Old Danish Pointer
Gammel Dansk Hønsehund, Old Danish Bird Dog, Old Danish Chicken Dog, Old Danish Pointing Dog
The Old Danish Pointer is a gundog that originated in Denmark. This breed has a unique feature that when it locates prey its tail stops wagging and starts to rotate to alert the hunter. It can also be trained to retrieve and track wounded game. While popular in its homeland, the Old Danish Pointer is rarely seen in other countries.
Old Danish Pointer Standards
- 20-23"
- 40-53 lbs
- medium-sized gundog
- hanging, triangular ears
- medium length tail almost reaches hock
- short, dense, hard coat
- white with brown markings
- roan
History of the Old Danish Pointer
The history of the Old Danish Pointer dates back to the early 1700s. A man named Morten Bak was breeding “gypsy dogs” with local farm dogs. These dogs became known as Bakhounds and could be traced back several generations. Most sources believe these gypsy dogs were descended from Spanish pointers. In the Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard, it states that the local farmers called their dogs “bloodhounds” which has led some experts to suggest the Saint Hubert Hound was used. However, due to the region and their original use, it is just as probable that early Danish Broholmers were the farm dogs.
Never popular outside its homeland, the Old Danish Pointer heavily suffered after both World Wars. Although saved by fanciers and later gaining Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognition it remains a rare breed today.