PuppyBase

Glen of Imaal Terrier 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.

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

Not sure which breed fits your life?

Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.

The bottom line

Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Norwegian Buhund

People compare the Glen of Imaal Terrier and the Norwegian Buhund because they’re both rare, medium-small breeds with big personalities and surprising versatility for their size. They’re not your typical designer-dog darlings. These are working dogs with history, built for real jobs in rugged terrain. But that’s where the similarities end. The Glen is a stocky, low-to-the-ground terrier from Ireland, bred to go to ground after badgers. He’s got a quiet confidence, not a lot of bark, and a surprising amount of affection for a terrier. He’ll curl up on the couch like a seasoned pro and adapt to apartment life without breaking a sweat. But don’t let his calm demeanor fool you. He’s bold, stubborn when he wants to be, and not a great fit if you have rabbits or hamsters. He’s happiest with older kids who know how to respect a dog’s space. The Buhund, on the other hand, is a lively, alert herding dog from Norway with a fox-like face and a motor that runs at full tilt. He’s smart and eager, yes, but he needs a job. whether that’s agility, obedience, or just a daily hike. He’ll bark to alert you about the mailman, the squirrel, and the neighbor’s wind chime. If you live in a hot climate or hate noise, this isn’t your dog. Choose the Glen if you want a loyal, affectionate companion with a low-key vibe and a touch of terrier fire. Pick the Buhund if you’re active, enjoy training challenges, and don’t mind a watchdog with opinions. Here’s the real talk: the Glen looks like he’s barely paying attention, but he’s quietly judging your life choices. The Buhund? He’s already made a plan to improve them.

Glen of Imaal Terrier
Norwegian Buhund
12.5–14 in
Height
16–18.5 in
32–40 lb
Weight
26–40 lb
10–15 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#174
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.
Glen of Imaal Terrier Norwegian Buhund
Overlay

Where they diverge

Barking Level
Glen of Imaal Terrier barks less (2-point difference)
Glen
Shedding Level
Glen of Imaal Terrier sheds less (1-point difference)
Glen
Coat Grooming
Norwegian Buhund needs less grooming (1-point difference)
Norwegian
Drooling Level
Norwegian Buhund drools less (1-point difference)
Norwegian
Watchdog / Protective
Norwegian Buhund is more protective (1-point difference)
Norwegian
The verdict

Choose the Glen of Imaal Terrier if…

  • Experienced terrier owners
  • Families with older children
  • Apartment or small home living
  • You value coat groomingGlen of Imaal Terrier scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Norwegian Buhund if…

  • Active families
  • Cold climate dwellers
  • Dog sport enthusiasts
  • You value barking levelNorwegian Buhund scores higher here.
Glen of Imaal Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Glen of Imaal Terrier 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

Other comparisons people run