Old Danish Pointer

The history of the Old Danish Pointer is deeply intertwined with Morten Bak, a Danish enthusiast who lived in Glenstrup around 1710. He is widely considered the founder of the breed. His objective was to create the perfect hunting dog, one that combined the finest qualities of the pointing dogs of his time. To achieve this, he spent eight generations crossbreeding local farm dogs with dogs of Romani origin, which were likely descendants of Spanish Shorthaired Pointers (such as the Perdiguero de Burgos) and other European hunting breeds. Bloodhounds (St. Hubert Hounds), imported to Denmark from the Netherlands, also played a vital role in the breed’s development. It was from them that the Gammel Dansk Hønsehund inherited its exceptional scenting ability, powerful build, and characteristic dewlap (fold of skin on the neck).

The result of this selective breeding was a dog with a unique white-and-brown coat that was not only a skilled hunter but also a devoted companion. The breed quickly gained popularity among Danish hunters, though its numbers remained modest. The two World Wars severely impacted the population, and by the mid-20th century, the Old Danish Pointer was on the brink of extinction. It was only through the dedicated efforts of a small group of Danish breeders and admirers that the breed was saved. They carefully selected the best remaining specimens and gradually restored the numbers. Today, the Old Danish Pointer is a source of Danish pride, cherished for its versatile hunting qualities, stable psyche, and family loyalty.

The Old Danish Pointer is a dog of robust, harmonious build, giving an impression of strength and endurance without being overly massive. It’s built for long days of work in the field, and every feature of its appearance highlights this purpose.

• Head: Heavy and broad, but not coarse. The skull and muzzle are approximately equal in length. The stop (transition from forehead to muzzle) is clearly defined.
• Muzzle: Broad and deep. The lips are slightly pendulous, giving the dog a serious look. The nose is large, fleshy, and exclusively liver-colored.
• Eyes: Medium-sized, neither bulging nor deep-set. They are dark brown, with a calm, confident, and intelligent gaze.
• Ears: Medium length, set fairly low. They are broad, slightly rounded at the tips, and lie close to the cheeks.
• Body: Rectangular in shape, slightly elongated. The neck is muscular, with a noticeable dewlap (fold of skin). The chest is deep and wide, providing ample room for the heart and lungs. The back is strong and straight, transitioning into a powerful loin.
• Tail: Medium length, thick at the base and tapering towards the end. When at rest, the dog carries it low. When moving, the tail rises but not above the level of the back.
• Limbs: Strong, straight, and muscular. Paws are compact, with tightly knit toes and sturdy pads, allowing the dog to move easily over varied terrain.
• Coat and Color: The coat is short, dense, and lies close to the body. The coloring is a hallmark of the breed: white with brown patches or large markings. Dense brown speckling is scattered throughout the white background. The more speckles, the better. Large solid brown patches are also acceptable.

The Old Danish Pointer’s character is a harmonious blend of hunting enthusiasm and domestic comfort. This is a two-speed dog: energetic and persistent in the field, yet calm and gentle at home. When hunting, it demonstrates stamina, determination, and courage. Its working style is unhurried but extremely thorough. It avoids unnecessary movements, methodically surveys the area, and maintains constant contact with the hunter. This makes it similar to other continental pointers, such as the Saint-Germain Pointer or the Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer, which are also valued for their thoughtful approach to work.

Within the family, the Gammel Dansk Hønsehund transforms into an affectionate and devoted companion. It forms strong bonds with all family members and behaves very gently with them. These dogs generally get along well with children, displaying remarkable patience. Their calm temperament makes them excellent nannies; however, as with any breed, interactions between dogs and young children should always be supervised. Towards strangers, the Old Danish Pointer usually behaves reservedly but without aggression. It will announce the arrival of guests with a loud bark, fulfilling its role as a reliable watchdog. With proper socialization, it coexists well with other dogs and household pets, although its hunting instinct may surface toward small animals and birds when out and about.

The Gammel Dansk Hønsehund is considered a relatively healthy breed, partly due to its limited popularity and the absence of mass commercial breeding. However, like all purebred dogs, they do have a propensity for certain conditions. It’s vital that owners are aware of these risks for timely prevention and diagnosis.

• Hip Dysplasia: A common issue in many large breeds. This is a hereditary condition where the ball of the thigh bone doesn’t fit correctly into the hip socket. It can lead to pain, arthritis, and lameness. Responsible breeders test their dogs for dysplasia before breeding.
• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus – GDV): A life-threatening condition often seen in deep-chested dogs. The stomach fills with gas and can twist, blocking blood supply. Prevention includes feeding smaller portions 2-3 times a day and avoiding physical exertion immediately after meals.
• Ear Infections (Otitis): The Old Danish Pointer’s pendulous ears restrict air circulation, creating a warm, moist environment ideal for bacterial and yeast growth. Regular ear cleaning (once a week) is essential for preventing infections.
• Eye Problems: While uncommon, conditions such as entropion (inward-rolling eyelids) or ectropion (outward-rolling eyelids) can occur in the breed, potentially causing corneal irritation.

The foundation of good health is proper care, a balanced diet, sufficient exercise, and regular vet visits for preventive check-ups and vaccinations. Timely detection of problems significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.

Caring for an Old Danish Pointer isn’t overly complicated, but it does require consistency and attention to detail, especially regarding its physical needs.

Grooming and Coat Care

The Gammel Dansk Hønsehund’s short, dense coat doesn’t require professional grooming. Simply brushing it once a week with a rubber brush or grooming glove is enough to remove dead hairs and distribute skin oils. This helps keep the coat healthy and shiny. They shed moderately, with seasonal increases twice a year. Bathe the dog only when necessary, using a mild dog shampoo to avoid disturbing the skin’s natural protective layer. It’s important to regularly check and clean their ears, trim their nails (approximately once a month), and maintain good oral hygiene.

Exercise Requirements

This is a crucial aspect of owning an Old Danish Pointer. As a hunting breed, it has high energy levels and requires daily, intense exercise. A minimum of 1-2 hours of active engagement per day is not a luxury, but a necessity. This could include long walks, jogging alongside its owner, hikes in the woods, swimming, or playing fetch. The ideal scenario for them is the opportunity to run freely in a safe, fenced area. Insufficient physical activity can lead to behavioral problems such as destructiveness, excessive barking, and weight gain.

Living Conditions

Despite its calm home temperament, the Old Danish Pointer is not the best choice for living in a small city apartment. It needs space. The ideal home for it would be a house with a large, securely fenced yard where it can spend plenty of time outdoors. If you do decide to keep this dog in an apartment, be prepared to dedicate a significant amount of time to daily long and active walks in parks or outside the city.

Old Danish Pointers are intelligent and clever dogs, which generally makes their training a straightforward process. They are eager to please their owner, which is a big advantage. However, like many hunting breeds, they can be somewhat independent and stubborn. Training should be based on positive reinforcement – praise, treats, and play. Harsh methods and shouting will not yield results and can only undermine the dog’s trust.

Early socialization is crucial. A puppy needs to be introduced to various people, sounds, places, and other animals from a young age. This will help it grow into a confident and well-adjusted dog. Obedience classes will be beneficial not only for teaching basic commands but also for strengthening the bond between dog and owner. As this is a hunting breed, it’s important to focus on the “recall” command to control the dog on off-leash walks. Activities such as agility, obedience, or scent work (nosework) can help channel its energy and intelligence productively.

Proper nutrition is the foundation of an Old Danish Pointer’s health and longevity. The diet must be balanced and correspond to the dog’s age, weight, activity level, and health status. You can choose either a high-quality dry food of premium or super-premium class, or a natural diet.

Important: It’s recommended to feed an adult dog twice a day (morning and evening) to reduce the risk of bloat. Portion sizes should be calculated according to weight and activity. Always ensure access to fresh, clean drinking water, especially after physical exertion. Avoid feeding the dog from the table, as human food can be harmful to it.

1. The breed name “Hønsehund” literally translates from Danish as “chicken dog” or “bird hunting dog,” directly indicating its primary purpose.
2. Unlike many other pointers, such as the fast-paced German Shorthaired Pointer, the Old Danish Pointer is known for its slower and more methodical working style. It prioritizes thoroughness in searching rather than speed.
3. This is one of the few dog breeds whose history is precisely documented and traces back to a specific individual – Morten Bak.
4. Thanks to its Bloodhound ancestors, the Gammel Dansk Hønsehund possesses an excellent lower scenting ability and can work not only on air scent (upper scent) but also on blood trails on the ground.
5. Despite its ancient history, the breed was officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) only in 1960.

Is the Old Danish Pointer suitable for a family with children?

Yes, this breed is wonderfully suited for families with children. Their calm, patient, and gentle nature makes them reliable play companions. However, it’s important to teach children how to interact properly with dogs and never leave them alone unsupervised.

Does the Old Danish Pointer shed a lot?

They shed moderately throughout the year, with increased seasonal shedding in spring and fall. Regular brushing once a week helps to control the amount of hair in the home. This is not a hypoallergenic breed.

Can this dog be kept in an apartment?

Technically possible, but strongly not recommended. Keeping one in an apartment would demand immense dedication from the owner and a readiness to provide 2-3 hours of active walks every day, regardless of the weather. Without sufficient physical and mental stimulation, the dog will become unhappy and may develop behavioral problems. The best place for it is a private house.

Do they get along well with other animals?

With early and proper socialization, Old Danish Pointers generally get along well with other dogs. Regarding cats and other small household pets, coexistence is possible if they are raised together. However, outdoors, their hunting instinct may take over, so it’s important to keep the dog on a leash in areas where wild animals might be present.