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Dunker
Other Names | Norwegian Hound |
Country of Origin | Norway |
Weight | 25 – 39 lbs (11 – 18 kg) |
Height (at withers) | Males: 19.5 – 21.5 in. (50 – 55 cm) Females: 18.5 – 20.5 inches (47 – 52 cm) |
Coat | The Dunker's coat is straight, hard, dense, and not too short. |
Colour | The most desirable colours 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 colour is a disqualification |
Litter Size | 2 - 4 puppies |
Life Span | 12 - 15 years |
Origin & 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. |
Personality | This is quite a friendly and relaxed breed. It will provide these traits only to owners who will offer lots of activity. |
Care Requirements
Health | Occasionally, cases of hip dysplasia can occur. Deafness is also a significant issue, with 75% of all dogs of this breed being unilaterally or bilaterally deaf. |
Grooming | They have very low grooming requirements. They don't need professional grooming, only a regular brushing. Other than that, only those routine maintenance procedures which all breeds require such as nail clipping and ear cleaning are necessary. |
Exercise | This is a hunting dog that needs extensive amounts of exercise. Without it, the dog could become problematic for its owners. It should be taken on walks daily, and this dog is great for healthy people who love to jog and hike. |
Other Considerations | While it can live in an apartment, it may perform better in a small yard. It is important for owners to make sure this dog is never unleashed in an unsecured area, as it may run off in the direction of the first interesting scent it picks up. It is important for owners to make sure these dogs are given lots of space to move around in. |