Norwegian Buhund

Spitz dogs of Buhund type are among the oldest working dogs in Scandinavia. Remains of similar dogs have been recovered from Viking burial sites in Norway, and the animals were valued enough to be buried alongside their owners, presumably so the same partnership could continue.

For centuries the breed's world was the smallholding: driving cattle up to the summer mountain pastures, holding sheep, guarding the yard, and later helping on the coast with fishing boats and farm work alike. Because the job was general rather than specialised, the dogs were selected for sense, soundness and stamina rather than a single narrow skill.

Organised breeding began in the twentieth century. Norwegian enthusiast John Saeland was central to the first Buhund show, held at Jaeren in 1920, and the Norsk Buhundklubb followed in 1939. The breed reached Britain after the Second World War, gained Kennel Club recognition there, and was admitted to the American Kennel Club Herding Group in 2009.

The Buhund is still uncommon outside Norway, but it has a devoted following among people who want a herding dog in a manageable, weatherproof package.

The Buhund is squarely built and lightly made, standing about 16 to 18.5 inches at the shoulder, with males weighing roughly 31 to 40 pounds and females 26 to 35. Nothing about it is exaggerated: level back, deep chest, straight strong legs and a tightly curled tail carried over the loin.

The head is wedge-shaped and clean with a defined stop, dark eyes with an alert, good-natured expression, and pointed erect ears that are very mobile. Movement is light, free and tireless, the trot of a dog expected to keep up with stock all day over rough ground.

The double coat is short to medium in length, harsh on the outside over a soft woolly undercoat, and it neither mats nor tangles. Two colours are recognised: wheaten, which runs from pale cream to a bright orange-red often with dark-tipped hairs and a dark mask, and black, ideally without much bronzing. Small white markings are allowed.

This is a cheerful, confident, sociable dog. Buhunds are affectionate with their families and famously good with children, joining in games happily and tolerating a fair amount of household noise and coming and going.

They are natural watchdogs, quick to announce a visitor, but the breed is not a guard dog in any hard sense; most are reserved for a moment with strangers and then friendly. Barking is a real trait and needs to be shaped early, especially in a terraced house or a flat.

Buhunds are self-assured and very keen to be involved. Left alone for long stretches without exercise or company, they invent work of their own, which usually means noise, digging or destruction. They are generally good with other dogs and can live with cats when raised alongside them, though herding instinct means they may try to move whatever moves, children included.

The overall impression is of a busy, sensible dog that is easy to please, quick to learn, and pleasant to have underfoot.

The traditional role covers herding cattle and sheep, guarding the farmstead, and general work about the place. Some Norwegian farms still use them, and the breed's biddability and light-footed style suit close work in yards and on hill pasture.

Modern Buhunds do well in almost anything organised: herding tests, agility, obedience and rally, tracking and scent work. The breed's steadiness and size have also made it a candidate for hearing assistance and therapy work, and a Buhund that has a regular job to do is a markedly calmer dog at home.