The Norwegian Buhund is a breed of dog of the spitz type. It is closely related to the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Jämthund. The Buhund is used as an all purpose farm and herding dog, as well as watch dog. The name Buhund is derived from the Norwegian word "bu" which means farm, homestead or mountain hut (where the shepherd lived while looking after his herd in the summer) but can also mean stock, as in livestock and "hund" which means dog. The modern buhund was bred on the rainy western coastlands of Norway from similar dogs used by Vikings. The Norwegian Buhund has a square profile, is a little under medium sized and sports a high set, tightly curled tail carried over the center of the back. The head is wedge shaped with pricked ears and a black nose. Their back is level with as little of a slope as possible along with a deep chest. The Buhund ranges in size from about 17 to 18 inches with the males being 17-181⁄2 inches and females to 171⁄2 inches high.