NATIVE BREEDS OF NORWAY

Norwegian national heritage Photo:Magnus Enger NATIVE DOG BREEDS OF NORWAY

Norwegian Buhund Photo: Terje Lindstrøm Photo: Terje

Photo: Terje Lindstrøm Nilsen Photo: Yvonne Buhund is now also being used for other this by choosing a . purposes. Increasing numbers of Buhunds are distinguishing themselves at such disci- A canine semen bank has been established plines as obedience and agility. In England, for all Norwegian dog breeds. The semen they are also being used as guide bank is being jointly developed by the and drug detection dogs – which says a lot various breed clubs, the Norwegian Kennel about the breed’s versatility and potential. Club and the Norwegian Genetic Resource Centre. The aim is to deposit semen from A Norwegian Buhund is a good, friendly ten dogs of each of the seven native family dog, and is usually good-natured and Norwegian breeds (in addition to the Nor- loyal. The Buhund is very active and needs wegian Buhund, these are the Norwegian

Photo: Terje Lindstrøm Photo: Terje a lot of exercise and stimulation. If not pro- Elkhound Grey, the vided with sufficient daily challenges and Black, the , the Hal- BREED ORIGIN AND HISTORy | The “sheep county” Rogaland in south-western activities, the Buhund will let you know – den , the and the Nor- Norwegian Buhund is considered to be a Norway. In recent years, about 100-150 which is probably why the myth of a “yappy wegian Hound). Preferably, the semen shall direct descendant of the dogs used by the Norwegian Buhund puppies have been dog” arose. However, a satisfied Buhund is be stored for ten years and can be used, for first settlers in Norway. Remains of - registered annually by the Norwegian Ken- often a calm and devoted dog. example, in case of a sudden crisis within a type dogs have been found in the oldest nel Club. The Norwegian Buhund is thus a (Source: Den norske hundeboka, Ulvund specific breed or if there is a need for “old” archeological sites. The breed’s name is small-numbered breed, and preferably its tekst & forlag) genetic material in breeding. derived from the old Norwegian term “bu”, numbers should increase in order to ensure which refers to such concepts as “farm”, sound and effective breeding efforts. Securing the future of the If you are interested in more information “hut” and “livestock”, thus indicating the Norwegian Buhund | The most about the Norwegian Buhund, please Buhund’s original use as a farm and herd- APPEARANCE | The Norwegian Buhund important way of securing the future of the contact Norsk Buhund Klubb, c/o Nor- ing dog. It was used for herding cattle and is a typical spitz dog, slightly below medium Norwegian Buhund is to further develop wegian Kennel Club, PO Box 163 Bryn, small livestock, but also reindeer and pigs. size. The Buhund is squarely built and and maintain a large and viable breed 0611 Oslo, Norway (phone: +47 21 60 09 In many areas of the country, every farm has a dense, flat-lying coat. The ears are population. Anyone already considering 00) or the Norwegian Genetic Resource had its Buhund. The dogs often lived in the pointed and erect and their shape and size getting a smaller spitz dog can contribute to Centre, 1431 Ås, Norway (phone: +47 64 barn, and herded the animals when they should harmonize with the head shape. The 94 90 55). were put to pasture in the daytime. tail is carried firmly curled over the back. The Buhund is either wheaten or black. The In the early 1900s, the Norwegian Buhund wheaten variant can range from rather light population rapidly declined, partially due to to yellowish-red, with or without dark-tipped the import of foreign breeds that outcom- hairs. Clean and bright colour is preferred. peted the Buhund. Fortunately, the situation The black variant should preferrably be was taken seriously and a considerable self-coloured, but white as a blaze, chest effort was made to save this unique breed. spot or collar and on the paws is accept- Systematic registration, controlled breeding able. Eyes should be as dark as possible and participation at shows held by the Nor- and harmonize with the overall appear- wegian Kennel Club resulted in the breed’s ance. Height at the withers is 43-47 cm for increasing popularity and formed the basis males and 41-45 cm for bitches. The weight for the modern-day Buhund. should be in proportion to the dog’s size.

In the 1920s, Buhund shows were com- UTILIZATION | The Norwegian Buhund monly held in connection with the state-run was traditionally a , and is often goat and sheep shows. These shows were preferably used to herd sheep, especially in surely important for the increasing interest large sheep drives. The breed is also used in the Norwegian Buhund – as there were somewhat for hunting, e.g. in elk hunting. especially many active breeders in the Due to its excellent learning abilities, the Photo: Terje Lindstrøm Photo: Terje NATIVE DOG BREEDS OF NORWAY

Norwegian Elkhound Black Photo: Atle Helland Photo:

treated. Black Elkhounds love to exercise Kennel Club and the Norwegian Genetic and are easy to train. Regular walks out in Resource Centre. The aim is to deposit nature while the dog is still a puppy provide semen from ten dogs of each of the seven the foundation for a great outdoor and hun- native Norwegian breeds (in addition to ting companion later on. A Black Elkhound the Norwegian Elkhound Black, these are rarely runs off if it has the chance, but the Norwegian Buhund, the Norwegian naturally there are individual variations. The Elkhound Grey, the Norwegian Lundehund, breed is mainly used as a leashed tracking the Halden Hound, the Hygen Hound and dog, primarily for elk hunting. the Norwegian Hound). Preferably, the se- men shall be stored for ten years and can Securing the future of the be used, for example, in case of a sudden Norwegian ELKHOUNd BLACK | The crisis within a specific breed or if there is a Photo: Pål Asbjørn Kullerud Photo: Pål most important way of securing the future of need for ”old” genetic material in breeding. BREED ORIGIN AND HISTORy | The a few committed persons started breeding the Black Norwegian Elkhound is to further Norwegian Elkhound1 Black is an old breed the best of the remaining dogs. This led to a develop and maintain a large and viable If you are interested in more information that developed from local spitz breeds in gradual increase in numbers, and presently, breed population. Anyone already conside- about the Black Norwegian Elkhound, the areas along both sides of the Norwe- between 90 and 150 Black Elkhound pup- ring getting an elkhound can thus contribute please contact Norske Elghundklubbers gian-Swedish border. It has existed as a pies are registered by the Norwegian Ken- to this by choosing a Black Norwegian Forbund, c/o Norwegian Kennel Club, separate breed since the mid-1800s. nel Club each year. So after many years in Elkhound. PO Box 163 Bryn, 0611 Oslo, Norway, obscurity, there is now a viable population (phone: +47 21 60 09 00, website: The Black Norwegian Elkhound is a typical of Black Elkhounds in Norway, even if the A canine semen bank has been estab- www.elghundforbundet.no) or the Nor- spitz-type dog and the smallest of the breed still is the Grey Elkhound’s “little lished for all Norwegian dog breeds. The wegian Genetic Resource Centre, 1431 elkhounds. It is a calm, devoted dog that brother”. semen bank is being jointly developed by Ås, Norway (phone: +47 64 94 90 55). forms close bonds with family members. the various breed clubs, the Norwegian | The breed has a fearless appearance and APPEARANCE The Black Norwegian is mentally strong. These used to be highly Elkhound is a typical spitz-type dog and valued traits in connection with close game the smallest of the elkhounds. It has a well- encounters and hunting. balanced, squarely-built body, erect and pointed ears, a tail that is firmly curled over The Black Elkhound has proven to be the back, and a shiny black, short-haired especially suited as a leashed tracking dog. coat. Some white markings on the chest Through systematic selection the breed has and toes are acceptable. Black Elkhounds become a specialist at this form of hunting. have a proud posture and are very muscu- lar and athletic. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Black Norwegian Elkhound was quite common, Height at the withers is 46-49 cm for males especially in the eastern, inland valleys of and 43-46 cm for bitches. Norway. The breed was used for elk and | bear hunting. After 1900, most elkhound UTILIZATION The breed is generally breeding in Scandinavia focused on the very good-natured, but can also be quite Grey Norwegian Elkhound, while the Black headstrong if permitted. Black Elkhounds Elkhound was increasingly neglected. can bark quite a bit, especially when kept in a kennel or on a leash. Black Elkhounds By the mid 1950s, the Black Elkhound are often said to have a more stubborn population had dwindled considerably and nature than the Grey Elkhound, but this is the breed was close to extinction. However, mainly a matter of how they are trained and Photo: Steinar Moen

1Elk (Norwegian elg) = Alces alces, ”” in North America. NATIVE DOG BREEDS OF NORWAY

Norwegian Elkhound Grey Photo: Vibeke Brath Photo: Vibeke movements”. For males, the ideal size at In addition, the dog must have won a first the withers is 52 cm, for bitches 49 cm. prize at two shows.

UTILIZATION | The Grey Norwegian Securing the future of the Elkhound is highly esteemed as a big Norwegian ELKHOUNd GREY | The game dog, especially for elk hunting. The Grey Norwegian Elkhound population is breed was earlier, and still is, used for bear large and viable, so that the breed is not hunting. threatened like the other native Norwegian dog breeds. Nevertheless, it is important to In Norway, Grey Elkhounds are used both make sure that the breed remains popular. as leashed and off-leash tracking dogs. The Anyone already considering getting an introduction of hunting trials significantly elkhound can thus contribute to this by Photo: Steinar Moen affected the selection of breeding dogs. The choosing a Grey Norwegian Elkhound. BREED ORIGIN AND HISTORy | The a trait that is clearly seen when hunting out requirement for breeding dogs in Norway is type of dog represented by the Norwegian in the woods. Fortunately, the myth that a having won a first prize (graded) at a hun- A canine semen bank has been established Elkhound1 Grey can be traced back several good should be fierce no lon- ting trial for males and a prize at a hunting for all Norwegian dog breeds. The semen millennia. It is an exceptionally versatile ger prevails, and today’s Grey Norwegian trial for bitches. bank is being jointly developed by the dog, and a highly cooperative hunting dog, Elkhound is just like any other dog in its various breed clubs, the Norwegian Kennel especially for elk and bear hunting. daily surroundings. To become a hunting champion, a dog must Club and the Norwegian Genetic Resource have achieved 3 first prizes (graded) at Centre. The aim is to deposit semen from Norway formulated the first breed standard The Grey Norwegian Elkhound is the most trials, of which one must be a two-day test. ten dogs of each of the seven native Nor- for the Grey Norwegian Elkhound in 1905, popular elkhound breed in Norway. Its On such tests, the dog must at least win a wegian breeds (in addition to the Norwegi- and thus got a head start on Sweden with population has seemingly increased in step prize one day and win a first prize the other. an Elkhound Grey, these are the Norwegian regard to developing the breed. Since then, with the growing elk population, from 30 Buhund, the Norwegian Elkhound Black, varying breed characteristics have been registered puppies per year in the 1920s, a the Norwegian Lundehund, the Halden emphasised throughout the years. Today, few hundred in the 1930s to more than 700 Hound, the Hygen Hound and the Norwe- it can be said that a uniform type has been by the 1950s. It is now the most popular gian Hound). Preferably, the semen shall developed. international elkhound breed, with about be stored for ten years and can be used, for 1000 registered puppies per year, and is example, in case of a sudden crisis within a The Grey Norwegian Elkhound has been found on five continents – the majority in specific breed or if there is a need for ”old” the flagship of the native Norwegian dog Norway, Sweden, Finland and the USA. genetic material in breeding. breeds, and to this day the Grey Elkhound | adorns the logo of the Norwegian Ken- APPEARANCE The Grey Norwegian If you are interested in more information nel Club. There is presently extensive Elkhound has a proud posture, and should about the Grey Norwegian Elkhound, cooperation between Norway, Sweden and be lightly built without being slender. The please contact Norske Elghundklubbers Finland regarding the breed’s conformation breed should not be too heavy, and above Forbund, c/o Norwegian Kennel Club, and hunting abilities. Furthermore, the all, must be squarely built. PO Box 163 Bryn, 0611 Oslo, Norway Grey Norwegian Elkhound is also a popular (phone: +47 21 60 09 00, website: breed in the USA. The breed standard has changed very little www.elghundforbundet.no) or the Nor- since the first one was published. The stan- wegian Genetic Resource Centre, 1431 In recent years, the Grey Norwegian dards are still the same, as can be seen in Ås, Norway (phone: +47 64 94 90 55). Elkhound has become a natural part of today’s breeding goal: ”specific emphasis family life – a fact that is reflected by the on a dark mask, small ears, squarely-built, temperament of today’s dogs. The Grey strong body, high-set tail that is firmly curled Elkhound is a sociable dog that is loyal to over the centre line, thick, grey coat with no family members and extremely cooperative, sooty colours, well angulated and effortless Photo: Ellen Krogstad

1Elk (Norwegian elg) = Alces alces, ”moose” in North America. NATIVE DOG BREEDS OF NORWAY

Norwegian Lundehund Photo: Gunn Tove Ormset Tove Photo: Gunn

Norwegian Lundehund is of specific interest A canine semen bank has been established for breed conservation work. One of its ana- for all Norwegian dog breeds. The semen tomical peculiarities is that it has six toes on bank is being jointly developed by the all feet. The front paws have five triple-jo- various breed clubs, the Norwegian Kennel inted toes and one double-jointed toe. The Club and the Norwegian Genetic Resource extra toes all have well-developed muscles Centre. The aim is to deposit semen from and are thus fully functional. The ears can ten dogs of each of the seven native Nor- be sealed by folding them forwards or wegian breeds (in addition to the Norwe- backwards to protect the inner ear against gian Lundehund, these are the Norwegian dirt when the dog is crawling inside of nar- Buhund, the Norwegian Elkhound Grey, row passageways. The dog’s extraordinary the Norwegian Elkhound Black, the Halden agility is enabled by its unique shoulder Hound, the Hygen Hound and the Norwe- Photo: Steinar Moen and neck joints: whereas the forelegs can gian Hound). Preferably, the semen shall BREED ORIGIN AND HISTORy | The years between the two World Wars, a few be moved sideways at a 90 degree angle, be stored for ten years and can be used, for Norwegian Lundehund is an ancient dog dogs were sent from Måstad to Mr. and the head can be bent backwards along example, in case of a sudden crisis within a breed that was used to hunt seabirds along Mrs. Christie in south-eastern Norway. the dog’s own spine. (Source: Den norske specific breed or if there is a need for ”old” most of the Norwegian coast. The breed The couple bred the dogs and the breed’s hundeboka, Ulvund tekst & forlag). genetic material in breeding. name is a combination of the Norwegian numbers increased. During the Second words ”lunde” (puffin, Fratercula arctica) World War, canine distemper nearly wiped Securing the future of the If you are interested in more information and ”hund”, dog. Although the breed’s exact out the entire Lundehund population on Norwegian LUNDEHUND | The most about the Norwegian Lundehund, please age is not known, there are descriptions of Værøy, but the breed was rescued by dogs important way of securing the future of contact Norsk Lundehund Klubb, c/o the use of dogs for puffin hunting that are sent north by the Christie’s. Thereafter, the Norwegian Lundehund is to further Norwegian Kennel Club, PO Box 163 more than 400 years old. canine distemper also hit the south-eastern develop and maintain a large and viable Bryn, 0611 Oslo, Norway (phone: +47 part of Norway, and by the late 1950s the breed population. Anyone already consi- 21 60 09 00, website: http://lundehund. The Lundehund was an important part of population of Lundehund in the region was dering getting a small can no) or the Norwegian Genetic Resource the livelihood of Norway’s coastal commu- almost wiped out. But Eleanor Christie did contribute to this by choosing a Norwegian Centre, 1431 Ås, Norway (phone: +47 64 nities. The dogs were able to enter narrow not give up, and in 1960 she received five Lundehund. 94 90 55). passageways on the steep cliffs and screes dogs from the Måstad population. This time and retrieve the birds alive. Puffin meat was she involved additional breeders, and the used as food, while the bird’s feathers and Norwegian Lundehund was again saved down were used in pillows and blankets or from extinction. exported. APPEARANCE | The Norwegian Lunde- In the 1850s, the use of nets to catch puf- hund is a small spitz-type dog, standing fins was introduced. In addition, many fish- 32 - 38 cm at the withers. Males are clearly ing communities along the northern Norwe- heavier than bitches. Their body shape gian coast were generally depopulated. As is rectangular, the dog thus being slightly a result of these developments there was longer than it is tall. The coat is usually no longer much need for the Lundehund, brown with white markings. The hairs are and the breed’s numbers dwindled. of medium length, with a dark, smooth overcoat. However, in Måstad on the isolated island of Værøy, the local population of Lunde- UNUSUAL ANATOMICAL | hund and the hunting traditions linked to CHARACTERISTICS Due to a series of these dogs had been maintained. In the unusual anatomical characteristics, the Photo: Archive NATIVE DOG BREEDS OF NORWAY

Halden Hound Photo: Archive Securing the future of the Kennel Club and the Norwegian Genetic Halden HOUNd | The demand for pup- Resource Centre. The aim is to deposit pies has been somewhat low in recent ye- semen from ten dogs of each of the seven ars, and the supply of puppies has not even native Norwegian breeds (in addition to the always been sufficient to meet the demand. Halden Hound , these are the Norwegian At times, there has also been a lack of buy- Buhund, the Norwegian Elkhound Grey, the ers for the few available puppies. Conside- Norwegian Elkhound Black, the Norwegian rable amounts of patience and commitment Lundehund, the Hygen Hound and the Nor- are thus needed if you are interested in get- wegian Hound). Preferably, the semen shall ting a puppy of such a rare breed. Luckily be stored for ten years and can be used, for for the breed, those that are lucky enough example, in case of a sudden crisis within a to secure a Halden Hound puppy are hope- specific breed or if there is a need for ”old” fully aware of their responsibility for helping genetic material in breeding. to increase the breed’s numbers.

Photo: Archive If you are interested in more information about the Halden Hound, please contact BREED ORIGIN AND HISTORy | This gian Kennel Club varied between 7 and 21 The most important way of securing the Norske Harehundklubbers Forbund, c/o Norwegian is named after per year. This figure is considered to be future of the Halden Hound is to further de- Norwegian Kennel Club, PO Box 163 the area of its origin: the city of Halden in threatingly low, and must be increased con- velop and maintain a large and viable breed Bryn, 0611 Oslo, Norway (phone: +47 21 southern Norway, right on the Swedish siderably if a viable future shall be ensured population. Anyone already considering 60 09 00, website: www.nhkf.net) or the border. The Halden Hound was created for the breed. getting a scent hound can contribute to this Norwegian Genetic Resource Centre, there in the latter half of the 19th century by by choosing a Halden Hound. | 1431 Ås, Norway (phone: +47 64 94 90 crossing from England, APPEARANCE The Halden Hound is a 55). and local scent . medium-sized, rectangular dog, strongly A canine semen bank has been estab- built, but should not appear heavy. The lished for all Norwegian dog breeds. The Website for the Norwegian Halden Early on, these breeding efforts gave a head is medium-sized and the skull slightly semen bank is being jointly developed by Hound Club: rather uniform type of scent hound, thus domed. The occiput and stop are not very the various breed clubs, the Norwegian www.haldenstøverklubben.no providing the basis for a new breed. pronounced. Ears are medium high set and However, there were always problems hanging. Rather long and strong neck. The linked to the narrow breeding basis. An tail extends approximately to the hock joint outbreak of canine parvovirus in 1931 and and is carried low. A dense undercoat is the Second World War nearly wiped out the covered by a short, straight overcoat. Coat Halden Hound, but a few committed indivi- colour is usually white with black patches duals started breeding the dog again after and tan shadings on head and legs. The the war. In 1952, the Halden Hound was desired height at the withers is 52-60 cm for approved as a separate breed. Thereupon, males, 50-58 for bitches. interest in the breed grew and numerous | champions were made up. However, the UTILIZATION The Halden Hound is a breed’s popularity started to dwindle from good hunting dog with a strong hunting the mid-1950s, and has thus never been desire and a friendly nature. The breed is large in numbers. characterised by strong nerves and by be- ing especially sociable and trusting. Many Even though the breeding population Halden Hounds have done very well in always has been small, no considerable hunting trials. They can thus be characteri- extent of hereditary diseases (such as HD) sed as an excellent combination of a hun- has ever been recorded in the breed. ting and companion dog. Due to its good temperament and open nature, the breed is In recent years, the number of Halden also easy to train. Hound puppies registered by the Norwe- Photo: Archive NATIVE DOG BREEDS OF NORWAY

Hygen Hound Photo: Archive

Hygen Hound should not have glass eyes. Hound is to further develop and maintain a Ears are hanging and medium-length. large and viable breed population. Anyone The tail extends to the hock joint and is already considering getting a scent hound carried slightly curved. Its coat is dense can contribute to this by choosing a Hygen and smooth. All colour combinations are Hound. acceptable, but a reddish base colour with white markings is most common. A canine semen bank has been estab- lished for all Norwegian dog breeds. The UTILIZATION | The Hygen Hound is a semen bank is being jointly developed by good scent hound with a friendly nature. the various breed clubs, the Norwegian Photo: Steinar Moen The breed is eager to learn, starts to hunt Kennel Club and the Norwegian Genetic BREED ORIGIN AND HISTORy | The at an early age and has a strong hunting Resource Centre. The aim is to deposit Hygen Hound is named after the procurator In the 1970s there was some infusion of desire. It is suitable as a family dog, as it semen from ten dogs of each of the seven Hans Fredrik Hygen, who began breeding Norwegian Hound blood. Also, an effort was usually is calm around people and easy to native Norwegian breeds (in addition to the local scent hounds in eastern Norway made to locate additional breeding males. train. Hygen Hound, these are the Norwegian around 1930. He moved to the region of Between 1993 and 1996, there were four Buhund, the Norwegian Elkhound Grey, the Securing the future of the Romerike in 1839, and included that area’s new infusions of Norwegian Hound. In 2000 Norwegian Elkhound Black, the Norwegian HYGen HOUNd | dogs in his breeding programme. Hygen’s and 2002, permission was given for two The most important Lundehund, the Halden Hound and the Nor- sons continued his work, especially A. litters with , and in 2006 for a way of securing the future of the Hygen wegian Hound). Preferably, the semen shall B. Hygen, who in 1902 was one of the litter with Hamilon Hound. These measures be stored for ten years and can be used, for founding members of the “Special Club for have helped to enlarge the breeding basis example, in case of a sudden crisis within a Norwegian Scent Hounds”. He played a of the Hygen Hound. specific breed or if there is a need for ”old” central role in the preparation of the breed genetic material in breeding. standard that was published the same year. In recent years, the number of Hygen The year 1902 was also when the Norwe- Hound puppies registered by the Norwe- If you are interested in more information gian Hound and the Hygen Hound were gian Kennel Club varied between 27 and 44 about the Hygen Hound, please contact defined as two separate breeds. per year. This figure is seen as extremely Norske Harehundklubbers Forbund, c/o low, and should be increased to secure a Norwegian Kennel Club, PO Box 163 The years before and after the First World viable future for the breed without risking Bryn, 0611 Oslo, Norway (phone: +47 21 War were difficult times for Norwegian problems due to inbreeding. 60 09 00, website: www.nhkf.net) or the Hound and Hygen Hound breeding. In the Norwegian Genetic Resource Centre, period 1925-34, the two breeds were mer- 1431 Ås, Norway (phone: +47 64 94 90 | ged by the Norwegian Kennel Club, even APPEARANCE The Hygen Hound 55). though the Scent Hound Club strongly disa- has a lot in common with the Norwegian greed. Eventually, as increasing numbers of Hound, both with regard to breed ori- Hygen Hound were being bred prior to the gin and characteristics, however, some Second World War, the two breeds were important exterior traits are different. The separated again. Hygen Hound breeding Hygen Hound is somewhat shorter than the was doing well, and by the end of the war Norwegian Hound, and is a medium-sized, the breed was in good shape. The dogs strongly-built, but not heavy dog. Head and had good hunting abilities, although some muzzle are somewhat shorter and broader breeding lines were troubled with aggres- than the Norwegian Hound’s, and the head sive dogs. should be moderately wedge-shaped. The Photo: Archive NATIVE DOG BREEDS OF NORWAY

Norwegian Hound () Photo: Siteinar Moen

straight, hard, dense and not too short. the various breed clubs, the Norwegian Coat colour should be black or blue- Kennel Club and the Norwegian Genetic marbled (dappled) with pale fawn or white Resource Centre. The aim is to deposit markings. Predominant black or white and semen from ten dogs of each of the seven too warm brown colours are not desirable. native Norwegian breeds (in addition to the Height at the withers for males is 50-55 cm, Norwegian Hound, these are the Norwegian for bitches 47-53 cm. Buhund, the Norwegian Elkhound Grey, the Norwegian Elkhound Black, the Norwegian UTILIZATION | The Norwegian Hound is Lundehund, the Halden Hound and the considered to be a good scent hound. It Hygen Hound). Preferably, the semen shall cooperates closely and well with its owner be stored for ten years and can be used, for Photo: Steinar Moen in the woods and bays on the trail. Breeding example, in case of a sudden crisis within a BREED ORIGIN AND HISTORy | The ding, most dogs were too closely related. efforts have always aimed at strengthening specific breed or if there is a need for ”old” Norwegian Hound (Dunker in Norwegian) is In 1987, the breeding committee for the the best characteristics of the old Norwe- genetic material in breeding. named after the Norwegian captain Wilhelm Norwegian Hound therefore applied for gian scent hound, which was a hardy and Conrad Dunker, who created the breed by permission to crossbreed with other breeds, robust dog with an excellent temperament. crossing several scent hound breeds in the but the application was denied by the Today’s hunters especially call attention to If you are interested in more information first half of the 19th century. The ”Special Norwegian Kennel Club. Two years later, the breed’s strong paws. These tolerate ice about the Norwegian Hound, please con- Club for Norwegian Hare Hounds” was though, permission for some crossbreeding and crusty snow much better than the feet tact Norske Harehundklubbers Forbund, founded in 1902. In the same year, the hare was granted. This has given the breed of other scent hounds. c/o Norwegian Kennel Club, PO Box 163 hounds were split into two main groups, much better genetic variation and health, Bryn, 0611 Oslo, Norway (phone: +47 21 which are known today as the Norwegian but maintained its typical and positive The Norwegian Hound is characterised 60 09 00, website: www.nhkf.net) or the Hound and the Hygen Hound. The Norwe- characteristics. by strong nerves and by being especially Norwegian Genetic Resource Centre, gian Hound group was large and included sociable and trusting. Many Norwegian 1431 Ås, Norway (phone: +47 64 94 90 local hare hound populations from all over In recent years, the number of Norwegian Hounds have done very well in hunting 55). the country. The breeding base was thus Hound puppies registered by the Norwe- trials. They can thus be characterised as broad and heterogeneous. One characte- gian Kennel Club varied between 131 and an excellent combination of a hunting and ristic trait of the Norwegian Hound has al- 180 per year. This figure is so low that it is companion dog. Due to its good tempera- ways been the blue-marbled (dappled) coat necessary to increase the breed’s numbers ment and open nature, the breed is also colour and walleyes, although the breed in order to enable efficient and healthy easy to train. standard also allows other colours. breeding in the future. Securing the future of the During the Second World War there was | Norwegian HOUNd | little demand for Norwegian Hound puppies, APPEARANCE The Norwegian Hound The most im- making it difficult to maintain systematic is a medium-sized, distinctly rectangular portant way of securing the future of the breeding of high quality. After the war, dog, strongly built, but should not appear Norwegian Hound is to further develop and interest in the breed increased significantly heavy. The head should have good length, maintain a large and viable breed popula- until the 1970s, after which the breed’s po- the skull slightly domed with a prominent tion. Anyone already considering getting pularity again dwindled – presumably due occiput and a defined, but not too deep or a scent hound can contribute to this by to competition from foreign breeds. abrupt stop. Its ears are medium high set choosing a Norwegian Hound. and hanging. The iris can be of different In the 1980s, the Norwegian Hound was colours in blue-marbled (dappled) dogs. A canine semen bank has been estab- a very homogenous breed with excellent Medium-long tail should be carried straight lished for all Norwegian dog breeds. The hunting abilities. However, due to inbree- or in a slight upward curve. The coat is semen bank is being jointly developed by Photo: Archive Photo: Native dog breeds of Norway - Norwegian national heritage and pride

Norwegian Kennel Club - securing the national dog breeds for the future

The Norwegian dog breeds belong to our cultural heritage and it is an important task for The Nor- wegian Kennel Club to maintain them in a way Norwegian Kennel Club that safeguards their existence for generations to come. PO Box 163 Bryn, NO-0611 Oslo The work that is devoted to our own breeds takes P: (+47) 21 60 09 00 a special place within the organization. This folder F: (+47) 21 60 09 01 can be seen as being a part of the ambition to put emphasis and focus on our national dog breeds. www.nkk.no

Norwegian Genetic Resource Centre - the key to sustainable use and conservation of our biological heritage

The Norwegian Genetic Resource Centre is an administrative body under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. The Centre coordinates national acti- vities related to genetic resources in farm animals, crops and forest trees.

It is with great pride that the Norwegian Genetic Resource Centre together with Norwegian Kennel Club here presents the seven native dog breeds of Norway, all breeds with long traditions in serving farmers in their daily work, mainly as hunting and herding dogs. Today these dogs are kept for multiple purposes such as for instance family dogs, show dogs, agility dogs – and of course the dogs are still used for hunting and herding. Norwegian Genetic The work on animal genetic resources focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of all native Resource Centre - a part breeds. It is also of great importance to keep a of the Norwegian Forest continuous dialog with the Norwegian breeding and Landscape Institute associations regarding their emphasis on running sustainable breeding programmes. Dog breeding PO Box 115, NO-1431 Ås programmes will be regarded as sustainable if T: (+47) 64 94 90 55 inbreeding is avoided, healthy dogs are bred and F: (+47) 64 94 80 01 maintenance of broad phenotypic variation within the breed is secured. www.genressurser.no