Norwegian Buhund is originated from Norway but Kishu is originated from Japan. Norwegian Buhund may grow 9 cm / 3 inches shorter than Kishu. Norwegian Buhund may weigh 9 kg / 19 pounds lesser than Kishu. Both Norwegian Buhund and Kishu has almost same life span. Both Norwegian Buhund and Kishu has almost same litter size. Both Norwegian Buhund and Kishu requires Moderate maintenance.
The Norwegian Buhund is a spitz type dog belonging to the herding group of dogs. The dog is related to the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Jämthund.
This dog breed dates back thousands of years to Nordic Viking times. For centuries these dogs have served working dogs, being herders as well as guardians of flock. Even today in remote parts of Norway, you’ll still find this dog doing farm work.
The Kishu is a Spitz type hunting dog that originates from Japan. Many people believe he is a descendant of the wolf. Those who have studied the dog say that it has kept its genetic purity and that there has been very little cross breeding with other dogs.
The Kishu is also known as the Kumano Ken, a name given after the area the dog originated from. The breed was officially recognized and standardized in 1934, and is known as the Kishu Ken. In 1934 the dog was also designated a Living Natural Monument in Japan and is protected by law.
The dog is also included in the group ‘Asian Spitz and Related Breeds’ class of primitive dogs.
The Norwegian Buhund stands at 41 to 47cm in height both male and female. He is a medium sized dog and weighs between 12 and 18kg.
Known as a herding dog, he is described as being deep chested with a well built, compact body, erect ears and a tail which curves over the back. The head of the dog is wedge-shaped and he has a bright, intelligent look to him.
The coat is essentially a wheaten color but it can be other shades such as a pale cream color to bright orange and sometimes even black. The coat is short to medium in length and he sheds moderately with some seasonal shedding as well.
Fun loving, friendly and social, the Norwegian Buhund is also an active dog who will always be pleading with you for a game or walkies. His pleading brown eyes will hopefully soften your heart towards him so that you give him a ball game or a run in the park. It is why this dog breed gets on well with children – he loves to be playing games with them.
They are such lovable dogs, wanting to spend time with their human family and always ready with a doggy kiss. They want to protect the ones they love and this makes them good watchdogs too, being wary around strangers. He is highly intelligent and will go through training and socialization with ease.
The Kishu is a medium sized dog standing between 43 – 56cm in height and weight is between 14 – 27kg.
He has a short, straight double coat which can be white, red or brindle. The dog has minimal shedding, making him an easy dog to groom.
The nose of the dog is black, but particularly with the white coated dogs, the nose can be brownish or pink in color. The ears are erect and pointed forwards and the tail is carried slightly curved over the dog's back.
The docile Kishu is no pushover and he is a strong minded, courageous dog. He is also an amicable dog breed, getting on well with his human family as well as with other dogs in the home.
He is somewhat aloof and reserved around strangers. Even though he is a docile dog, it is a good idea to have him trained and socialized so that he can be obedient and balanced in all situations.
He is intelligent and learns easily. An interesting aspect with the Kishu Ken is that he likes to take in everything going on from a vantage point, often seeking out a higher spot from where he can look about.
Kishu Kens like to keep an eye on whatever is going on, and sometimes he looks for a high place so that he can survey everything. They can be aloof or shy around strangers.
He will need exercise on a daily basis. They are lovable dogs and are affectionate towards children in the home. They form strong bonds with their human family.
He is a strong willed dog, and will require training and socialization. As a working and herding dog, he wants to be busy, and is perhaps best suited to life in the suburbs or countryside as opposed to living in the city.
He makes an awesome companion dog and he wants to please his human family and be an active part of their lives.
The Kishu is a hardy dog breed known for his exceptional hunting instincts and loyalty. He is a brave, clever, playful, tenacious dog eager to please his master.
He isn’t so much a hunting dog anymore but is essentially a companion dog, bonding closely with his human family. He will get on well with children and pets in the home, but more so when he has been trained and socialized.
Apart from making a splendid companion, the Kishu promises to be an excellent guard dog to anyone who threatens his human family.
Provide your Norwegian Buhund with the right care and he can get to 15 years of age. Hip dysplasia is always an issue with dogs and you should be very wary of it as it can cause lameness and pain.
Cataracts is another illness that you want to be aware of. Although not painful, this eye aliment can lead to blindness.
Look out for other common dog illnesses such as bloat, skin allergies and cancer.
Before you bring a new puppy or rescue dog into your home, you must be prepared for the responsibility of a dog. If you're just simply looking for a watchdog to stick into your backyard, you're being cruel.
A dog is a social creature and you need to spend time with them and care for them. Sometimes he can get sick and then you may need to get him to the vet.
Some of the illnesses your Kishu can get will be easily treatable, while others may be life-threatening and require surgery.
The health of your dog will depend a lot on the food you provide it with as well as your lifestyle. Common dog health problems can range from typical eye- and ear infections to bloat, hip dysplasia and cancers.
The thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone which can lead to other health problems such as tiredness and weight gain. A daily thyroid pill from the vet can help sort this issue out.
This is a common health problem, seen more in older dogs. Your once active dog will move around slower and battle to stand up after lying down.
Arthritis can’t be cured but you can alleviate the pain and suffering. Your vet will tell you that diet and nutrition are important factors to ward off arthritis in the first place.
If your dog has arthritis and is in pain, get him to your vet who can prescribe medications to alleviate the symptoms.
This is a respiratory infection which can be transmitted from one dog to another. You’ll notice coughing, tiredness, runny nose and watery eyes and loss of appetite. Take him to your vet who will know what to do to speed up recovery for your pet.
You’re going to need to provide this dog of yours with activities that stimulate him physically and mentally. The Norwegian Buhund isn’t a couch-potato type of dog and he doesn’t do well with just lying around. Take him on walks and hikes, throw balls or frisbees for him and buy him some toys that can entertain him. You want to avoid him barking and digging from sheer boredom.
Like all other spitz-breed dogs, the Norwegian Buhund has a thick double coat, and because he sheds moderately, you will need to brush him at least twice a week. Check simultaneously for ticks and fleas.
Check your pets eye and ears for infection and check his teeth. A rotting tooth at the back of his mouth can be the cause of a lot of pain and problems throughout the body. Keep his nails clipped as well so as to prevent them hooking onto things.
Provide your pet with a nice warm, dry, comfortable place to sleep. If he goes outside, make sure he has a place to lie in the shade or in the sun.
Take your pet to the vet when he appears to be lethargic and sick. Remember to keep his vaccines up to date.
Feed your pet food which is known for its nutritional value. Home made food is a real treat for your pet, but high quality commercially manufactured food can be good and convenient too.
Dogs love simple, consistent diets which don’t upset their stomachs. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, and some vegetables such as sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots chopped up into his food from time to time can be superbly nutritious for your pet. Try and also include a little bit of raw meat occasionally. Always have a bowl of fresh, cool water available to your pet.
The Kishu will need to be brushed twice a week to keep the coat free of dust and loose hairs. Their ears should be checked regularly too for wax build up and dirt as ear infections are a common dog illness.
Their nails should also be trimmed regularly. Take him regularly to have his teeth cleaned because dental problems can put his entire body at risk for disease.
The Kishu needs a good sized garden to roam. He is best suited to country life because he needs regular exercise. If he lives in the city, put him on a leash and take him for walks.
Apart from exercise, good food is imperative as nutritious food contributes to longevity. Top quality food and the right size portions can ensure lean, energetic, happy, healthy dogs.
Take trouble to understand the ingredients listed on the commercial dog food packaging. Generally the low quality, processed commercial foods are inflammatory.
Even if you go for the top brand kibble, don’t just provide your pet with dry kibble night after night. Mix in some cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables.
Remember too, that fresh whole foods such as vegetables have live enzymes and are packed full of fiber which is so necessary for digestion. A good diet with fresh, cool water is guaranteed to provide an excellent dimension to your pet’s health.