Last Updated: May 01, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Miniature Schnauzer Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction
- Miniature Schnauzer versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview
- Miniature Schnauzer versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table
- The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Norwegian Buhund
- Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Norwegian Buhund
- Appearance (Colors) of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Norwegian Buhund
- Lifespan of Miniature Schnauzer versus Norwegian Buhund
- The Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer versus Popularity of Norwegian Buhund
- Health Problems of Miniature Schnauzer versus Health Problems of Norwegian Buhund
- Tolerates Being Alone: Miniature Schnauzer versus Norwegian Buhund
- Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Norwegian Buhund?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Norwegian Buhund?
- Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
- Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?
- Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Norwegian Buhund
- How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Norwegian Buhunds?
- Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?
- Do Miniature Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
- Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Norwegian Buhund
- Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Miniature Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer versus Norwegian Buhund. Which One is a Better Pet?
Miniature Schnauzer Versus Norwegian Buhund: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer and the Norwegian Buhund.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer or the Norwegian Buhund.
Miniature Schnauzer versus Norwegian Buhund: Overview
A very important difference between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Norwegian Buhund is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Miniature Schnauzer is a small-sized dog while the Norwegian Buhund is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Miniature Schnauzer belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.
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.
Miniature Schnauzer versus Norwegian Buhund: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer and the Norwegian Buhund
| Factor | Miniature Schnauzer | Norwegian Buhund |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 11 to 20 pounds | 26 to 40 pounds |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Height | 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder | 16 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $1950 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1400 – $2500 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | ||
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 17 | 168 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Norwegian Buhund is 81 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Miniature Schnauzer is a better pet than the Norwegian Buhund. So, you should get a Miniature Schnauzer!
The Similarities Between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Norwegian Buhund
The Miniature Schnauzer and the Norwegian Buhund are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Miniature Schnauzer and the Norwegian Buhund are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer versus Norwegian Buhund
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Norwegian Buhund.
The Miniature Schnauzer weighs 11 to 20 pounds when fully grown. The Miniature Schnauzer is 13 to 14 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.
Appearance (Colors) of the Miniature Schnauzer and the Norwegian Buhund
Miniature Schnauzer Colors
The Miniature Schnauzer comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Bicolor
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Brown / Chocolate
- Black
- White / Cream
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
The Miniature Schnauzer comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- White / Cream
- Black
- Gray / Blue / Silver
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 Miniature Schnauzer versus Norwegian Buhund
The lifespan of the Miniature Schnauzer is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Miniature Schnauzer is 13.0 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 longer than the Miniature Schnauzer.
The Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer and the Norwegian Buhund over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Miniature Schnauzer is more popular with dog owners than the Norwegian Buhund. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Miniature Schnauzer is 17 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Norwegian Buhund is 168 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Miniature Schnauzer
Popularity of Norwegian Buhund
| Year | Miniature Schnauzer Popularity Rank | Norwegian Buhund Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 17 | 166 |
| 2014 | 16 | 172 |
| 2015 | 16 | 165 |
| 2016 | 17 | 174 |
| 2017 | 18 | 170 |
| 2018 | 19 | 165 |
| 2019 | 18 | 169 |
| 2020 | 19 | 168 |
| 2021 | 18 | 170 |
Health Problems of Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer is prone to more genetic health problems than the Norwegian Buhund.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Miniature Schnauzer than for the Norwegian Buhund.
4 health tests are recommended for Miniature Schnauzer while 3 tests are recommended for the Norwegian Buhund.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Miniature Schnauzers and in Norwegian Buhunds.
Miniature Schnauzer Health Problems
Miniature Schnauzers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Miniature Schnauzers 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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Norwegian Buhunds here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Miniature Schnauzers 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 Miniature Schnauzer Breed is Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
This is because the Miniature Schnauzer ranks 13 out of 40 dog breeds for Legg-Calve-Perthes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 157 Miniature Schnauzers, 0 of them had Legg-Calve-Perthes problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Miniature Schnauzers, and how common these diseases are in Miniature Schnauzers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
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:
The table below lists the common health problems in Miniature Schnauzer and in Norwegian Buhund and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Miniature Schnauzer and the Norwegian Buhund:
| Disease | Miniature Schnauzer Rank | Norwegian Buhund Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Legg-Calve-Perthes problems | 13 out of 40 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 96 out of 182 dog breeds | 35 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 125 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 187 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: Miniature Schnauzer versus Norwegian Buhund
Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems.
Norwegian Buhunds can be left alone for some time without problems.
Do Miniature Schnauzers shed more than Norwegian Buhunds?
Miniature Schnauzers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Norwegian Buhunds shed moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Norwegian Buhund?
Miniature Schnauzers 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 Miniature Schnauzer or the Norwegian Buhund?
Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Norwegian Buhunds get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Miniature Schnauzers good family dogs? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
Miniature Schnauzers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Norwegian Buhunds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Easier to Train than the Norwegian Buhund?
Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.
Norwegian Buhunds are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Norwegian Buhund
Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Norwegian Buhunds do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Miniature Schnauzers and Norwegian Buhunds?
Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Norwegian Buhunds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Miniature Schnauzer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Norwegian Buhund?
Miniature Schnauzers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not 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 Miniature Schnauzers Bark and Howl? What about Norwegian Buhunds?
Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.
Norwegian Buhunds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Cold Weather?
Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.
Norwegian Buhunds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Miniature Schnauzer vs. Norwegian Buhund
Miniature Schnauzers 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 Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Norwegian Buhunds Tolerate Hot Weather?
Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.
Norwegian Buhunds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Is the Miniature Schnauzer Better for Apartment Owners than the Norwegian Buhund?
Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.
Norwegian Buhunds adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Miniature Schnauzer or the Norwegian Buhund?
Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.
Norwegian Buhunds are OK for new dog owners.
Miniature Schnauzer Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Miniature Schnauzer compares to other breeds aside from the Norwegian Buhund. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Miniature Schnauzer to other breeds:
Miniature Schnauzer versus Great Pyrenees Miniature Schnauzer versus Briard Miniature Schnauzer versus Dogue de Bordeaux Miniature Schnauzer versus Lancashire Heeler Miniature Schnauzer versus Havanese Miniature Schnauzer versus Sheepadoodle Miniature Schnauzer versus Samoyed Miniature Schnauzer versus Siberian Husky Miniature Schnauzer versus Toy Fox Terrier Miniature Schnauzer versus Coton de Tulear Miniature Schnauzer versus Bluetick Coonhound Miniature Schnauzer versus American Staffordshire Terrier Miniature Schnauzer versus Afador Miniature Schnauzer versus Field Spaniel Miniature Schnauzer versus Basenji Miniature Schnauzer versus Cockapoo Miniature Schnauzer versus Bullmastiff Miniature Schnauzer versus Basset Hound Miniature Schnauzer versus Bloodhound Miniature Schnauzer versus Vizsla
Conclusion: Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer and the Norwegian Buhund better suits you and your family.