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Norwegian Hound

dog breed

Photo · Wikipedia FR (CC BY-SA)

Weight

5–30 kg

Size

Medium

Lifespan

11–14 ans

Energy

Élevé

Origin

Norvège

Coat

Tricolored, possibly merle.

Maintenance

Moyen

Training

Moyen

The Norwegian Hound or more simply Dunker is a dog breed originating from Norway. It is a medium-sized hound with a robust appearance, with a tricolored coat that can be merle. It is a hunting dog used as a hound. The breed is fairly uncommon outside of Norway. The Norwegian Hound should not be confused with the two other breeds of Norwegian hounds: the Hygen Hound and the Halden Hound.

Profile

At a glance

Energy

Élevé

Trainability

Modéré

Maintenance

Modéré

Indicative profile — every animal is an individual.

⚡ Key facts in 30 seconds

L'essentiel

  • 1Medium format (5–30 kg) — balance between presence and practicality.
  • 2Life expectancy: 11 to 14 years on average, depending on maintenance and feeding.
  • 3High energy level — at least 1 hour of daily activity for its balance.
  • 4Moderate grooming — weekly brushing is sufficient.

Chapter 1

Getting to know the Norwegian Hound

Origins & history

A story told

The Norwegian Hound is a dog breed developed in Norway without its ancient origins being known. It is a little-known breed and virtually impossible to find outside its country of origin.

Character

Daily temperament

The FCI standard does not give typical temperament or character for the breed. It is an affectionate, intelligent and docile dog in the family and determined at the hunt.

Physical

Breed standard

The Norwegian Hound is a medium-sized hound of powerful but not heavy construction. The body fits in a rectangle. Thick at the base, the tail tapers to the end. Straight, it is carried forming a slight upward curve. It reaches the hock or extends slightly beyond. Rather long, the head is not held high and is characterized by a slightly rounded skull and a marked stop. Dark and round in color, the eyes are rather large and non-protruding. Wall eyes are accepted in blue merle dogs. Attached at medium height, the ears of moderate width narrow to a rounded end. The hair is straight, hard, dense and not too short. The back of the thighs and tail may be somewhat more abundant. The coat is tricolored: black or blue merle marked with pale fawn and white.

What if you adopted your future companion?

The Norwegian Hound of your dreams may already be waiting in a shelter. Hundreds of norwegian hound (and equally wonderful crossbreeds) are looking for a family in France — every adoption starts a new story.

Editorial recommendation — no affiliate links.

Âge

What human age for a norwegian hound ?

The calculator is already set to the breed's adult size (espérance de vie 11–14 ans). Drag the slider to see the equivalence and corresponding life stage.

3 years
Birth22 years
Adult size

10 à 22 kg — a giant dog ages significantly faster than a small dog after maturity.

Equivalent human age

29years

Adulte

Most stable period. Monthly weigh-in, annual vet visit, dental care — this determines quality of life in later years.

Method: AVMA table: 15 human years in year one, +9 in year two, then +5 per year for a moyen dog.

These equivalences are statistical benchmarks drawn from published veterinary tables. Every animal ages at its own pace, depending on genetics, diet and care. This calculator is neither a diagnosis nor veterinary advice.

Alert

To avoid for dog

Our database lists toxic ingredients and problematic additives by species.

  • low-fat cocoa powderModerate
  • maltitolModerate
  • cocoa pasteModerate
  • onion piecesModerate

Calculator · daily ration

How much to give a norwegian hound ?

Estimate based on the veterinary formula RER × DER, adjusted for dog. Adjust according to package recommendations.

18 kg
5 kg33 kg
Moderate

Result

221 g

per day · 839 kcal

111 g / repas (2 par jour)

Calculation for food of 380 kcal/100g.

For an exact calculation for your Norwegian Hound (breed, age, allergies, health conditions): create a free account

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Norwegian Hound

Is the Norwegian Hound suitable for apartment living?+
It depends on the individual: its size requires space and exercise, provided you meet its exercise needs through outings.
How much exercise per day for a Norwegian Hound?+
Plan approximately 1 hour of daily exercise — sustained walks, games, or canine sport.
What is the life expectancy of a Norwegian Hound?+
Between 11 and 14 years on average. Appropriate feeding, regular veterinary follow-up, and exercise contribute to extending its life.
Is the Norwegian Hound good with children?+
To be assessed on a case-by-case basis: early socialization and mutual respect are key. Never leave a young child alone with an animal, regardless of breed.

If you like this dog

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For more information

Sources & official links

Supplementary documentation on reference sites — breed clubs, encyclopedias, veterinarians.

The right score for your Norwegian Hound.

SokoScan calculates a personalized PawScore based on breed, age, weight and your pet's sensitivities. Free, instant.