Old danish pointer

Overall description of the breed

The Old Danish Pointing Dog, also known as the "Gammel Dansk Hønsehund", is a breed of dog native to Denmark, traditionally used for hunting game birds, particularly wild birds and pheasants. The breed is considered to be one of the oldest pointing dog breeds in the world, the brainchild of Danish breeder Morten Bak.

Its history goes back several centuries, and its ancestors probably came from crosses between local indigenous dogs and hunting dogs imported from other European countries. The aim was to create a versatile hunting dog capable of working in difficult conditions and stopping game with precision.

The morphology of the old Danish pointer is that of a medium to large dog, with a muscular, well-proportioned body. They have a slightly rounded head, floppy ears and expressive eyes. Their coat is short, dense and hard, providing effective protection against the weather and thorns.

The breed's character is described as determined, courageous and passionate about hunting. They are also loyal, friendly and close to their family. As hunting dogs, they have an excellent sense of smell and are capable of working independently, while being obedient to their master's commands. They generally get on well with other dogs and are reputed to be excellent companions for hunters.

In terms of physical specifications, the average weight of the Old Danish Pointing Dog is between 25 and 30 kg (55 and 66 pounds) for males, and between 20 and 25 kg (44 and 55 pounds) for females. The height at the withers is around 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 inches) for males and 48 to 58 cm (19 to 23 inches) for females.

The colours permitted by the breed standard are brown and white, brown, white and black, and brown and grey.

The founding breed club of the Old Danish Pointer is the Dansk Kennel Club, which has played an essential role in preserving and promoting the breed for many years.

The breed standard was established in 1987, and the Old Danish Pointer was finally recognised by the F.C.I. on 4 April 1969, with the most recent update of the official standard in force published on 8 January 1998. They are classified in Group 7 (Pointing Dogs) of the F.C.I. classification.

Thanks to its well-balanced character, exceptional nose and versatility as a hunting dog, the Old Danish Pointer continues to be appreciated in its native country and is gaining popularity in other parts of the world, where it is recognised for its remarkable qualities as a companion and working dog.