Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Dunker - Breed Comparison

Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Dunker - Breed ComparisonKarelo-Finnish Laika is originated from Russia but Dunker is originated from Norway. Karelo-Finnish Laika may grow 7 cm / 2 inches shorter than Dunker. Both Karelo-Finnish Laika and Dunker are having almost same weight. Both Karelo-Finnish Laika and Dunker has same life span. Both Karelo-Finnish Laika and Dunker has same litter size. Both Karelo-Finnish Laika and Dunker requires Low maintenance.

History

karelo finnish laika - historyThe Karelo Finnish Laika is a Spitz type hunting dog from the Karelia area of Russia.Some people say the dog developed in Sweden. The dog is from a group of ‘Laika’ breeds and has that typical Spitz-type look – the sharpish face, the erect ears and the tail which curls over the back.

This attractive dog was developed as a hunting dog, and has a thick, weatherproof coat.The Karelo-Finnish Laika breed developed because people wanted a smaller sized hunting dog that could cope well with the weather, and these Laika dogs matched well.

The breed is ancient – centuries old, and after dying out in numbers during the second world war, the breed was revived when Russians imported Finnish Spitzes from Finland and bred them. The dog is similar to the Finnish Spitz, and in 2006 the Finnish Kennel Club and Russian Kennel Federation included the Karelo-Finnish Laika as a Finnish Spitz breed.

dunker - historyKnown as the Norwegian Hound, the Dunker hails from Norway. Bred and named after breeder Wilhelm Dunker to be a robust scenthound, Norwegian Scenthounds were crossed with a Russian Harlequin Hound because this particular dog was an excellent scent trailer and it could stand up to the freezing conditions of Norway.

The Dunker become popular in the mid-19th century in other Scandinavian countries. Hunters liked its intelligence, its robustness and its speed and strength. In 1902 a club was founded for the breed and in the same year the Norwegian Kennel Club recognized the Dunker.

The Dunker started dying out after the war, and in the late 1980s breeders of the Dunker petitioned to allow them to cross the remaining Dunkers with scenthounds. Today the dog is known in Norway but is uncommon outside Scandinavia.

Description

karelo finnish laika puppy - descriptionWith his wolf-like appearance, the Karelo Finnish Laika is a sharp, intelligent dog and is the smallest Laika in Russia used for hunting. He stands at about 38–48 cm in height and weighs about 11 - 14 kg.

His coat is a reddish color and the fur is fairly long and coarse with a dense, soft undercoat. He looks like a red fox with his sharp, bright face, his erect ears, black nose and bushy tail which curls over the back.

Temperament:

The Karelo-Finnish Laika is a sweet dog with a quiet character. Whenever you suggest a game for him, he throws his docile side to the wind and becomes highly energetic and animated. He is an active dog and loves nothing more than a game with his human family members.

He is mistrustful of strangers, he tends to bark easily and he is territorial and all these characteristic go towards making him a good watchdog. He is quite prepared to live peacefully alongside other dogs in the home, more so when he has been trained and socialized.

He makes a great friend and pet for families and is more than ready to be loving and loyal to his human family.

dunker puppy - descriptionThe Dunker is a medium sized dog which stands at between 50-55cms with females being slightly smaller at 47-52cms. They usually weigh between 11-18kg and look similar to other scenthounds, being muscular and athletic.

The ears of the Dunker are floppy, the tail is long and carried straight with a bit of a curve, the nose is large and black as well as the eyes, but some dogs have light eyes which can even be blue.

The coat of the Dunker is straight and dense and this coat of his is well known for the unique color of the coat – blue or black dappled, while some dogs will have black, tan and white markings. White faces are preferred but you will find dogs with black masks.

Temperatment:

This is a non-aggressive dog and can become quite friendly when trained and socialized.

They are dogs that form strong bonds with their owners, being particularly good around children. They get on well with dogs and other pets in the home.

They’re intelligent dogs and are are easy to train. In fact, training and socialization is recommended for this dog as he does tend to be a bit stubborn.

Training ensures he is relaxed and obedient. He is an active dog and will certainly require some exercise each day. He’ll respond willingly if you call him to join you in your jogging- or cycling outings.

Characteristics

karelo finnish laika dog - characteristicsThe Karelo Finnish Laika is such an energetic dog, full of life and he promises to make an affectionate family dog.

He is a fairly low maintenance dog too and not prone to getting sick easily. Treat this attractive Laika dog like he deserves and you’ll find that he makes a splendid pet.

dunker dog - characteristicsThe Dunker is such a good tempered dog and he will be happy to settle in the city or the countryside with his owner.

When you look at his history, he is a hunting dog, used for hunting rabbits. Being an active breed, he is better suited to living in a home where there is at least a fair sized garden.

He isn’t a high maintenance dog either, so no special attention to grooming is required. Being a fairly healthy breed, he isn’t likely to develop any serious health issues too. This low-maintenance, undemanding Norwegian Hound makes a splendid pet.

Health Problems

karelo finnish laika puppies - health problemsApart from his good looks, the Karelo-Finnish Laika happens to be a pretty healthy breed and there are no known hereditary health problems with him. Diseases which can affect any dog -

Hip Dysplasia:

Many large breeds are prone to hip dysplasia. In hip dysplasia, joint problems cause arthritis and pain and eventually lameness. These days, when buying a puppy, people ask breeders about whether the parents were screened for hip dysplasia.

Obesity:

Any dog fed the wrong diet and who isn’t exercised can become overweight. Obesity in dogs is linked to many health problems in dogs. If you’re in doubt about your pet, consult with your vet on the best food for him.

Cancer:

Many dogs are at risk for certain types of cancer, including lymphoma which is cancer of the lymph nodes. When you are brushing your pet, check him for any unusual lumps so that you can catch cancer early.

Heart Conditions:

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is where the chambers of the heart are stretched out and don't pump blood properly. Sometimes it can go undetected for a while until the dog becomes seriously ill, requiring emergency medical attention. Medications can regulate heart rhythm but there is no cure.

dunker puppies - health problemsThe Dunker dog can live to reach a ripe age of 12 to 15 years. There are some health issues he may face -

Partial or Complete Loss of Hearing:

Partial or complete hearing loss can come about because of dirt or wax build-up in the ear canals. It can be because of an untreated ear infection, an injury or even old age.

Your veterinarian can examine your dog’s ear canal. Certain dog breeds such as the Dunker and others are more predisposed to deafness and you’ll find your dog responding slowly to your voice or he may be totally startled when woken.

Your vet will determine the type of treatment for your dog if an ear infection for instance is suspected. Treatment in this case may involve cleaning wax out of the ears or getting rid of overgrown ear hair.

Hip Dysplasia:

Hip dysplasia is an inherited condition with your dog where bone rubs against other bone. Your Dunker dog will be in pain and his movement could be limited and he may even become lame. Get your pet to the vet because there are a number of treatment options.

Eye Problems:

Take a look at your pet’s eyes so that you’re aware of cloudiness, inflammation, discharge, a change in eye color or red eyelid lining. Take him to the vet if you suspect something serious, but in the meantime you can also gently wipe over your pet’s eyes to remove any discharge.

If you do need to bath your pet, make sure to protect his eyes before applying any lotion.

Caring The Pet

karelo finnish laika dogs - caringThe Karelo-Finnish Laika is a most attractive looking dog and his thick, double coat will need to be brushed at least twice a week to keep it free from dust, grass and burrs. He sheds throughout the year so this brushing will keep the loose dog hair under control.

Diet:

Watch your Karelo-Finnish Laika’s diet as a lean, mean dog can live longer than one who is overfed. Dogs which are overweight are likely to develop joint problems and heart disease.

The quality of food you feed your pet is hugely important. Popping chocolates and peanuts into his mouth because you love him so much will be toxic for him. Apart from his top quality dry kibble, add in some cooked chicken, rice and vegetables as a tasty treat and mix in a little bit of raw meat also when you can.

Exercise:

Exercise for your Karelo Finnish Laika is a key component to prolonging his life, and he absolutely loves games, walks and action all the way. It will keep him in shape, keep him happy and prolong his life.

Exercise:

dunker dogs - caringThe Dunker is a dog with stamina and energy and he will need a walk every day as well as some other forms of vigorous exercise. The idea is to involve a dog like this in all your activities, whether you go running, swimming or cycling.

Grooming:

The Dunker isn’t going to require you to spend a lot of money on maintenance for him. A good brush-down twice a week will be adequate as he is a fairly heavy shedder and brushing him will get rid of all those loose hairs. It is also time to check him over for fleas and ticks too.

Other grooming aspects to check will include nail trimming, checking the inside of the dog’s ears for excess wax build-up and dirt.

Dental care is of major concern because teeth left unattended can result in mouth bacteria. This bacteria enters the blood stream and results in systemic infection. Sometimes the bad teeth can be so painful that a dog no longer wants to eat.

It is imperative to brush your pet’s teeth at least 2 or 3 times a week with a special dog toothbrush and toothpaste.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Hound dog
Origin:
Russia
Norway
Height Male:
38 - 48 cm
14 - 19 inches
50 - 55 cm
19 - 22 inches
Height Female:
38 - 48 cm
14 - 19 inches
47 - 52 cm
18 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
11 - 18 kg
24 - 40 pounds
Weight Female:
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
9 - 18 kg
19 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
2 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Laika
Norwegian Hound
Colors Available:
Reddish
Blue or black dappled
Coat:
Longish and coarse
Straight and dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Sakhalin Husky vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  2. Portuguese Water Dog vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  3. Puli vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  4. McNab vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  5. Porcelaine vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  6. Hokkaido vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  7. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  8. Pumi vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  9. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  10. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  11. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  12. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  13. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  14. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  15. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  16. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  17. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  18. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  20. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  21. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  22. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  23. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  24. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  26. Pharaoh Hound vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  27. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  28. Hungarian Vizsla vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  29. Redbone Coonhound vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  30. Norwegian Elkhound vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  31. Santal Hound vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  32. Podenco Canario vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  33. Dunker vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  34. Dunker vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  35. Dunker vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  36. Dunker vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  37. Dunker vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  38. Dunker vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  39. Dunker vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  40. Dunker vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Dunker vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  42. Dunker vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  43. Dunker vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  44. Dunker vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  45. Dunker vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  46. Dunker vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  47. Dunker vs Beago - Breed Comparison
  48. Dunker vs Chinese Chongqing Dog - Breed Comparison
  49. Dunker vs Combai - Breed Comparison
  50. Dunker vs Cretan Hound - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds