Dunker
also known as Norwegian Hound
History
The Dunker is a breed of dog that originated in Norway. It is also known as the Norwegian Hound or the Norwegian Dunker. The breed was developed in the early 19th century by a man named Wilhelm Dunker, who was a breeder and judge of hounds. Dunker is credited with creating the breed by crossing the Norwegian Elkhound with other hounds, such as the Bloodhound, Foxhound, and Basset Hound.
The Dunker was originally developed as a hunting dog, and it was used for hunting a variety of game, including hare, fox, and deer. The breed's keen sense of smell and strong tracking abilities made it well-suited for this work. In addition to its hunting abilities, the Dunker was also prized for its endurance and stamina, which allowed it to work for long periods of time without tiring.
The Dunker was first recognized as a distinct breed by the Norwegian Kennel Club in 1877. The breed was initially quite popular in Norway, and it was also exported to other countries, including Sweden and Denmark. In the early 20th century, Dunkers were also imported to the United States, where they were used primarily as hunting dogs.
Over the years, the popularity of the Dunker has waxed and waned. In the early 20th century, the breed was quite popular in Norway and other Scandinavian countries, but it fell out of favor in the mid-20th century as other breeds became more popular. In recent years, however, the Dunker has seen a resurgence in popularity, and it is now once again a popular breed in Norway and other parts of Europe.
Breed Information
Is Dunker a purebred?
Purebred
What were Dunkers originally used for?
Hunting, Companion
How Long Do Dunkers Live? What is average life expectancy for a Dunker? How long can Dunkers live?
10-12 years
The average Dunker lifespan is somewhere between 10-12 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.
Dunker Height & Weight
How big is a full grown Dunker?
| Height | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 6 months | 12 months | 18 months | |
| Male | 19-22 inches (48.3 - 55.9 cm) | 14.5 inches (36.8 cm) | 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) | 20.5 inches (52.1 cm) |
| Female | 18-21 inches (45.7 - 53.3 cm) | 13.5 inches (34.3 cm) | 16.5 inches (41.9 cm) | 19.5 inches (49.5 cm) |
| Weight | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 6 months | 12 months | 18 months | |
| Male | 25-39 pounds (11 - 18 kg) | 22.5 pounds (10 kg) | 27.0 pounds (12 kg) | 32.0 pounds (15 kg) |
| Female | 25-39 pounds (11 - 18 kg) | 22.5 pounds (10 kg) | 27.0 pounds (12 kg) | 32.0 pounds (15 kg) |
Do Dunkers get fat easily?
The Dunker is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.
Are Dunkers Hypoallergenic?
No
Unfortunately, the Dunker is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.
What is a Dunker personality? What are Dunker dogs best known for?
Calm
Spirited
Energetic
Friendly
Are Dunkers heavy shedders? How Much Does a Dunker Shed?
Dunker dogs are extremely heavy shedders, they will lose a large amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Dunker.
What is the watchdog ability of a Dunker dog?
Dunkers are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the Dunker is going to make sure everyone knows about it.
Breed History
Where do Dunkers come from?
Norway
What are Dunkers descended from?
Russian Harlequin Hound, Norwegian Scent Hounds
When were Dunkers first bred? How old is the Dunker breed?
19th Century
What Breed Group is a Dunker?
Scenthounds (UKC)
Dunker Appearance
What color are Dunker eyes?
Blue
Hazel
Brown
Amber
What color can Dunker nose be naturally?
Black
What color can Dunker coat be naturally?
Black
Blue
Fawn
White
How long is a Dunkers coat?
The coat of a Dunker falls in the medium length category.
How Dense Is The Dunker Coat?
What is the texture of the hair of a Dunker?
Straight
How many puppies can a Dunker have in a litter? How many puppies can a Dunker have in her first litter?
10-12 puppies per pregnancy
A Dunker can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.
The adaptability of Dunker dogs is a well-known trait, they are known for being able to adjust well to different living environments and lifestyle changes.
Dunker Health Issues
Do Dunkers have a lot of health problems?
The Dunker breed is commonly healthy with low vet costs, regular check-ups may not be as necessary but it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.
What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Dunker?
Deafness
What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Dunkers?
Hip Dysplasia
Obesity
Ear Infections
Eye Problems
Demodectic Mange
What are the occasional tests recommended for Dunker breed?
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination
Ear Examination
Hearing Tests
Dunker Needs and Activities
Do Dunkers have a lot of energy?
Dunkers are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.
Do Dunkers need socialization? How social are Dunkers?
Dunker have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.
How much exercise should Dunkers get?
The Dunker dog needs significant physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are also well-suited for those who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy activities such as running, hiking, or other outdoor pursuits.
How much sleep should a Dunker have? Do Dunkers sleep a lot?
Dunkers dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.
Does a Dunker drool a lot?
The Dunker is known to be an average drooler among dog breeds. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds or it can be a sign of a health problem. In the case of the Dunker, it is a normal part of their physiology, however it is important to keep an eye on the amount of drooling and any changes in drooling patterns, as excessive drooling can be an indication of an underlying health issue and should be checked by a veterinarian.
How much does it bark?
The Dunker is a vocal breed, with a tendency to bark and howl frequently. They may not be the best fit for those seeking a quiet companion. Their barks can vary and can indicate different emotions and needs.
Do Dunkers exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?
These dogs are known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They will fiercely defend their territory and are highly alert and vigilant against any perceived threat to their home and family.
Are Dunkers mouthy?
What is the likelihood of a Dunker running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?
Do Dunker dogs have a high prey drive?
What do Dunkers enjoy doing? How do I keep my Dunker busy?
Walking, Running
What is the energy level of a Dunker? How much energy does a Dunker have?
High
Dunkers are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.
How far should a Dunker walk each week? How many miles should a Dunker walk every week?
14 miles / week
There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Dunker, it's at least 14 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.
How much a Dunker should exercise a day? How much activity does a Dunker need?
60 minutes
In general most Dunkers usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.
What level of grooming should be provided for a Dunker?
The Dunker is a breed of dog that is known for its low grooming needs.
How often should you brush a Dunker?
Daily
Ideally, Dunker should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.
What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Dunkers?
Pin Brush
Nail Clipper
Costs
How many cups of food does a Dunker eat?
2.5 cups
For an average 25-39 pound (11 - 18 kg) Dunker feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.
How Much Does a Dunker Cost Daily?
$1.40 - $2.10 / day
The average cost of a Dunker is somewhere $1.40 - $2.10 per day.
How Much Does a Dunker Cost Per Month?
$42 - $63 / month
The average per month expenses of a Dunker is between $42 - $63. This makes an average of $504 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.
Dunker Characteristic
How intelligent is a Dunker?
The Dunker breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.
How sensitive is a Dunker dog?
Dunker dogs have average emotions and are adaptable to different situations, not requiring extra care like sensitive breeds do.
Are Dunker dogs affectionate?
Do Dunker do well in apartments? Are Dunkers good indoor dogs?
It's not recommended to keep the Dunker in an apartment, but this breed make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. Dunkers living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.
Are Dunkers good with kids? Are Dunkers good around children?
Dunkers are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.
Are Dunkers good for elderly?
Are Dunkers good with cats? How friendly Dunkers are toward cats?
Dunkers are one of the best dogs for cats. They're accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on
Do Dunker dogs get along with other dogs? Are Dunkers OK with other dogs?
Dunkers are friendly, active and loyal companions. They generally love to be around other dogs, making them a good family pet for some,
How do Dunker dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?
Are Dunkers friendly with strangers?
Dunkers are friendly dogs and won't commonly bark at strangers. However, if you wish to change this, training them is easy. With their intelligence, teaching this breed to do anything is pretty simple.
Do Dunkers like to play? Are Dunkers playful?
The Dunker is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Dunker is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.
Are Dunker easily trained?
Dunker dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Intelligent and trainable
Dunkers are known for their intelligence and ability to learn quickly, which makes them relatively easy to train. - Loyal and affectionate
This breed is known for being loyal and affectionate with their families, and they tend to bond closely with their owners. - Good with children
Dunkers are generally good with children and can make great family pets.
Cons
- Not suitable for office environment
Dunkers are not typically recommended for office environments. - High energy
Dunkers have a lot of energy and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. - Strong prey drive
Dunkers have a strong prey drive and may be prone to chasing small animals, so they may not be suitable for homes with cats or other small pets. - Barking
A distinctive trait of this breed of dog is their loudness. - Sensitive to heat
Dunkers have a thick, coarse coat that can make them sensitive to heat and prone to overheating in hot weather. - Not Hypoallergenic
The non-hypoallergenic nature of Dunkers can lead to allergic reactions in people prone to allergies. - Not Apartment Friendly
Keeping a Dunker breed inside the home is not advised. - Grooming requirements
Dunkers require regular grooming to maintain their thick, wiry coat.