4 Lovely Nordic Dogs That Make Perfect Companions

There are many handsome dogs in the world whether they are small, medium or large, tall, short or long with smooth coats, long flowing ones or wonderfully shaggy tresses. There's a dog out there you won't be able to resist falling in love with. Below is a list of the “not so usual” canines which have over recent times become more popular outside of their native Nordic homelands.

The Norwegian Buhund

As their name suggests, this lovely breed is native to Norway where they were bred to work on farms as herding dogs. The Norwegian Buhund is a Spitz with a difference because they boast having one trait that sets them apart from the rest which is a strong desire to please. They are very handsome dogs, but as puppies they are the cutest little characters on the planet which makes it extremely hard not to fall in love with them on sight.

Highly intelligent, the Norwegian Buhund is also an independent thinking dog which is why they excel at so many jobs which includes being trained as hearing dogs and being so active and energetic by nature, they adore taking part in all sorts of doggy sporting activities which includes agility and obedience training. With this said they really benefit from consistent training throughout their lives and are certainly not “couch potatoes”. As such, they would not be the best choice for people who live in towns and who lead more sedentary lives. If you love spending time in the great outdoors, the Norwegian Buhund would be only too happy to join you and relish every moment they spend with you.

The Swedish Vallhund

The delightful Swedish Vallhund hails from Sweden and they are one of the oldest Spitz type breeds on the planet having been around since the time of the Vikings. These little guys might have short legs, but they can move pretty fast when they want or need to. They are active, energetic characters by nature and will make up their own entertainment keeping themselves and their owners amused for hours. However, they benefit from being kept busy both mentally and physically to be truly happy, well balanced dogs.

They can be a little vocal which can be a nuisance to neighbours and they are definitely not the sort of dog that likes to live a more sedentary life, much preferring to be out and about doing things which means they are the perfect choice of canine companion for people who lead active outdoor lives.

The Finnish Lapphund

Native to the far north of Finland where they were first bred to herd reindeer for the Sami people, this charming dog is known as a gentle, courageous, affectionate and happy character. However, their strong herding instincts make them perfect candidates for rounding up other livestock and they excel at doggy sporting activities which includes obedience training.

These dogs are highly prized in Finland because they boast such kind natures and are particularly good around children. However, when it comes to grooming, the lovely Finnish Lapphund is pretty high maintenance because they boast very dense, long coats which if not routinely brushed to keep them tangle-free and to prevent too much hair from being left around the home. With this said, a daily grooming session is well worth the effort because it's such a great way to strengthen a bond with a dog.

The Icelandic Sheepdog

The Icelandic Sheepdog is an adorable Nordic breed that's known for their affectionate and playful natures. They are very energetic and like to be kept busy which means they are a great choice for people who love spending time in the great outdoors. Being part of the Spitz family, the breed boasts an interesting ancestry with the first of them having been introduced to Iceland by the Vikings. The Icelandic Sheepdog we see today is thought to resemble their ancestors.

These guys boast lovely fluffy coats which are quite high maintenance and as such daily grooming sessions will keep them looking good and in great condition. Males tend to be a little more laid back by nature than their female counterparts and love to be petted and cuddled whereas females are a little more aloof.

Conclusion

There are many lovely breeds of dog on the planet which can make it quite challenging for first time owners to find the best type of dog to suit their life styles. The four Nordic breeds above are lovely looking canines and they’re all highly intelligent which means they are perhaps not the best choice for first-time dog owners. With this said all four breeds are very good around children and would be the perfect choice for people who love spending time in the great outdoors or who enjoy taking part in doggy sporting activities.