Russian Hound vs Norwegian Buhund - Breed Comparison

There are sportsmen and hunters who appreciate the versatile Russian Hound. The Russian Hound has been a popular working breed in its homeland for a long time as it is an ancient dog breed.

This is an ancient dog breed, being developed by crossing common hunting dogs with indigenous ovcharkas and Laikas. Later European hunting dogs were also introduced into the mix.

The dogs numbers have declined but were later revived in the late 1800s. The first breed standard for the Russian Hound was created in 1896. Known as the Russkaya Gontchaya, this tough dog is still popular in all parts of Russia.

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 Russian Hound is a medium to large sized dog. He stands at roughly 62 – 67cm in height and weighs roughly 36 to 45kg. The dog however is available in a number of different sizes.

The coat is fairly short and dense, becoming fuller in Winter. The coat color is fawnish with a darker brown, blackish saddle on the back. The paws have some white markings. The eyes are medium length and the tail is long and held down.

Temperament:

The Russian Hound is a peaceful, calm dog, not making a fuss around strangers, but accepting them well. He may be calm, but he is independent and strong willed.

Training and socialization will be good for him, making him obedient and well mannered.

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.

Temperament:

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.

Everybody wants a peaceful, loving dog that can be a good pet and companion without causing a lot of trouble. The Russian hound is a peaceful, loving, loyal dog who is going to make any family a wonderful 4-legged fried.

He can adapt to life in the city or the countryside so long as he is given a good loving home and plenty of exercise.

The Norwegian Buhund is a cheerful, social and active breed.

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 Russian Hound is a healthy breed. Nonetheless even the healthiest dog breeds can become ill.

Good food, exercise and lots of love and attention can ensure a long life for him.

However every dog can have one of the many common dog illnesses there are. Toothache can be a serious problem for your pet because if you don’t look in his mouth you won’t be able to tell if he has a bad, painful tooth.

Dogs can also break their teeth, causing sharp, jutting pieces which cut the gums. They can also get gum disease. Plaque can cause a whole lot of bacteria in your pets mouth. With the increase in bacteria, your dog’s health problems increase too. It is imperative to look in your pets mouth and speak to your vet about canine dental maintenance.

Eye Infections:

Eye infection are a common problem with dogs, and an eye infection can be from allergies. Yellow pus can indicate an infection. It is best to speak to your vet because some eye infections can lead to blindness if left untreated.

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.

Exercise:

As a hunting dog, you will need to ensure your Russian Hound gets enough exercise. He will love his walks with you but will want to be let off his leash when in the park. He loves the opportunity to run free. Games at home in the garden will also be good for this large dog.

General Care:

Provide your pet with a nice, warm, dry sleeping area.

Make sure your pet’s vaccines are up to date.

Have your dog neutered or spayed to prevent unplanned puppies.

Grooming:

Groom your Russian Hound by brushing him twice a week.

Check him over for lumps while brushing him.

Check inside his ears for signs of redness.

Trim his nails.

Look at his eyes and make sure they are clear with no signs of discharge.

Check inside the mouth for rotten or bad teeth as this can cause tremendous pain and also cause toxins to get into the bloodstream.

Diet:

The Russian Hound relies on vitamin and mineral enriched food. The best commercially manufactured dog foods can provide this. These foods are wonderfully convenient. Try not to give your dog dry kibble day after day, but vary it twice a week with some home-made food.

Simply add into one big pot chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. This food can all be chopped up and added in to the dry kibble twice a week. It is wonderfully tasty for your your canine friend. Dogs thrive on simple, consistent meals. Ty and add some raw meat to his food occasionally.

Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Exercise:

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.

Grooming:

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.

Diet:

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.