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 HEALTH
A natural breed, the Buhund is generally very healthy, only needing to visit the Vet’s for boosters and the occasional mishap. However, both hereditary cataract and hip dysplasia are found in the breed and puppies should only be purchased from parents who have been eye tested and hip scored. Eye tests are only valid for 12 months, so the eye certificate should be a current one. Hips are scored only once in a dog’s life and the score should be as low as possible. The average score (the total of both hips) for the breed is 15 from a possible total of 106. The breed is long lived, 12-14 yrs is quite usual and, if kept fit & active it is not uncommon for Buhunds to live until 16 or 17 yrs.

TRAINING
Buhund puppies are irresistible and this, unfortunately, can be their downfall. It is very important to start training from day 1 and not to let your puppy get away with things. They are a clever breed and need clever training. You cannot beat a Buhund into obedience but with much patience and consistent training, you can have a well-behaved dog, who is a pleasure to own. Socialisation is very important; puppies need to be introduced to the big wide world as soon as possible. Introduce your puppy to as many people as possible. The more situations your dog becomes familiar with, the more relaxed he will be as he grows up. Buhunds should never be shy or nervous, but any dog who has not been properly socialised will be both.
Buhunds, in common with many other breeds, can have a tendency to dominance, which means that, at some point, they may decide to be ‘Top Dog’ in the household. This is never acceptable and any dog needs to be quickly shown by training and day-to-day routines that he certainly is not.

Buhunds are primarily farm dogs and as such should never be allowed off the lead near any livestock, however well trained. They will also hunt for rabbits and squirrels if given the opportunity.

Photo: M. Fryatt



MAINTENANCE
A quick brush once or twice a week is all it takes to keep a Buhund looking smart, they rarely need a bath. The exception to this is when they are moulting when a bath will hasten the process and brushing needs to be done daily.
As adults, Buhunds will take as much exercise as you can give them, but will be quite happy with more moderate amounts. Regular play sessions or training sessions will also help keep their minds active.
Buhunds are cheap to run!! They do not need expensive or specialist foods and generally thrive on dog foods at the cheaper end of the market. A Buhund is only a fussy eater if allowed to be. The greatest problem suffered by Buhunds is obesity – they do not need vast amounts of food, despite what they try to tell you.

Maisie just beginning to moult - her undercoat is starting to "blow"



BUYING A BUHUND
This is not a commercial breed and there is quite often a shortage of puppies. If you decide this is the breed for you, you may need to be prepared to wait 2 or 3 months and to travel long distances to collect a puppy.

It is recommended that, before you decide finally on the breed, that you go and meet some Buhunds ‘in the flesh’. Many owners and breeders are willing to see visitors who are interested in the breed, so it worth ringing around to find your nearest Buhund owner, meet their dogs and discuss the breed with them.




MAIN POINTS
1. The Buhund is an active, sociable working breed
2. Puppies are not always easily available, particularly if you want a certain sex or colour.
3. Only buy from hip & eye tested stock.
4. Visit as many of the breed as possible before buying.
5. Train your dog – a trained Buhund is a dog to be proud of.