The Old Danish Pointer or Old Danish Chicken Dog is a medium-sized breed hailing from Denmark. Initially, used as a pointing breed in finding a game, the Old Danish Pointers are now popular as family companions. These strongly built dogs are characterized by a short and broad head with a clearly visible occiput, well-defined withers, muscular back, well-coupled loins, slightly sloping croup, low-set ears, and a tail of medium length.
Other names | Gammel Dansk Honsehund, Old Danish Pointing Dog, Ancien chien d′arrêt danois, Old Danish Bird Dog, Altdänischer Hühnerhund |
Coat | Smooth, short-haired |
Color | White with large brown patches and small specks |
Breed Type | Purebred |
Group of Breed | Gundog, Sporting, Working |
Lifespan | 12-14 years |
Weight | Male: 66-77 lb Female: 57-68 lb |
Size/Height | Medium; male: 21-24 inches female: 20-22 inches |
Shedding | Average |
Size of Litter | 4-6 puppies |
Temperament | Calm, intelligent, resolute, brave, loyal |
Hypoallergenic | Unknown |
Good with Children | Yes |
Barking | Occasional |
Country Originated in | Denmark |
Competitive Registration/Qualification Information | FCI, ACA, DRA |
The breed originated back in 1710 when Morten Bak, a resident of Glenstrup near Randers and Hobro, mated local farm dogs with gypsy breeds for eight generations repeatedly. This crossbreeding led to the development of piebald purebred dogs, which were named Old Danish Pointers or Bakhounds.
Since the local farm, as well as the gypsy dogs, descended from scent hounds that have St. Hubert Hound ancestry, the latter is thought to have influenced the development of Old Danish Pointers.
The Danish Pointer is a quiet dog with a steady character and shows plenty of stubbornness and courage. Devoted, friendly, and fun-loving, it makes a congenial pet suited to active families. It remains calm indoors, provided it gets plenty of daily exercises.
In the field, the dog is highly spirited and hard-working. During a hunt, it moves slowly and maintains constant contact with its owner. Adept at pointing and retrieving a gallinaceous bird, the Danish Pointer does not make any unnecessary noise while carrying out its hunting job.
It is tolerant towards children and other pets if it is raised with them.
These dogs are easy to train because of their smartness and docile nature.
A healthy diet comprising meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables are recommended for your Old Danish Pointer.
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