Judging the Norwegian Buhund

General Appearance:
The Norwegian Buhund is a herding dog. It is a typical northern breed, a little under medium size and squarely built, with a tightly curled tail carried over the back. The head is wedge-shaped and not too heavy, with prick ears. As it is extremely intelligent by nature, consistent training is needed from early puppy hood. The Buhund has a lot of energy, strength and stamina. This self-appointed watch dog is also content lying at your feet at the end of the day. Broken teeth and honorable scars incurred in the line of herding duty are acceptable.

One key factor should be remembered when judging the Buhund:

Moderation is very important

Size, Proportion, Substance:

Size: Height at the highest point of the shoulder blade in dogs, 17 to 18½ inches; in bitches, 16 to 17½ inches. Disqualifying faults: more than a half inch under, or one inch over the height at the highest point of the shoulder blade.

Proportion: Square in profile. The height, measured vertically from the ground to the highest point of the shoulder blade, equals the length, measured horizontally from the prosternum to the rear projection of the upper thigh.

Substance: Substance and bone is in proportion to the overall dog. When judging the Buhund moderation is very important. A weedy fine boned dog is just as undesirable as an over done dog.

Head: The size of the head should be in proportion to the body and not too heavy. The skull is wedge-shaped, almost flat, and parallel with the bridge of the nose. The muzzle is about the same length as the skull, with a stop that is well defined but not too pronounced. The nasal bridge is straight and well filled out under the eyes. This is a very important factor when judging the breed. The lips should be black and tightly closed. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite, with complete dentition. Disqualifying fault: overshot or undershot mouth.

Muzzle, not too snipy or too broad. The muzzle is almost as long as the skull. Lips, black and tight.

Eyes: Should be OVAL and dark as possible with black eye rims. Eyes must not be round and/or protruding.

Ears: Medium sized, prick ears with pointed tips, carried strongly erect yet very mobile. When relaxed or showing affection the ears go back, and the dog should not be penalized for doing this during the judge's examination. The height of the ears is slightly taller than the width at the base. Ears, that are too large or too small disturbs the over all expression.

Nose: Black

Neck: Of medium length, is well set on, with no loose skin on the throat. The neck must not be too long or too short. It should have a proud carriage. A neck that is too short will take away the proud appearance; a neck that is too long will disturb the appearance of a squarely built dog.

Topline: The back is level; croup with as little slope as possible. The topline must be level when standing and moving, not to be high in the rear or sway backed.

Body: Chest deep, ribs well-sprung; tail set high, tightly curled and carried over the center line of the back. The chest should be well developed with good depth, with the underline moderately tucked up.

Tail curled over the center line of the back is correct although it is common for the tail to curl on either side of the center line. A loose curl is common and is not a serious fault, but still not desirable.

Forequarters: Shoulders moderately sloping, elbows well set, turned neither in nor out; legs substantial but not coarse in bone, legs seen from the front appear straight and parallel; pastern seen from the side moderately sloping; feet oval in shape with tightly closed toes, feet turned neither in nor out. It is important to have moderate angulation in the shoulder. When moving, the elbows should be parallel to the body, turning neither in nor out.

Hindquarters: Moderate angulation at stifle and hock, upper thigh powerful, well muscled; lower thigh well muscled, seen from behind legs are straight and strong, feet same as above.

Coat: The coat should be a medium length, the harsh outer coat laying relatively flat to keep the soft dense undercoat dry. The coat should never appear to be fluffy or open.

Color: Wheaten - Any shade from pale cream to bright orange, with or without dark tipped hairs; as little white as possible; black mask acceptable. Black - Preferably without too much bronzing; with as little white as possible. Areas where white is permissible: a narrow white ring around the neck, a narrow blaze on the face, a small patch of white hairs on the chest, white feet and tip of the tail. Any shades of wheaten as clear as possible however, some black tipped hairs are acceptable. The black mask should be limited to the muzzle and not go up to the eyes.

Gait: The action is free and effortless. Sound movement is essential for working ability. At a trot the stride is even and effortless; the back remains level. As the speed increases, front and rear legs converge equally in straight lines toward a center line beneath the body, so that the pads appear to follow in the same tracks (single track).

Temperament: Temperament must be of utmost importance, should display alertness and never be nervous or aggressive. He is a happy and outgoing dog who enjoys being in the center of activity. The Buhunds favorite place is with his family. He is very loyal and tries to please his owner but does have an independent streak that may occasionally interfere with his owners plans. The Buhund has a love of life that makes him a wonderful companion for the entire family and as a show dog. Out and about he should be inquisitive, brave not at all shy or reserved. He is very attuned to his surroundings, intuitively knowing everybody's whereabouts.

Disqualifying Faults:

More than a half inch under, or one inch over the height at the highest point of the shoulder blade.
Overshot or undershot mouth.