Comparison: Icelandic Sheepdog and Norwegian Buhund

Icelandic Sheepdog and Norwegian Buhund are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Icelandic Sheepdog
Photo: Alan Levine, CC BY 2.0, source
Norwegian Buhund
Photo: phunkstarr, CC BY 2.0, source
Icelandic SheepdogNorwegian Buhund
FCI group5. Spitz and primitive types5. Spitz and primitive types
Country of originIcelandNorway
CategoryMediumMedium
Weight–12–18 kg
Recognition features
  • Nordic herding spitz slightly under medium size, rectangular, with erect ears and a curled tail
  • Two coat types, short and long, both thick and weather-resistant
  • Gentle, intelligent, happy expression; marked sexual dimorphism
  • Squarely built spitz with erect pointed ears and a tightly curled tail
  • Wheaten (biscuit) or black coat
  • Little under middle size with an alert, frank expression
Coat–Thick, hard, smooth-lying outer coat and soft dense undercoat; wheaten (pale to yellowish-red) or black.
PurposeIceland's native herding dog, used on farms to gather sheep and livestock.Norwegian farm dog and herder, guarding the farmstead and working livestock.

Breed page: Icelandic Sheepdog · Breed page: Norwegian Buhund

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.