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Dunker is a breed of Scunthound native to Norway. Developed by crossing the Russian Scurquin Hound with other Scunthound breeds, Dunker is famous throughout Norway for its excellent scent-trailing abilities. Although a relatively well-known if unusual working breed in its homeland, Dunder is virtually unknown outside Scandinavia. Dunker is best known for its unique dappled coat and hunting drive. Dunker is also known as Norwegian Dunker, Norwegian Hound, Norwegian Rabbit Hound, and Norwegian Scoundre, although those last three terms are usually applied to many other breeds.
The dunker is a relatively recently formed breed, and we know more about its progeny than it is in the case of many dogs. As is the case with breeds such as the German Shepherd Dog and Doberman Pinscher, the dunker is largely the result of a man’s breeding efforts. In the early 1800s, Norwegian writer and military officer Captain Wilhelm Conrad Dunker sought to develop a new breed of scunthound, which would be able to work under the harsh conditions of his homeland. Norway is one of the most challenging places for dog hunting in the world. The area is very rocky and some of the least developed in Western Europe. More importantly, Norway is one of the coldest countries on earth, and many breeds are quickly operating there.
Captain Dunker chose the Russian Harlequin Hound as the basis of his race. The Russian Harlequin Hound was developed by Russian nobles by crossing English foxheads with Russian hounds and other Russian breeds. Captain Dunker considered the Russian Harlequin Hound an ideal breed to begin its work as it was an excellent scent trailer and was able to thrive in cold temperatures. Captain Dunker began crossing his Russian Harlequin Hounds with other breeds. No one is quite certain which breed Dunker uses, but it is believed that other Scoundrel breeds, and possibly some Spitzen, played a major role. The end result of Dunker’s breeding was a highly gifted scented trailing dog capable of working in the rough terrain of Norway and adapting to its cold climate. The breed also exhibited a unique coloration. Many dunkers had dappled or marbled coats similar to cutthroat leopard dogs and some bussarones. The dunker became most famous as a rabbit dog, although it has also been used to hunt a variety of small animal species.
Dunker continued to gain popularity with Norwegian hunters throughout the 19th century. For many years, the breed was closely associated with Hygenhund, a Norwegian scoundrel breed developed by HF Hygne. In 1902, a “”Special Club for Norwegian Hare Dogs”” was established, representing both Dunker and Heisenhand. However, the two breeds were formally separated in the same year. The Norwegian Kennel Club (NKK) gave formal recognition to Dunker, which was followed by F.C.I. The population of Dunker continued to grow until World War II. Despite its attempt to maintain neutrality, Norway was occupied by the German army. However the Nazi occupation did not prove to be as disastrous for Norway as for most of the occupied countries, the nation was heavily affected. Dog breeding was greatly reduced as a result of the war, and many dogs died as a result of conflict or lack of care due to the changing circumstances of their owners. The Dunker’s population declined rapidly during World War II, but the breed did not experience catastrophic losses or total extinction that many other European breeds did. After the war ended, interest in Dunker again increased rapidly and remained very strong until the 1970s. Many foreign hunting breeds were imported to Norway in 1970, which greatly reduced the breed’s popularity. Norwegian hunters began to prefer these exotic breeds and abandoned the dunker. By the 1980s, the dunker was a very rare breed and had become very heavy. In 1987, dunker breeders petitioned NKK and FCI to cross their dunker with other dogs to widen the breed’s gene pool. Initially, this application was rejected but limited permission to do so was granted only after two years. In later years a very small number of outbreaks were made for other scunthound breeds. These outcrosses have proven to be very successful, greatly increasing Dunker’s genetic diversity and health without compromising its appearance, temperament, conformity, or ability to function.
In recent years, the dunker has grown somewhat in popularity, but it is still a very rare breed. For the past several years, an average of 130 to 180 dunker puppies have been registered every year. Although this breed is now in much better shape than in the 1980s, the dunker is still a rare and dangerous breed. Currently, dunker is found almost exclusively in Norway, although some breed members have been exported to other Scandinavian countries. It is not clear whether any of the dunkers have been exported to the United States, but it is a very small number of individuals, if any. Despite this rarity, the United Kennel Club (UKC) became the only major English-language kennel club in 1996 to give full recognition to Dunker. Unlike most modern breeds, the dunker is kept almost exclusively as a Working Dog. The majority of modern dunkers are either working or retired odor tracking dogs, and few, if any, are primarily kept as companions. The breed is currently regarded as an R abbit hunting specialist, and is almost exclusive to hunting rabbits and rabbits. Although the breed is currently stabilized in Norway, the dunker is essentially unknown where it is very rare. Many fans want to see the population and annual registration of this breed grow substantially, though only if it can be done safely and responsibly.
The dunker is similar to other medium-sized scunthudes, but is easily recognized by its unique coat color. Dunker is a symbol of a medium-sized scunthound breed. Most males are 19½ to 21½ long at the shoulder, and most females are 18½ to 20½ tall. Although weight is strongly influenced by height, construction, and sex, most breed members weigh between 35 and 50 pounds. It is a rectangular breed that is usually slightly longer than the chest to the tail, extending from the floor to the shoulder. The dunker is a very well-muscular and athletic breed that should always be visible as it is capable of intense physical activity. This breed should be powerfully built without being heavy or cumbersome. The tail of the dunker is long and straight slightly upward.
The head and face of the dunker are virtually identical to most other scunthews. The chief of this breed is often described as clean and noble. The skull is slightly domed, but must be running parallel to the muzzle from which it is quite distinct. The muzzle itself is very long and square in shape. Dunker’s nose is large and black. Eyes are large and round, but should never be spread. Eye color may vary. Ideally, they should be dark, but many individuals have very light or blue eyes. Dunker’s ears are wide, flat and close to the head. Although longer, the ears of the dunker are proportionately smaller than those of several wings. The overall expression of most of the dunkers is lively and friendly.
The dunker has a coat that is straight, hard and very dense. The coat length will be described as short-medium. The Dunker’s coat is much longer than most sconhydes, but much shorter than those found on most Nordic breeds. Dunker is famous for its unique look and feel. The breed usually has some degree of black or blue color or marble coloration. These markings may cover the dog’s entire body or only a relatively small portion, with a greater amount of favors in the show ring. Many breed members also exhibit black, tan, and white markings, with some breed members resembling an English foxhound with less white. Although white faces are preferably considered, black masks are also acceptable. Dunkers should not have more than 50% white cover of their body. Occasionally, dunkers are born in alternating colors, such as displaying no dumplings. Such dogs are punished in the show ring and probably should not be bred but otherwise make only acceptable pets and dogs acting as colorful dunkers in general.
The gestation period in lasts for 60-64 days The primary period of the reproductive cycle of the female is called Proestrus and goes on for around 9 days. During this time the females begin to draw in males. The subsequent part is the Estrus when the bitch is receptive to the male. It goes on for around 3 to 11 days. The third part is the Diestrus. Usually, it happens around day 14. In this period the bitch’s discharge changes for distinctive red and reaching its end. The vulva gets back to average, and she will no longer allow mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time span between heat periods ordinarily keeps going around a half year. The litter size ranges between 6 to 8 puppies at a time.
Dunker is a very low-maintenance breed. These dogs should never require professional brushing, only a regular brushing. Dunkers shed, and they can shed very heavy, very heavy. This is a breed that will cover carpets, furniture, and clothing with dog hair throughout the year and perhaps drive a crazy freak or a person suffering from allergies. Dunker owners must clean their dogs’ ears carefully and regularly. Dunker’s doping ears can collect food, dirt, grime, and other particles that will cause irritation and infection if not removed.
As with all breeds, initial socialization and puppy training classes are recommended. This breed has a reputation for being difficult to house. However, in every other case, it is very easy to train them. For example, They like to perform tricks and learn new ones quickly. They respond very well to training based on positive rewards rather than harsh or negative methods. This breed is required to live with his family and is likely to result in undesirable behaviour if he is regularly left alone for long periods of time.
This breed is classified as “somewhat active”, but is average. Long segments of quiet activity are often spread with brief bursts of high activity, often simply moving around the house or yard. In addition to walking, daily play sessions are required. Another dog can be a good exercise partner, but they will still need quality playtime with his owner. A fence-backed backyard is a good idea; Bichons are surprisingly fast, and if someone makes a dash for freedom, it can be difficult to catch or call you back. They enjoy obedience, agility and participating in rally competitions.
They should perform well on high-quality dog food, whether it is commercially manufactured or prepared with the supervision and approval of your vet. Any diet should be appropriate for the age of the dog (puppy, adult or senior). Some dogs are at risk of being overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treatment training can be an important aid, but giving too much can lead to obesity. Know which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. If you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet, check with your vet. Clean, freshwater must be available at all times.
It does not appear, however, that a health study has been conducted on Dunker, making it impossible to give any definitive details on the health of the breed. Most fanatics believe that Dunker is in average health. Many common canine health problems have been identified in Dunker, although most are not found at higher rates. Dunker breeders have long been concerned about the health of the breed because it has such a small gene pool. For this reason, other breeds were crossed with the dunker in the late 1980s to increase the dog’s genetic diversity. Although such breeds have increased Dunker’s health, most believe that Dunker is still at high risk of future development problems. Of the problems identified in Dunker, most sources suggest that hip dysplasia is of greatest concern. Potential owners should be especially wary of dunkers with blue eyes. Such dogs often suffer from deafness in one or both ears.
Although skeletal and visual problems are not considered a major problem in this breed, it is advisable for owners to test their pets by both the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) . OFA and CERF perform genetic and other tests before identifying potential health defects. It is particularly valuable in detecting conditions that do not appear until the dog has reached an advanced age, it is especially important for anyone considering breeding their dog , Which has tested them to prevent the spread of potential genetic conditions to their offspring. It is very reasonable to request that breeders show any OFA and CERF documents that they have a puppy or its parents, which will essentially be all respectable breeders.
Although health studies are yet to be conducted at Dunker, they have been performed for a number of similar and closely related breeds. Based on those studies, Dunker is likely to present the following health concerns.