Pet Wiki

Dunker

Also called Norwegian Hound, Dunkerstøver

A calm, confident hound that is open and friendly with people.

SizeMedium
Height47 to 58 cm (19 to 23 in)males 50 to 58 cm, females 47 to 54 cm12
CoatStraight, hard, dense
OriginNorway; created in the 19th century by Captain Wilhelm Conrad Dunker.12
GroupScent hounds and related breeds (FCI group 6)
Recognised breedShort profile
sociable and trusting
steady nerves
tireless hare tracker
12

Personality what they are like

A calm, confident hound that is open and friendly with people. It is keen and persistent on the trail, yet relaxed at home and generally quiet when it gets enough exercise.12

Coat and looks how to spot one

straight, hard, dense

A solid, well-balanced scent hound of medium size, strong without being heavy. The coat is straight, firm to the touch and thick, and it is kept fairly short but not sleek.12

Coloursblack (diluted) with tan and white markingsblue merle (marbled) with pale tan and white markings12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Dunker. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Needs plenty of daily exercise and regular opportunities to use its nose; it was bred to track hares over long distances, even in snow.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, dense coat is easy to keep: a weekly brush and routine checks of ears and paws are usually enough.1

Home where they are happiest

Suits an active rural or suburban home with secure outdoor space and access to open country for walks.2

Company who they like around

Very people-oriented and trusting; it does well as a family dog when its hunting drive has an outlet, and it responds well to reward-based training.12

The story where it all began

Wilhelm Conrad Dunker, a Norwegian army captain, built the breed in the 1800s by combining several scent hounds, including a Russian harlequin hound, to get a dog that trailed hares by scent. It came close to vanishing around the Second World War but recovered afterwards and is still kept mainly in Norway and Sweden.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The breed carries the name of its creator, Captain Wilhelm Conrad Dunker.1

  2. 2

    Its blue marbled (merle) colouring is traced back to a Russian harlequin hound used in its early breeding.2

  3. 3

    It can keep working a hare trail in deep snow, something few hare hounds manage well.2

  4. 4

    Outside the hunting season it is known for being a rather quiet dog if it gets enough exercise.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the Norwegian captain Wilhelm Conrad Dunker, who created the breed in the first half of the 19th century by crossing a Russian Harlequin Hound with reliable Norwegian scent hounds.2

Name ideas for your new friend

LunaBirkNoraSindreMajaEirikSigridAskTirilVidarKariOdin

A day in the life told by a Dunker

The snow crunched under my paws as I led the way through the forest. My human was behind me, and I could hear their steady breathing. I was on a mission, following a hare's scent that was fresh and exciting. I moved with confidence, my tail wagging. When I finally stopped, my human caught up and gave me a big scratch behind the ears. 'Good girl,' they said. Back home, I shook off the snow and settled by the fire, watching the flames. I'm a calm dog, but out there, I'm a hunter. Now, I'm dreaming of the next trail, my ears twitching at the memory. It's a good life.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 203, Group 6 (Scenthounds and related breeds), Section 1.2 Medium-sized Hounds, with working trial; standard dated 04.04.2016.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Dunker, and at what times?

Adult Dunkers do well on at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Feeding at the same times each day helps their digestion. For exact portions, check the food label and ask your vet.3

What should a Dunker eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality, complete dog food is the best base. Never give your Dunker chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onions, garlic, or raw dough, as these are especially dangerous for dogs. Always check with your vet if unsure.4

How often should I bathe a Dunker?

Pet Wiki’s starting plan is to bathe your Dunker every 8 weeks, though a bath at least once every three months is fine unless they get very dirty. Use a mild dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to keep their coat healthy.5 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Dunker need brushing?

A weekly brush keeps the short, dense coat neat and removes loose hair. Pet Wiki’s plan suggests brushing every 7 days, and it’s also a nice bonding moment. More often during shedding season is fine.15 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Dunker's nails, and how often?

Pet Wiki’s plan recommends trimming nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, just before the quick (the pink part), using proper dog nail clippers. Ask your vet or a groomer to show you if needed.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Dunker need?

Your Dunker needs plenty of daily exercise and chances to follow their nose, as they were bred to track hares over long distances. Pet Wiki suggests daily walks and play, and they thrive with active rural or suburban living.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Dunker's teeth and ears?

Brush your Dunker’s teeth at least two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check those floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt and dry them gently without pushing anything into the ear canal. Your vet can show you the best technique.5 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Dunker live?

Lifespan varies for each Dunker depending on health and care. A good vet can give you a more personalised estimate based on your dog’s condition. Enjoy every year with your happy hound!

Is a Dunker good with children and other pets?

Dunkers are calm, confident, and friendly with people, making them wonderful family dogs. They were bred to hunt, so they may have a strong prey drive toward small animals; early socialisation and training help them get along with other pets.12

Can a Dunker be left alone?

Dunkers are very people-oriented and enjoy company, so they may not like being left alone for long hours. With gradual training and enrichment, they can learn to be okay for reasonable periods. Every dog is different, so observe how yours reacts.12

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 203 Dunker fci.beused for classification, history, size, coat, colours, temperament
  2. Dunker - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, weight, temperament, fun facts
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.