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Bloodhound vs Norwegian Buhund

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

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The bottom line

Bloodhound vs Norwegian Buhund

You’re not seeing Bloodhounds and Norwegian Buhunds side by side at dog parks often, but if you’re torn between them, you’re probably drawn to dogs with purpose. ones that do more than just look good on a leash. Maybe you love the idea of a dog with a job, a hound with heart, or a companion that’s genuinely attuned to your life. That’s where these two meet. But beyond that, they diverge fast. The Bloodhound is a scent-driven force of nature. At 100 pounds of loose skin and floppy ears, it’s built to follow a trail for miles, ignoring everything else. your call, squirrels, even hunger. It’s gentle and affectionate, yes, but don’t expect obedience-school precision. It’ll charm the kids but might knock them over just walking by. And it will bay. Often. Think rural property, serious time commitment, and a fence that’s escape-proof. You’re not just owning a dog, you’re managing a tracking machine with ear infections and bloat risks. The Buhund, meanwhile, is the lively farmhand from Norway. compact, alert, always ready to work or play. It bonds fiercely, thrives in cold weather, and will herd your kids into the dinner table if you let it. It’s smarter in the sense of responsiveness, but it’s no pushover. herding dogs come with opinions. You’ll need to channel that energy into agility, training, or long hikes. And yes, it barks. less than the Bloodhound, but enough to annoy thin-walled apartment living. Here’s the real talk: if you want a dog that needs to work, the Bloodhound fulfills that in a singular way. tracking is in its bones. But if you want a dog that wants to partner with you across disciplines. sports, hiking, even therapy work. the Buhund’s versatility shines. One is a specialist. The other is a renaissance dog. Pick based on what kind of life you actually live.

Bloodhound
Norwegian Buhund
23–27 in
Height
16–18.5 in
80–110 lb
Weight
26–40 lb
10–12 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$1.0–2.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#49
AKC popularity
#165

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Bloodhound Norwegian Buhund
Overlay

Where they diverge

Drooling Level
Norwegian Buhund drools less (4-point difference)
Norwegian
Watchdog / Protective
Norwegian Buhund is more protective (2-point difference)
Norwegian
Affectionate w/ Family
Norwegian Buhund is more affectionate (1-point difference)
Norwegian
Adaptability
Norwegian Buhund is more adaptable (1-point difference)
Norwegian
Trainability
Bloodhound is easier to train (1-point difference)
Bloodhound
The verdict

Choose the Bloodhound if…

  • Active people
  • Rural homes
  • Hunters
  • You value drooling levelBloodhound scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Norwegian Buhund if…

  • Active families
  • Cold climate dwellers
  • Dog sport enthusiasts
  • You value watchdog / protectiveNorwegian Buhund scores higher here.
Bloodhound Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Bloodhound home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Norwegian Buhund Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Norwegian Buhund home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

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