Norwegian hound

Overall description of the breed

As its name suggests, the Norwegian Hound or Dunker has its origins deep in Norway, created and developed from the beginning of the 19th century following the selection of several hunting dog breeds, it owes its name to its creator, the Norwegian captain Wilhem Conrad Dunker.

It was a cross between local bloodhounds and spread rapidly throughout Norway in the second half of the 19th century, mainly as a hunter and tracker of small game, especially hares. The breed almost became extinct during the Second World War, but a few passionate breeders revived the breed in the 1970s.

The International Cynological Federation recognised the breed definitively on 7 February 1956 and the latest update of the official standard in force was published on 4 April 2016.

It is a medium-sized hunting dog with balanced, harmonious and athletic lines. Appreciated for its robustness and resistance to effort, it is mainly used as a tracker as well as for bloodhounding, in which it performs extremely well thanks to its exceptional stamina and its exceptionally fine nose.

Longer than it is tall, its body is rectangular, with a straight, firm topline, long enough to give length to the ribcage, the loins are strong and the chest amply developed. The lower legs are parallel, powerful and agile. The head is long, the muzzle moderately long and the stop clean. The Norwegian Hound's coat is short, flat and coarse in texture, the colour required by the breed standard being diluted black with fawn or blue merle with more or less dark fawn.

Jovial and friendly by nature, the Dunker is a very affectionate pet with his loved ones, although he is mainly used for hunting, the Norwegian Hound remains an excellent family dog, sociable and affectionate with all, he will easily adapt to life indoors even if he prefers to evolve in the wild.

He is an energetic companion, who needs to exercise daily to feel good about himself, especially during long walks or sustained sports games, especially tracking activities where his predatory instincts will be put to use. Docile and devoted, the Dunker is easy to train, very attached to its owners, its trusting temperament sometimes leads it to be independent.

He is a very reliable working partner, a solid teammate in whom you can have complete confidence. Particularly endearing, his natural good nature will seduce all the inhabitants of the house, sublimated by the benevolence which he shows daily.

Adult: The Norwegian Hound will weigh approximately 25 kg (55 lbs) for males and 20 kg (44 lbs) for females, with a height at the withers of approximately 50-55 cm (19.5-21.5") for males and 47-53 cm (18.5-21") for females.