DunkerCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the breed is named after the Norwegian captain Wilhelm Conrad Dunker, who created it in the first half of the 19th century by crossing several hound breeds. Wikipedia says he used a Russian harlequin hound and reliable Norwegian hounds to obtain a dog that hunts hares by scent.

The number of dogs fell during the Second World War; interest then grew until the 1970s and declined again. In the 1980s the dogs were too closely related, so a few crosses were approved, which improved genetic diversity and health while keeping the qualities of the breed. The population is still small.

How the breed developed

• First half of the 19th century – Wilhelm Conrad Dunker creates the breed.
• 1939–1945 – The number of dogs falls during the war.
• After 1945 to the 1970s – Interest in the breed grows.
• 7 February 1956 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• After the 1980s – Approved crosses improve genetic diversity.
• 4 April 2016 – The current FCI standard is published.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile; the rating is based on the FCI standard (“very sociable and confident, easy to train”) and the Wikipedia description.

The standard describes it as a medium-sized hound with a clearly rectangular body, strong and hardy without being heavy.

General appearance

The long, noble head is not carried high. The large, round eyes are dark, with a calm, serious expression; in dapple dogs, blue eyes are allowed. The ears hang flat against the head and reach halfway down the muzzle. The tail, thick at the base, reaches the hock.

The accepted colours are diluted black with tan markings or blue marbled (merle) with light tan markings and white patches. Deep black with rich tan is less desirable, and white covering 50% or more of the body is not wanted.

The standard describes it as the sturdy hound of the past, with an excellent temperament, steady nerves, very sociable and confident. It is an excellent combination of hunting dog and companion and, thanks to its open nature, is easy to train.

Wikipedia says it learns well with rewards, for example with clicker training. It has a wide range when hunting and can hunt hares even through deep snow.

Tips for effective training

• Use rewards. Clicker training works very well.
• Give its mind work to do. Wikipedia says it needs activities in which it can use its intelligence.
• Practise recall. It has a wide range when hunting.
• Keep it active. Well exercised, it rarely barks outside hunting.

Wikipedia says it needs a lot of exercise and activities in which it can use its intelligence. It is considered a good family dog if it is also used for hunting.

Tips for a balanced life

• Keep it on a lead outside the yard.
• It copes well with cold and snow.
• It suits an active family, ideally one that hunts.

Coat and skin care

The straight, harsh coat is easy to care for: brushing once a week, more often during the moult.

Common health problems

There are no published health studies for the breed. The standard says the approved crosses have improved health. It is worth watching for:

Other care

• Check the ears after every outing.
• Check for ticks after hunting.
• Trim the nails if they do not wear down on their own.

An active hound needs good-quality food. The portion goes up in the hunting season and down in quiet periods.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give it its food in two meals a day.
• Fresh water should always be available.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• Named after a captain. It bears the name of its creator, Captain Wilhelm Conrad Dunker.
• Blue eyes. Dapple dogs may have blue eyes.
• It hunts through snow. It can hunt hares even in winter, through deep snow.
• Very rare. Wikipedia says an average of 150 puppies are born each year.
• A Russian relative. A Russian harlequin hound was used in its creation.

Where does the name Dunker come from?

From the Norwegian captain Wilhelm Conrad Dunker, who created the breed.

How big does it get?

Males measure 50–58 cm and females 47–54 cm; they weigh about 16–18 kg.

Is it a family dog?

Yes, it is very sociable, but it needs plenty of exercise and activity.

Why do some dogs have blue eyes?

Blue eyes occur in dogs with a marbled (merle) coat and are allowed by the standard.