Dog health

Norwegian Buhund health problems and costs

The health issues a real source ties to the Norwegian Buhund, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.

Last updated: October 2026 · 16 sources · see sources

Quick answerThe breed club and AKC point to 3 health issues to plan for: hip dysplasia, inherited eye disease and Von Willebrand's disease. A typical vet bill for a medium dog runs $239 – $1,107.

Health problems linked to the Norwegian Buhund

Conditions and what they can cost
ConditionWhat it isRelated costs
Hip dysplasiaNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1]The hip joint forms loosely, so the ball and socket rub and wear. Over time this usually leads to arthritis and pain. [2]Hip surgery (owner bills): $2,500–$5,500 (estimate) [3]
Ongoing arthritis care: $500–$2,500 total [4]
Inherited eye diseaseNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1]Breed clubs ask for regular exams by a veterinary eye specialist to catch inherited eye problems before they cause trouble. [5]Sick visit (owner bills): $160–$525 [6]
Von Willebrand's disease (bleeding disorder)Named by: AKC breed page [1]Blood doesn't clot normally, so cuts and surgeries can bleed more than expected. Testing before surgery is important. [7]Dog blood work (owner bills): $60–$190 [8]

Costs are national figures from our sourced cost guides, not breed-specific prices. Being on this list doesn't mean a pet will get the condition.

Here is how the AKC breed page puts it: Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia, von Willebrand's disease, and eye disease. [1]

Health screening

The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1][9] If you are buying a puppy, it is fair to ask the breeder for the parents' results. OFA keeps a public database of many of them.

The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory lists 1 DNA health test for the Norwegian Buhund, including Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [10] One health test costs $58 there. [11]

What to budget

For a medium dog like the Norwegian Buhund, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482), and surgery, when needed, runs $264 – $2,106. [12]

Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Norwegian Buhund at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,400. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 12–15 years and you get roughly $10,500–$20,400 over a lifetime, before inflation and before any major illness. The low end is the ASPCA's yearly cost of care; the high end adds one typical vet bill a year. [12][13] It's simple math on sourced figures, not a quote.

Insurance and savings

The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in the US in 2025. [14] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [15] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [16]

Prefer saving instead? Putting money aside each month works too; see insurance vs a savings fund.

Common questions

What health problems are common in the Norwegian Buhund?

Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are hip dysplasia, inherited eye disease and Von Willebrand's disease. That doesn't mean every Norwegian Buhund will get them.

How much are vet bills for a Norwegian Buhund?

Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482).

Should I get pet insurance for a Norwegian Buhund?

It's a personal call. The average accident and illness policy was $836 a year in 2025 (NAPHIA). If you want it, enroll while your pet is young and healthy, because conditions found before enrollment are usually excluded.

What health tests should a Norwegian Buhund breeder do?

The national breed club recommends: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. Ask to see the parents' results.

How long does a Norwegian Buhund live?

The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12–15 years.

Norwegian Buhund breed guideHip dysplasia in dogsCarprofen (Rimadyl)Dog ACL (TPLO) surgery costArthritis treatment costPet insurance basics

This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.

Sources (16) — tap to show
  1. AKC – Norwegian Buhund breed page (with the national breed club)
  2. VCA – Hip dysplasia in dogs
  3. VetReceipt – Dog Hip Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  4. VetReceipt – Dog Arthritis Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  5. OFA – Eye certification
  6. VetReceipt – Dog Sick Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  7. VCA – Von Willebrand's disease in dogs
  8. VetReceipt – Dog Blood Work Cost (owner bills, 2026)
  9. OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
  10. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Norwegian Buhund DNA tests
  11. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Dog DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
  12. VetReceipt – Dog breed vet costs by size
  13. ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
  14. NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
  15. RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
  16. VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)