Dunker

Dunkers are sometimes also referred to as Norwegian Rabbit Hounds. Dunkers were developed when Russian Harlequin Hounds were crossed with different Norwegian scent hounds. Captain Wilhelm Conrad Dunker was a military officer who worked to cross these Russian Harlequin Hounds with other dogs to create a breed that could handle working in the harsh conditions in Norway. The breed has been around since the 19th century.

Dunkers are very intelligent dogs who can make an excellent family dog as long as they are properly trained and socialized.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning Dunkers

Evolution and Origin

In the 19th century, Captain Wilhelm Conrad Dunker decided to embark on a quest to create a breed of dogs that were not only ideal hunting companions but were also capable of handling harsh Norwegian winters. To that end, he began to breed Scandinavian tracking dogs renowned for their ability to withstand harsh conditions, with the Russian Harlequin Hound.

The result was the Dunker, named in honor of the Captain, capable of getting along with both dogs and humans, and possessing impressive endurance and superb tracking skills.

However, the German occupation of Norway resulted in a significant decline in the Dunker population. And although breeders managed to save the breed from extinction, other dogs that were imported into Norway became more popular.

However, the dog’s friendly, calm disposition means that it can be an excellent choice of house pet for canine enthusiasts. 

Size and Weight

Dunkers are a medium-sized breed. Both males and females generally weigh between 25 and 39 pounds. Males can be just a little taller and are normally between 19 and 22 inches tall. Females are typically between 18 and 21 inches tall. At 6 months, Dunker puppies are between 13.5 and 14.5 inches and weigh about 22.5 pounds. By 12 months, the puppies are between 16.5 and 17.5 inches and weigh about 27 pounds. A Dunker puppy should be fully grown by the age of 18 months.

Common Health Issues

Taking good care of your Dunker and scheduling regular checkups with the veterinarian will be important. There are a few common health concerns to be aware of before you adopt a Dunker.

Some Dunkers may be affected by hearing loss or deafness, but the exact prevalence is not well-documented. Prospective owners should inquire about hearing health when selecting a puppy. If you are concerned about your dog’s hearing, contact your veterinarian.

Another health issue some Dunkers face is hip dysplasia. The ball and socket in the hip of a Dunker with hip dysplasia do not develop correctly. Instead of fitting properly and moving together smoothly, they rub on each other. Over time, this causes deterioration to the ball and socket and can stop the joint from functioning. Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but can be exacerbated by being overweight or not getting the right types of exercise. You can talk to your veterinarian. They may recommend a supplement with glucosamine and chondroitin to reduce the symptoms your dog is experiencing.

Without proper exercise, Norwegian Hounds may become obese, which can lead to other health problems. To prevent this from happening to your dog, be sure to give them proper exercise and feed them a high-quality dog food that will help keep them at a healthy weight.

Some Dunkers may also develop a condition called progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). This eye condition leads to a gradual loss of vision and can cause dogs to become blind at a younger age. There is no cure for this condition, so you will want to look for a Dunker who has breeding lines with healthy eyes.

Because of the droopy shape of a Dunker’s ears, they are also prone to ear infections. Less air is able to circulate within their ear canal, which makes it more humid and welcoming to yeast and bacteria. Regularly clean your Dunker’s ears and keep an eye on them. If you notice any discharge or odd smells, schedule an appointment with their veterinarian.

To recap, here are the common health issues that Dunkers face:

• Hearing loss or deafness
• Hip dysplasia
• Obesity
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
• Ear infections

Temperament

When their exercise needs are met, Dunkers are known for their very calm and affectionate personalities. They love getting a lot of attention and will seek it out, so if you are not looking for a dog that will always want to be by your side, a Dunker may not be the right fit for you.

Another key personality trait of a Dunker is being very well-behaved. When time is taken to properly train and socialize them, they make a great family dog and are good with children. When Dunkers are out hunting, they exhibit a very focused behavior as they try to track down prey.

Dunkers are also known for their strong-willed personality. They do best with owners who have experience with training and raising a needier dog.

How to Take Care of Dunkers

Dunkers are unique dogs. Their health concerns, temperament, and other traits can help you develop the best plan to care for your dog.

The Best Dog Food for Dunkers

Dunker puppies should be fed a large-breed puppy formula until they have grown to be 80% of the maximum adult size. After that time, they can be switched to adult food. When selecting a food for your puppy or adult Dunker, look for a high-quality option from a trusted company. Finding the right combination of nutrients will be important. You will also want to avoid giving your dog people food.

Adult Dunkers should be fed a total of 2 ½ to 3 ½ cups of food each day. This should be split up into two or more meals. Your dog’s activity level, weight, metabolism, and overall health will determine the exact amount of food that they should get. You can always check with your veterinarian to confirm you’re feeding your dog an appropriate amount.

Maintenance and Grooming

Dunkers will require a fair amount of grooming and maintenance. While you won’t need to schedule regular professional grooming appointments, this breed sheds a lot and will require regular brushing to remove loose fur. You will also need to take care to brush your dog’s teeth, keep their ears clean, and trim their nails.

Training

Starting to train your Dunker from a very early age is very important. While these dogs can be trained to hunt quickly and with relative ease, the same is not the case for obedience training. Because of their stubborn nature, Dunker dogs do best with an experienced trainer.

Be prepared for training to take some time and to be patient during the process. In order for training to be successful, a Dunker’s owner must stand their ground and remain confident.

Additionally, socializing a Dunker from an early age is also important. This will get your dog used to being around other dogs, people, and places.

Exercise

Since Dunkers are raised to be hunting dogs, they will need a good amount of exercise each day. This often comes in the form of active training or hunting trips. Daily walks, along with playing with your dog in a fenced yard, are a good way to get in extra exercise when needed. You should aim to make sure your Dunker gets between 45 and 60 minutes of exercise each day.

Puppies

A female Dunker typically has between three and seven puppies in her litter. If you bring home a new Dunker puppy, you will want to sign him or her up for obedience training classes as soon as possible. Dunkers can be very stubborn, so looking for a training opportunity with an experienced trainer will be ideal. Be patient and don’t expect your new dog to start obeying right away, but with some dedication and consistency, you should begin to notice improvements soon.

You should also look for opportunities to socialize your new Dunker with other dogs and people. This will get them used to being around a variety of animals and humans and can help them adapt better to new situations in the future.

Children

Dunkers can be great dogs to have around children. They are playful, friendly, and loving. If you’re going to have a Dunker around children, you’ll want to be sure to train them and make sure they get socialized from an early age. Always supervise your children and teach them how to properly treat and interact with the dog. You should keep an extra close eye on toddlers and babies near Dunkers and other dogs.

Dogs similar to Dunkers

Beagles, American Foxhounds, and Basset Hounds are similar to Dunker dogs.

• Beagles: Both Beagles and Dunkers are scent hounds. They are also both very playful dogs. Dunkers are larger than Beagles, however. While a Beagle may only weigh 20 to 25 pounds, Dunkers typically weigh between 25 and 39 pounds.
• American Foxhound: The American Foxhound is another scent hound. Whereas Dunkers are cross-bred, American Foxhounds are a purebred dog breed. American Foxhounds are larger than Dunkers. They typically weigh between 65 and 75 pounds, while a Dunker weighs between 25 and 39 pounds. Both dogs are very playful, affectionate, and social.
• Basset Hound: Yet another scent hound that is similar to the Dunker is the Basset Hound. While Basset Hounds weigh more than Dunker dogs, they are significantly shorter. A Basset Hound generally weighs between 52 and 57 pounds, but they are only between 11 and 15 inches tall. Dunkers, on the other hand, weigh between 25 and 39 pounds and are between 19 and 22 inches tall. Dunker dogs are highly intelligent, while Basset Hounds are not very intelligent or obedient dogs. Both dogs are very affectionate and can be social.