Dunker
Also known as: Norwegian Hound
The Dunker is a medium-sized dog breed originating from Norway, weighing 25-39 pounds. The Dunker comes from Norway, typically weighs 25–39 pounds, and has a straight, hard, dense, and not too short coat. Individual Dunkers vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Norway
- Weight
- 25–39 pounds (11–18 kg)
- Height
- Males
- Coat
- Straight, hard, dense, and not too short
- Colour
- Black or blue marbled with pale fawn and white markings is most desirable.
- Other names
- Norwegian Hound
About the Dunker
The Dunker is a medium-sized dog breed originating from Norway, weighing 25-39 pounds. It stands at a height of approximately 17-20 inches.
Overview
A Dunker , also known as the Norwegian Hound , is a medium-sized breed of dog from Norway . It was bred by Wilhelm Dunker to be a scenthound by crossing a Russian Harlequin Hound with dependable Norwegian scent hounds. It is a very rare dog breed, and most Dunkers are found in Norway and Sweden . On average, 150 puppies from the Dunker breed are born each year.
History
The breed is named after the Norwegian Wilhelm Dunker, who bred this dog for hunting hares at the beginning of the 19th century. To create the Dunker, Wilhelm crossed a Russian Harlequin Hound with reliable scent hounds, producing a dog that could hunt rabbits by scent, rather than sight. It has yet to become popular outside of its homeland.
Appearance
The Dunker has a clean, noble, long head with parallel planes of the skull and muzzle, carried low and not wedge-shaped. Its skull is slightly domed with a defined stop and clean cheeks, the muzzle is long and square-cut with a straight and broad nasal bridge, and its teeth are evenly spaced with a scissor-bite. The Dunker has a black nose with wide nostrils, round, large, and dark eyes, and low-set, wide, flat, ears that hang close to the head and to the middle of the muzzle. The Dunker has a long neck with no throatiness, sloping shoulders, straight forelegs, a level topline, a straight and strong back with broad and muscular loins, and a slight tuck up in the chest. Its hindquarters are well-angulated, as are its stifle, and its thighs and hocks are broad. The feet are arched, well-knit, have firm pads and hair between the toes, and point straight ahead. The tail is set on level with the topline, strong at the root, tapering at the end, straight, carried in a slight upward curve, and reaches to the hock. The Dunker''s coat is straight, hard, dense, and not too short, with the most desirable colors being black or blue marbled with pale fawn and white markings. Less desirable are warm brown or predominant black reaching from the muzzle and beyond the hock joint, a black mask, and overmarked white, and more than fifty percent white color is a disqualification. The Dunker weighs around 35–39 pounds (16–18 kg) , and males are 19.5–21.5 inches (50–55 cm) at the withers, while females are 18.5–20.5 inches (47–52 cm) .
Temperament
The Dunker is a robust breed and an excellent hunting dog. It is considered easy to train when using positive reinforcement such as clicker training . It has a huge operational range when hunting, and is one of few hare hunting dogs that is capable of hunting in thick snow cover during the winter. A Dunker needs much exercise and many activities where it has to use its intelligence. It rarely barks outside of hunting if properly exercised, and it is considered to be a good family dog if it''s also used as a hunting dog.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Dunker?
The Dunker is a medium-sized breed with a sturdy build, short coat, and a distinctive head shape. They typically weigh between 25-35 kg and stand 45-55 cm tall at the shoulder. Their coat is short, smooth, and comes in a variety of colors including black, tan, and white.
Is the Dunker a good family dog?
As a scenthound, Dunkers are generally energetic and independent. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation. With proper training and socialization, they can make good family pets, especially for active families with older children. However, they may not be suitable for very young children due to their strong hunting instinct.
What health problems do Dunkers have?
As a rare breed, there is limited information available on specific health issues affecting Dunkers. However, scenthounds in general can be prone to ear infections, hip dysplasia, and eye problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential health issues early on.
How much does a Dunker puppy cost?
The cost of a Dunker puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a Dunker puppy can cost between $1,000-$3,000. It's essential to work with a reputable breeder and factor in additional costs such as spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping.
Where do Dunkers come from?
The Dunker comes from Norway. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Dunker, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.