The Norwegian Buhund belongs to a large
class of dogs called the Spitz type. They all have in common the prick
up-ears and a curled tail. There are many variations in size, coat and
colour among the Spitz breeds.
In the ancient Gokstad excavation in Norway,
where a Viking grave from about the year 900 was opened, skeletons from
six dogs of various sizes were found. They would be the representatives
of modern-day Buhunds.
When Vikings died, their most cherished
and necessary possessions were buried alongside their owners. This was
to care for the Vikings in their afterlife. Then these Buhunds who protected
farms (bu) and herded cattle and sheep were expected to continue these
duties in the afterlife.
It has been documented that these dogs
travelled with Vikings on their many journeys, by sea and by land. The
more refined, beautiful type we see today were nurtured in the rainy
western coastlands of Norway where they herded sheep and guarded farms.
Due to the initiative of Norway's state-counsel,
John Saeland, the first Buhund show was held at Jaeren in the 1920's.
The Norsk Buhundklubb was established in 1939. Toralf Raanaas was the
first president. These men selected the very best for show, breeding
and workability.
Besides working ability, Buhunds are trained
to aid the hearing handicapped, perform some types of police work, and
score well in obedience and agility trials. In olden times they hunted
bear and wolf. Today they work with livestock and guard home and family.
The Buhund is considered by many researchers
to be the easiest of the Spitz breeds to train due to their innate desire
to please plus a quick learning aptitude. Their Spitz independence is
an asset if they have to be left alone for awhile.