Why the Yorkshire Terrier is Better than the Norwegian Buhund as a Pet

Last Updated: Apr 09, 2022

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Yorkshire Terrier Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Yorkshire Terrier and for the Norwegian Buhund. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Yorkshire Terrier or the Norwegian Buhund.

Yorkshire Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund

Yorkshire Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview

A very important difference between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Yorkshire Terrier is a tiny-sized dog while the Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Yorkshire Terrier belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

On the other hand, the Norwegian Buhund belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Yorkshire Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Yorkshire Terrier to the Norwegian Buhund based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund

FactorYorkshire TerrierNorwegian Buhund
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Life Span12 to 15 years12 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone2/54/5
Tolerates Cold Weather2/55/5
Tolerates Hot Weather2/52/5
Kid-Friendly2/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers2/53/5
Does NOT Shed4/53/5
Easy To Groom2/52/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight4/53/5
Does NOT chew on things4/53/5
Low Prey Drive4/54/5
Dog Friendly3/53/5
Easy To Train3/54/5
Intelligence3/53/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/52/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/52/5
Good For Novice Owners4/53/5
Affectionate With Family4/55/5
General Health4/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor2/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs2/51/5
Weight4 to 6 pounds26 to 40 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/53/5
Easygoing1/53/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Height8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan13.5 years13.5 years
Average Price$2420No Data
Price Range$1600 – $2950No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cornell DNA Bank
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- Prior to the onset of breeding, recommend evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 Years of Age.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds9168

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Yorkshire Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Norwegian Buhund. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Yorkshire Terrier is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Norwegian Buhund is 81 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Norwegian Buhund, we still believe that the Yorkshire Terrier is a better pet than the Norwegian Buhund.

    This is because Yorkshire Terriers are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Yorkshire Terrier will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Yorkshire Terrier :-). We are for the Yorkshire Terrier. So get a Yorkshire Terrier!

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund

    Below is a list of where the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are most different:

  • Yorkshire Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Norwegian Buhunds can tolerate cold weather.
  • Yorkshire Terriers do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Norwegian Buhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • The Similarities Between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund

    The Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are most similar:

  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund.

    The Yorkshire Terrier weighs 4 to 6 pounds when fully grown. The Yorkshire Terrier is 8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Norwegian Buhund weighs 26 to 40 pounds when fully grown. The Norwegian Buhund is 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Size of Yorkshire Terrier versus Size of Norwegian Buhund

    Appearance (Colors) of the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund

    Yorkshire Terrier Colors

    The Yorkshire Terrier comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Bicolor
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Black
    • Golden
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Apricot / Beige
    • White / Cream
    • Sable

    The Yorkshire Terrier comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • White / Cream
    • Apricot / Beige
    • Black
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Golden
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Sable
    • Bicolor

    Norwegian Buhund Colors

    The Norwegian Buhund comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Black

    The Norwegian Buhund comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • White / Cream

    Lifespan of Yorkshire Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund

    The lifespan of the Yorkshire Terrier is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Yorkshire Terrier is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of the Norwegian Buhund is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Norwegian Buhund is 13.5 years.

    The Norwegian Buhund live as long as the Yorkshire Terrier.

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund
    Yorkshire Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund

    The Popularity of Yorkshire Terrier versus Popularity of Norwegian Buhund

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Yorkshire Terrier is more popular with dog owners than the Norwegian Buhund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Yorkshire Terrier is 9 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Norwegian Buhund is 168 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Yorkshire Terrier

    Popularity of Yorkshire Terrier

    Popularity of Norwegian Buhund

    Popularity of Norwegian Buhund

    `
    Year Yorkshire Terrier Popularity Rank Norwegian Buhund Popularity Rank
    2013 6 166
    2014 6 172
    2015 7 165
    2016 9 174
    2017 9 170
    2018 10 165
    2019 12 169
    2020 13 168
    2021 13 170

    Health Problems of Yorkshire Terrier versus Health Problems of Norwegian Buhund

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Yorkshire Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Norwegian Buhund.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Yorkshire Terrier than for the Norwegian Buhund.

    7 health tests are recommended for Yorkshire Terrier while 3 tests are recommended for the Norwegian Buhund.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Yorkshire Terriers and in Norwegian Buhunds.

    Yorkshire Terrier Health Problems

    Yorkshire Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Yorkshire Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Yorkshire Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Yorkshire Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Yorkshire Terriers for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cornell DNA Bank
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- Prior to the onset of breeding, recommend evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 Years of Age.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Yorkshire Terriers here.

    Norwegian Buhund Health Problems

    Norwegian Buhunds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Norwegian Buhund puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Norwegian Buhund puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Norwegian Buhund breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Norwegian Buhunds for:

  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 24 months
  • Hip Dysplasia

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Norwegian Buhunds here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Yorkshire Terriers and Norwegian Buhunds

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Yorkshire Terrier Breed is Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.

    This is because the Yorkshire Terrier ranks 1 out of 40 dog breeds for Legg-Calve-Perthes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 321 Yorkshire Terriers, 9 of them had Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Yorkshire Terriers, and how common these diseases are in Yorkshire Terriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Legg-Calve-Perthes problems: Rank 1 out of 40 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 3 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 23 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 88 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 159 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Norwegian Buhund Breed is Eyes problems.

    This is because the Norwegian Buhund ranks 35 out of 182 dog breeds for Eyes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 244 Norwegian Buhunds, 7 of them had Eyes problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Norwegian Buhunds, and how common these diseases are in Norwegian Buhunds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Eyes problems: Rank 35 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 131 out of 198 Dog Breeds

  • The table below lists the common health problems in Yorkshire Terrier and in Norwegian Buhund and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund:

    `
    Disease Yorkshire Terrier Rank Norwegian Buhund Rank
    Legg-Calve-Perthes problems 1 out of 40 dog breeds Not Common
    Patella problems 3 out of 145 dog breeds Not Common
    Dentition Database problems 23 out of 49 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 88 out of 182 dog breeds 35 out of 182 dog breeds
    Hips problems 159 out of 198 dog breeds 131 out of 198 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Yorkshire Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund

    Yorkshire Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Norwegian Buhunds can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Yorkshire Terriers shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?

    Yorkshire Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Norwegian Buhund?

    Yorkshire Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Norwegian Buhunds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Norwegian Buhund?

    Yorkshire Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Yorkshire Terriers good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?

    Yorkshire Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Norwegian Buhunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Yorkshire Terrier Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?

    Yorkshire Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Norwegian Buhund

    Yorkshire Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Yorkshire Terriers and Norwegian Buhunds?

    Yorkshire Terriers do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Norwegian Buhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Yorkshire Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?

    Yorkshire Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Norwegian Buhunds have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Yorkshire Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Buhunds?

    Yorkshire Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Norwegian Buhunds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Yorkshire Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Yorkshire Terrier vs. Norwegian Buhund

    Yorkshire Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Norwegian Buhunds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Yorkshire Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Yorkshire Terriers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Norwegian Buhunds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Is the Yorkshire Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwegian Buhund?

    Yorkshire Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Yorkshire Terrier or the Norwegian Buhund?

    Yorkshire Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Norwegian Buhunds are OK for new dog owners.

    Yorkshire Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Yorkshire Terrier compares to other breeds aside from the Norwegian Buhund. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier to other breeds:

    Yorkshire Terrier versus Cockapoo     Yorkshire Terrier versus Samoyed     Yorkshire Terrier versus Lhasa Apso     Yorkshire Terrier versus Scottish Deerhound     Yorkshire Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier     Yorkshire Terrier versus Mudi     Yorkshire Terrier versus Akita Chow     Yorkshire Terrier versus Collie     Yorkshire Terrier versus Ibizan Hound     Yorkshire Terrier versus Beagle     Yorkshire Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Yorkshire Terrier versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Yorkshire Terrier versus Bearded Collie     Yorkshire Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog     

    Conclusion: Yorkshire Terrier versus Norwegian Buhund. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund better suits you and your family.