Old Danish Pointer

Overview

The Old Danish Pointer is a slow-working, close-hunting gundog developed on Danish farms in the 1700s. Bred to hunt on foot with a walking hunter, they excel at methodical pointing rather than fast-ranging searches.

They're calm, friendly, and steady both at home and in the field. Outside Denmark they remain rare, but Danish hunters keep the breed alive and healthy.

History & origin

The story starts around 1710 with a Danish farmer named Morten Bak. He crossed local Danish farm dogs with Gypsy dogs and various imported pointing types across eight generations.

The result was a slow, methodical pointer suited to Danish fields and marshlands. Danish hunters preferred a dog that worked close and steady rather than the wide-ranging English pointers popular elsewhere in Europe.

The breed nearly vanished in the mid-1900s. Dedicated Danish breeders rebuilt the population, and the FCI officially recognized the Old Danish Pointer in 1962. The breed remains a national treasure in Denmark and hasn't spread widely internationally.

Appearance

Adults stand 20 to 24 inches at the shoulder. Females weigh roughly 40 pounds, males up to 60. The build is powerful, heavier than most pointers, and moderately short-legged.

The head is broad with a slight stop, long drop ears, and a friendly expression. The white coat with liver patches or ticking gives a clean, farm-country look, and skin folds around the throat add to the sturdy silhouette.

Temperament

Old Danish Pointers are gentle, calm, and stable. They bond strongly to family and behave with a quiet dignity uncommon in continental pointers.

In the field they're determined and steady but never frantic. They stay in touch with the handler, point solidly, and retrieve willingly on land and water.

Living with one

The breed needs real daily exercise, but not the frantic mileage some pointers demand. Long walks, hikes, swimming, and moderate field work keep them happy.

Rural and suburban homes fit best. City living is possible for committed owners, but the breed prefers space to sniff and roam. A fenced yard is a bonus rather than a substitute for real activity.

Old Danish Pointers usually get along with children, other dogs, and family cats introduced calmly. Small mammals and pet birds trigger the pointing brain, so supervise carefully.

They dislike being alone for long stretches. Family-oriented and gentle, they thrive when included in daily life rather than kenneled or ignored.

Training & exercise

This is a biddable, easy-to-train breed. Old Danish Pointers respond quickly to positive methods and short, upbeat sessions.

They're sensitive and shut down under harsh handling. Consistency, patience, and clear communication produce steady, reliable adults. Socialization from puppyhood helps them build confidence with strangers and new environments.

Field trials, tracking, hunt tests, and rally suit the breed. They aren't as flashy as English Pointers, so competitive obedience takes patience, but the results are steady and dependable.

Grooming & care

The short dense coat needs a weekly brush with a rubber curry or bristle brush. Shedding is moderate and steady rather than seasonal explosions.

Check ears weekly because drop leathers trap moisture. Trim nails, clean the throat skin folds gently, and brush teeth several times a week. Bathe only when dirty to preserve coat oils.

Health & lifespan

Old Danish Pointers live 12 to 14 years and rank as a genuinely healthy breed. The Danish breeding community keeps close records and maintains rigorous testing programs.

Hip dysplasia occurs at moderate rates, and reputable breeders screen through OFA or European equivalents. Ear infections are the most reported nuisance because of the drop ears and outdoor lifestyle.

Bloat is a risk for any deep-chested breed. Feed twice daily, wait after meals before exercise, and learn the warning signs. Skin issues and eye conditions occur rarely and stay well below the rates seen in more popular pointers.

With kids & pets

Excellent with kids of all ages; the calm, gentle temperament suits family life beautifully.

First-time owner note

A great first breed for active families willing to import from Denmark or wait for a rare litter.

Fun facts

• The breed traces back to a single farmer, Morten Bak, and eight generations of careful breeding.
• Denmark honors the Old Danish Pointer as a national breed with heritage protection.
• Fewer than a few thousand Old Danish Pointers exist worldwide.
• The breed's slow, steady hunting style suits older or foot-hunting hunters perfectly.

Famous & in culture

• Morten Bak, the 18th-century farmer credited with founding the breed
• Featured breed at Danish national dog shows in Copenhagen