Old Danish Pointer

The Old Danish Pointer is generally regarded as a hardy, healthy working breed with a typical lifespan of around 12 to 14 years. Because it is rare outside Scandinavia, large-scale breed-specific health statistics are limited, so prospective owners should seek reputable breeders who health-test their stock. Routine care and weight management support a long life.

It is a medium-to-large pointing gundog, standing around 50 to 60 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 26 to 35 kg. It has a powerful but balanced build, a short, easy-care coat usually white with brown markings, and a composed, good-natured expression, built as a methodical hunting companion worked close to the gun.

It is typically calm, even-tempered and affectionate, known for a steady, biddable nature that makes it a pleasant family companion as well as a working dog. It lacks the high-strung edge of some pointing breeds, bonds closely with its people and is generally gentle, responding well to a calm, consistent household.

Yes, generally. The Old Danish Pointer is typically good with children and sociable with other dogs, helped by its calm, gentle temperament. Early socialisation helps it develop into a confident, well-rounded adult. As with any dog, interactions with young children should be supervised.

As a working gundog it needs a good amount of regular daily exercise, including walks, free running and the chance to use its nose as it was bred to. While calmer and steadier than many pointers, it is not a low-energy breed and stays happiest with consistent physical activity alongside mental stimulation such as gundog training or scent games.

Yes. Biddable and willing to please, it is generally straightforward to train using positive, reward-based methods, and its calm temperament makes it a cooperative pupil. It enjoys having a job and responds well to gundog work and structured activity. Its steady nature makes it more forgiving than some gundogs, though it still benefits from an engaged owner.

The short, dense coat is very low-maintenance, needing only occasional brushing to remove loose hair, with a little extra during moults. The drop ears should be checked and kept clean to reduce the risk of infection, and routine care of nails and teeth completes a simple grooming routine.

As a medium-to-large, deep-chested gundog it shares the general predispositions of similar breeds, including joint issues such as hip dysplasia and the risk of bloat. Sensible feeding routines help: divide food into more than one meal a day and avoid vigorous exercise immediately before or after eating. Routine preventive care and weight management support good health.

Good with children. As a general guide, Old Danish Pointers tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.

As a healthy adult, a typical Old Danish Pointer needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.

Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is wash-and-go — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.

Manageable for committed beginners. Old Danish Pointers are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.

Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.

Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.

Needs plenty of space. A Old Danish Pointer really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.