Overview
Named after the Norwegian officer who created it in the nineteenth century, the Dunker is a scenthound used to hunt hare in the snow and forest. It works singly rather than in a pack, so it is used to making its own decisions out of sight of a human. The blue or black marbled coat is the breed's most recognisable feature.
In temperament it is gentle, friendly and quite soft with people. It is not a dog that wants to argue with you. It is a dog that wants to run, and a lot of its behaviour comes back to how much it has had.
Exercise and walking needs
Plan on an hour and a half or more of genuine activity. A Dunker that has had a brisk half-hour on the lead is still a dog with a tank three-quarters full.
A secure field where it can open up is ideal. Failing that, a long line and a route with varied ground give it enough to do without the risk of a disappearance.
On the walk
- Recall: Unreliable by design. This breed was bred to follow scent out of sight and keep going. Never trust it loose in open country.
- Pulling: Strong and persistent when it has something to follow. A padded harness protects both your hands and its neck.
- Other dogs: Amiable. They enjoy running with dogs of similar size and rarely start trouble.
- Cold: Built for Norwegian winters; cold and wet bother it far less than heat. Shorten summer walks and avoid midday.
Tips for professional walkers
- The car journey tires nothing; the dog arrives fresh and needs a proper run.
- Check the coat's pale patches for sunburn in summer, especially on the nose.
- Build a routine of recalls for food early in the walk before scent takes over.
What to ask the owner
- Is there a secure field the owner already uses, and does the dog return there reliably?
- Any hearing or sight issues? Pale-coated hounds can carry these and it changes how you cue the dog.
- Does the dog eat quickly after a hard run, and should you wait before feeding or watering?