Longevity
Life expectancy
The life expectancy of the Norwegian Buhund is generally between 12 and 15 years. This longevity is supported by an appropriate diet, sufficient daily activity, good veterinary follow-up and careful monitoring of weight and the musculoskeletal system over the years.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
A rustic breed, the Norwegian Buhund tolerates very well cold climates and active living conditions. Its overall robustness is good, even if endurance should not be confused with a lack of monitoring: regular veterinary check-ups remain important, especially for the joints and the eyes.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Regular monitoring of mobility, vision and family history remains important in this breed. It is useful to track the quality of gait, to watch for any discomfort during exertion and to favor tested breeding dogs when this is possible.
Cataract: An opacification of the lens can gradually impair vision and warrants prompt veterinary follow-up if an eye problem appears.
Hip dysplasia: This joint condition can cause pain, locomotor discomfort and early wear, hence the value of screening breeding dogs and controlling weight.
von Willebrand disease: This hereditary clotting disorder can lead to abnormal bleeding and deserves particular vigilance in the lines concerned.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Norwegian Buhund tolerates cold very well thanks to its dense undercoat and protective coat. On the other hand, heat suits it much less. During hot periods, effort must be limited to cool hours, access to shade must be guaranteed, and constant hydration must be maintained.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The breed may show a moderate tendency to become overweight if the diet is not adapted to its actual activity. It is recommended to weigh the dog regularly, adjust the rations according to the season and exercise, and limit treats that are too high in calories.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Regularly monitor weight and body shape.
- Monitor the quality of gait and ease of movement.
- Have the eyes examined without delay in case of reduced vision or cloudiness.
- Plan regular veterinary follow-up and ask the breeder about available screenings.
Vaccination
Norwegian Buhund vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Norwegian Buhund need? Like all dogs, Norwegian Buhunds should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Norwegian Buhund vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Norwegian Buhund booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Norwegian Buhund need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Norwegian Buhund
Hip screening is particularly relevant in the Norwegian Buhund. Regular eye monitoring and attention to the family history of blood clotting disorders are also good practices when choosing the puppy and then throughout adult life.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
