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Old Danish Pointer
Sporting breed from Denmark
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Old Danish Pointer
The Old Danish Pointer is a large, strongly-built sporting dog from Denmark, with a short white coat marked by brown patches. Its temperament is described as calm, gentle, intelligent, loyal, confident, and courageous. Energy level is moderate (3 out of 5), and trainability is high (4 out of 5). Grooming needs are low (2 out of 5), with moderate shedding (3 out of 5). The breed is rated well with children (4 out of 5) and other dogs (4 out of 5), and is moderately suitable for apartment living (3 out of 5). Recognition status varies by registry.
Quick facts
Old Danish Pointer at a glance
Sizelarge
Breed groupSporting
OriginDenmark
Lifespan12–14 years
Male weight30–36 kilogram
Female weight30–36 kilogram
Male height56–62 centimetre
Female height56–62 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Old Danish Pointer, also known as Gammel Dansk Hønsehund, is an ancient Danish hunting breed. According to one source, its development dates back to around 1710, created by crossing local Danish farm dogs with Spanish Pointers and scenthounds. The goal was to produce a versatile, steady gundog with endurance for varied terrain. The breed was nearly extinct after World War II but was preserved by dedicated breeders. However, the exact timeline and details of its history are not fully verified, and some claims may be uncertain.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
30–36 kilogramAdult weight56–62 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesShortCoat colorsWhite with brown markingsRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Calmgentleintelligentloyalconfidentcourageous
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Moderate compared with other breeds
Typically responsive to training
Lower coat-maintenance demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Old Danish Pointer-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
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Growth chart
Old Danish Pointer puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight30–36 kilogramAdult female weight30–36 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of an Old Danish Pointer?
Based on modelled estimates, adult males and females typically weigh between 30 and 36 kg and stand 56 to 62 cm tall. Their estimated lifespan is 12 to 14 years. These figures are estimates and may vary.
What is the temperament of the Old Danish Pointer?
The breed is described as calm, gentle, intelligent, loyal, confident, and courageous. However, individual dogs may vary, and temperament is influenced by training and socialization.
How much exercise does an Old Danish Pointer need?
Its energy level is rated 3 out of 5, indicating moderate exercise needs. Regular daily activity is recommended, but the breed is not extremely high-energy.
What are the grooming requirements?
Grooming needs are low (2 out of 5) due to the short coat. Occasional brushing and bathing are sufficient. Shedding is moderate (3 out of 5).
Is the Old Danish Pointer good for families and other pets?
The breed scores 4 out of 5 for child suitability and 4 out of 5 for compatibility with other dogs, suggesting it can be a good family dog when properly socialized. Individual behavior may vary.
Can an Old Danish Pointer live in an apartment?
Apartment suitability is rated 3 out of 5, indicating it may be possible with sufficient exercise, but a home with a yard is likely more suitable.
Where does the Old Danish Pointer originate?
The breed originates from Denmark. Its development is said to date back to around 1710, involving crosses between local farm dogs, Spanish Pointers, and scenthounds, but these details are based on historical accounts and may not be fully verified.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.