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Bluetick Coonhound 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

Bluetick Coonhound vs Norwegian Buhund

You’re probably comparing a Bluetick Coonhound and a Norwegian Buhund because you want a smart, high-energy dog with personality. but that’s where the similarities end. One’s a Southern US hunting machine built for tracking raccoons through swamps all night. The other’s a spitz-type farm guardian from Norway who’s been barking at sheep and weathering Arctic winds for centuries. They both bark a lot and need activity, sure, but their rhythms, instincts, and roles in your life couldn’t be more different. The Bluetick is all about scent. If your ideal dog spends more time with its nose to the ground than looking at you, this might be your breed. They’re loyal, yes, and they’ll follow you around. right up until they catch a whiff of something miles away. Then you’re in a recall battle. They’re heavier, louder, and built for space. You need land, time, and hunting interest to truly meet their needs. They’re not naturally reserved, but they’re not velcro dogs either. The Buhund, though? That little black-and-tan dynamo wants to be part of everything. They bond hard, bark at change, and thrive on mental puzzles and routines. They’re smaller, adaptable to town life if exercised well, and actually enjoy learning tricks or agility. But don’t be fooled by their size. they’ve got watchdog lungs and a herder’s opinionated streak. They’ll boss your kids, your cats, even your thermostat if given the chance. Here’s the real talk: the Bluetick needs a job or he’ll invent one. like howling at 3 a.m. because he smelled a squirrel three counties over. The Buhund just needs you. If you’re gone a lot or hate barking, skip both. But if you want a dog that leans on you emotionally, go Buhund. If you’re chasing game and want a partner built for endurance and nose work, get the Bluetick. One’s a tool. The other’s a heartbeat. Choose based on which you need.

Bluetick Coonhound
Norwegian Buhund
21–27 in
Height
16–18.5 in
45–80 lb
Weight
26–40 lb
11–12 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$0.8–2.0k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#130
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.
Bluetick Coonhound Norwegian Buhund
Overlay

Where they diverge

Affectionate w/ Family
Norwegian Buhund is more affectionate (2-point difference)
Norwegian
Good with Other Dogs
Bluetick Coonhound is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
Bluetick
Watchdog / Protective
Norwegian Buhund is more protective (2-point difference)
Norwegian
Drooling Level
Norwegian Buhund drools less (1-point difference)
Norwegian
Adaptability
Norwegian Buhund is more adaptable (1-point difference)
Norwegian
The verdict

Choose the Bluetick Coonhound if…

  • Active people
  • Hunters
  • Rural homes
  • You value good with other dogsBluetick Coonhound scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Norwegian Buhund if…

  • Active families
  • Cold climate dwellers
  • Dog sport enthusiasts
  • You value affectionate w/ familyNorwegian Buhund scores higher here.
Bluetick Coonhound Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Bluetick Coonhound 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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