At a glance the quick version
Figures from the FCI standard; males are noticeably heavier and sturdier than females.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short
A short, close-lying coat that feels slightly coarse, laid over a strongly built, deep-chested body with clear differences in build between dogs and bitches.1
Personality what they are like
A composed, even-natured dog that works with steady purpose in the field and tends to settle quietly at home. It hunts at an unhurried pace and likes to stay connected with the person it works with.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. Bred as an outdoor working gundog, it needs plenty of daily exercise and space; Wikipedia notes it is not a good match for apartment life or a small yard.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short, dense coat is easy to keep: a regular brush-down removes loose hair and keeps it tidy.1
Home where they are happiest
Best suited to a home with room to move and regular access to open country; not recommended for apartments.2
Company who they like around
Works in close partnership with its handler and enjoys being an active outdoor companion.12
The story where it all began
The breed traces back to roughly 1710, when Morten Bak of Glenstrup spent eight generations crossing travelling people's dogs with local farm dogs to fix a white-and-brown pointing type. Its ancestry is thought to include St. Hubert hounds and Spanish pointing dogs.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The whole breed is credited to a single man, Morten Bak, who shaped it over eight generations of dogs in the early 1700s.1
- 2
Its Danish name, Gammel Dansk Hønsehund, refers to its job of pointing game birds rather than anything about its character.2
- 3
The FCI standard prefers males above 56 cm and females above 52 cm within the allowed height range.1
- 4
It is known for hunting at a slow, methodical pace while keeping in touch with the hunter, which suits both small and large hunting grounds.1
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 281, Group 7 (Pointing Dogs), Section 1.1 Continental pointing dogs, Braque type; standard dated 12.10.1998, country of origin Denmark.1
- AKC
- Wikipedia reports the breed was accepted into the AKC Foundation Stock Service in April 2026.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Old Danish Pointer. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard N° 281 Gammel Dansk Hønsehund fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Old Danish Pointer - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, AKC FSS, activity, fun facts
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.