Old Danish Pointer
🧠 Temperament & character
The Old Danish Pointer is calm, even-tempered and exceptionally easy to handle. It works with a short, systematic search within shooting range and always keeps its connection to its handler. At home it shows itself friendly, affectionate and fond of children. This combination of work enthusiasm and gentleness makes it a pleasant companion.
📜 Origin & history
The Old Danish Pointer goes back to the Danish breeder Morten Bak, who around 1710 in the Glenstrup area mated down-to-earth farm dogs with roaming hunting dogs. Over generations a uniform, white-and-brown pointing dog thus emerged that is considered the oldest Danish hunting dog. After a decline in the 20th century the breed was deliberately rebuilt. Today it is widespread above all in Denmark.
✂️ Grooming, care & training
The Old Danish Pointer's short, dense coat is very easy to care for and needs only occasional brushing. As a hunting dog it has a solid need for exercise, which long walks, retrieving and nose games cover well. Thanks to its easy handling it is pleasant to train and grateful even for gentler training methods. Mental occupation through search tasks rounds off its activity.
🩺 Health
The Old Danish Pointer is considered a robust, healthy breed with a life expectancy of about twelve to fourteen years. As with many pointing dogs, hip dysplasia can occasionally occur, which is why X-ray checks are advisable. The drop ears should be checked regularly to prevent inflammation. Responsible breeders rely on healthy parent animals and a diverse gene pool.
🏡 Who is this breed right for?
The Old Danish Pointer is suitable for active families and hunters who appreciate a calm, easy-to-handle pointing dog. Thanks to its composure and friendliness it can also suit first-time dog owners with time and an interest in exercise. Ideal is a home with a garden and plenty of outdoor exercise; keeping it purely in an apartment without occupation does not suit it. In Switzerland it is rare, but a pleasant companion for nature-loving people.