A Dunker, also known as the
Norwegian Hound, is a medium-sized breed of dog from Norway. It was bred by
Wilhelm Dunker to be a scenthound by crossing a Russian Harlequin Hound with
dependable Norwegian scent hounds.
Appearance
The
Dunker has a clean, noble, long head with parallel planes of the skull and
muzzle, carried low and not wedge-shaped. Its skull is slightly domed with a
defined stop and clean cheeks, the muzzle is long and square-cut with a
straight and broad nasal bridge, and its teeth are evenly spaced with a
scissors bite. The Dunker has a black nose with wide nostrils, round, large,
and dark eyes, and low-set, wide, flat, ears that hang close to the head and to
the middle of the muzzle.
The
Dunker has a long neck with no throatiness, sloping shoulders, straight
forelegs, a level topline, a straight and strong back with broad and muscular
loins, and a slight tuck up in the chest. Its hindquarters are well-angulated,
as are its stifle, and its thighs and hocks are broad. The feet are arched,
well-knit, have firm pads and hair between the toes, and point straight ahead.
The tail is set on level with the topline, strong at the root, tapering at the
end, straight, carried in a slight upward curve, and reaches to the hock.
The
Dunker's coat is straight, hard, dense, and not too short, with the most
desirable colors being black or blue marbled with pale fawn and white markings.
Less desirable are warm brown or predominant black reaching from the muzzle and
beyond the hock joint, a black mask, and overmarked white, and more than fifty
percent white color is a disqualification.
The
Dunker weighs around 35–39 pounds (16–18 kg), and males are 19.5–21.5 inches
(50–55 cm) at the withers, while females are 18.5–20.5 inches (47–52 cm).
Temperament
This
is quite a friendly and relaxed breed. It will provide these traits only to
owners who will offer lots of activity.
Health
Occasionally,
cases of hip dysplasia can occur. Deafness is also a significant issue, with
75% of all dogs of this breed being unilaterally or bilaterally deaf.
No comments:
Post a Comment