Old Danish Pointing Dog
The Old Danish Pointing Dog (Gammel Dansk Hønsehund) is the only Scandinavian pointer. It is a charming breed known for its loyalty and intelligence and it excels in hunting and tracking.
About the breed
The only Scandinavian pointer arose in the early eighteenth century by breeding dogs of travelling romani people with local farm dogs.
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The height at the withers is 54-60 cm for males and 50-56 cm for females. An Old Danish Pointing Dog weighs roughly 26-35 kg. The coat is short, the colour white with brown markings, as either a few large patches or several small spots.
Coat and grooming
The short, dense coat feels hard. It doesn’t provide much protection against weather but the dog is sturdy and not sensitive to cold. Loose hair and dust is easily removed with a rubber brush or a damp chamois. Do it daily or white hair will be very visible on furniture and carpets.
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This breed is generally stable and courageous. It is peaceful and quiet in the family, patient towards children and sociable towards strangers and other dogs. Its appealing nature makes it a great family dog, though preferably with active people with and interest in spending lots of time outdoors.
Needs
It needs lots of physical exercise, where it can be allowed to roam free, use its sense of smell and retrieve. Close human contact is also very important for its wellbeing.
Activity level and handler proximity
During a hunt, the dog moves relatively slow. It works independently but always maintains contact with the hunter and fulfils its task as a pointing dog without unnecessary disturbance of the terrain. It is rarely prone to stray.
Tips and tricks for learning and handling
The breed is attentive, eager to learn and happy to cooperate. The quickest and most durable learning is obtained when the training is carried out thoughtfully, kindly and with motivating consequences. Reward quickly and change the training scenery often.
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FCI Group : n°7 - Pointing Dogs
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The romani people's dogs, which probably had a touch of the Spanish pointers, were sturdy and used as hunting dogs as well as draught and pack animals. The farm dogs were hounds of a type from which the bloodhound descends. This breed’s immaculate nose and ability to keep contact with the hunter made it the favourite hunting dog in Denmark in the 19th century and it remains very popular to this date.
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- Gammel Dansk Hønsehund
- Gammel dansk hönsehund
- Vanhatanskankanakoira
