Old Danish Pointer

The Old Danish Pointer — Gammel Dansk Hønsehund — is Denmark's national gun dog, and its founder's breeding notes survive.

History

Morten Bak, a farmer in Glenstrup in Jutland, spent the first half of the eighteenth century crossing local farm dogs with gypsy dogs passing through, and produced a piebald pointing dog over eight generations. Danish records name him and the place, which makes the breed's origin unusually precise for something that old. It was recognised in Denmark in 1962.

Temperament

The breed is known for being calm, steady and quietly determined, gentle at home and slow and methodical in the field rather than fast — Danish hunters value it for working close.

Care and training

It needs substantial exercise and hunting work; it trains willingly. The short coat is easy and the drop ears want checking.

Health

Generally sound, with hip dysplasia and ear infections among the known tendencies. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.