhund vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: full comparison

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

Key differences at a glance

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has noticeably higher trainability than the Norwegian Buhund.

Size and living space

The Norwegian Buhund is a mid-sized breed that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a mid-sized breed that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard 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 Norwegian Buhund demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Norwegian Buhund needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds enough that regular cleaning becomes routine. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever 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 Norwegian Buhund picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever learns at a pace few breeds can match, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, Norwegian Buhund will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

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 and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Norwegian Buhund and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Norwegian Buhund and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Norwegian Buhund if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

Choose the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever if you want an easier dog to train or you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Norwegian Buhund or the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever better for families with children?: Both the Norwegian Buhund and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Norwegian Buhund or the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?: The Norwegian Buhund and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever shed a similar amount (high).
Which is easier to train, the Norwegian Buhund or the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?: The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Norwegian Buhund or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever bigger?: Norwegian Buhund and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Norwegian Buhund or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?: Both bark a similar amount (high).
Which is better for apartment living, Norwegian Buhund or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?: For apartment or apartment living, Norwegian Buhund has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.