Old Danish Pointing Dog
Other names: Old Danish Bird Dog, Gammel Dansk Hønsehund
The Old Danish Pointer is a solidly built dog belonging to the agile and intelligent Pointer group of dog breeds. The dog is still used in some parts of the world as a hunter because of its excellent sense of smell and ability to move almost silently across the ground. The usual prey of the Old Danish Pointer is avian.
Key facts about the Old Danish Pointing Dog
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Origins and history
The Old Danish Pointer is thought to have come about as a breed following the merger of several other farm dogs over the course of eight generations of breeding. The recognisable breed is said to have arrived in 1710 in northern Jutland (modern-day Denmark).
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 7 - Pointing Dogs
Section
Section 1 : Continental Pointing Dogs
Physical characteristics of the Old Danish Pointing Dog
Adult size
Female : Between 20 and 22 in
Male : Between 21 and 24 in
Weight
Female : Between 57 and 68 lb
Male : Between 66 and 77 lb
Coat colour
White with large brown patches and small brown specks or a mixture of both.
Type of coat
Smooth, short-haired, single coat.
Eye colour
Dark brown
Description
A strong and solid dog is the Old Danish Pointer. It is a well-proportioned dog with large feet ideally suited to move quietly and effortlessly across marshy land. The male of this breed is considerably more muscular than the female.
Good to know
The Pointer is traditionally employed to locate game. Its three main skills of hunting are:
1. To point (the location of prey)
2. To honour (its instructions)
3. To retrieve (dead or wounded game)
Temperament
Behaviour of the Old Danish Pointing Dog
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Compatibility
Price
We do not have enough data to set an average price for an Old Danish Pointing dog. You’re also looking at between £150 to £190 per month to care for this dog.
Grooming
Minimal grooming is required of the Old Danish. Half an hour each week of brushing keeps the dog’s coat well-conditioned. Use a slicker brush and metal comb. It is worthwhile to examine the ears of the Pointer on a regular basis to check for mites, fungal infections and a build-up of wax.
Shedding
Pointers moult only a moderate amount and may not excite a human allergic reaction.
Nutrition of the Old Danish Pointing Dog
It is always worthwhile to feed a Pointer a high-quality and specially formulated dog food.
Health of the Old Danish Pointing Dog
Life expectancy
11 to 13 years
Strong / robust
This is an active and courageous dog that likes nothing better than a day of outdoor exploration.
Withstand heat
The short coat of the Old Danish Pointer allows it to be more tolerant of hot temperatures than most.
Withstand cold
The Old Danish Pointer is robust enough to withstand walks in the snow and rain, but care should be taken after cold walks to dry the dog’s coat.
Tendency to put on weight
Weight gain is not usually a feature of a well-exercised Pointer. But if your Pointer is not exercised as regularly as it should be and is fed too much human or substandard food it will quickly become obese.
Common illnesses
- Cataracts
- Entropion
- Gastric Dilatation Volvulus
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Wobbler Syndrome