Overview
The Dunker, also called the Norwegian Hound, is a medium-sized scenthound from Norway. It was bred to hunt hares by scent and is a very rare breed, found mainly in Norway and Sweden.
About 150 puppies are born each year. It is a robust, intelligent worker that can also be a good family dog when it gets proper outlets.
History
The breed is named after Wilhelm Dunker, who developed it at the start of the 19th century for hunting hares. He crossed a Russian Harlequin Hound with dependable Norwegian scenthounds to produce a dog that tracks by scent rather than sight.
It has never become popular outside its homeland.
Appearance
The Dunker has a clean, noble, long head, large dark eyes and low-set, flat ears that hang close to the head. The body is strong with a level topline, and the tail reaches the hock.
Males stand 50 to 55 cm and females 47 to 52 cm, weighing about 16 to 18 kg. The coat is straight, hard and dense, with black or blue marbling and pale fawn and white markings most desired.
Temperament
A robust and excellent hunting dog with a huge working range. It is intelligent and considered easy to train with positive methods such as clicker training. If well exercised it rarely barks outside of hunting, and it can be a good family dog, especially one that also hunts.
Care and exercise
The Dunker needs a lot of exercise and activities that use its brain. It is one of few hare hunters able to work in thick snow. Brushing the dense, hard coat weekly is usually enough.
