Pet Wiki

Old Danish Pointer

Also called Gammel Dansk Hønsehund, Old Danish Pointing Dog, Old Danish Bird Dog

Recognised breedFCI group 7Short profile

From Denmark, around the Glenstrup area near Randers and Hobro in Jutland.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male30 to 35 kg12
Weight, female26 to 31 kg12
Height, male54 to 60 cm12
Height, female50 to 56 cm12
Sizelarge

Figures from the FCI standard; males are noticeably heavier and sturdier than females.

calm and steady
determined, brave worker
keeps close contact with its handler
12

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

Colourswhite with brown markingswhite with brown ticking (freckles)12

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. 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. 2

    Its Danish name, Gammel Dansk Hønsehund, refers to its job of pointing game birds rather than anything about its character.2

  3. 3

    The FCI standard prefers males above 56 cm and females above 52 cm within the allowed height range.1

  4. 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

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name 'Old Danish Pointer' reflects its Danish origin and its role as a pointing dog; its Danish name 'Gammel Dansk Hønsehund' translates to 'Old Danish Hen Dog', referring to its traditional use hunting game birds such as pheasants.2

Name ideas for your new friend

ViggoFrejaBjørnSørenMetteLykkeSunnyOakleyStellaRuneTovePebble

A day in the life told by an Old Danish Pointer

I wake to the scent of damp grass and the creak of the back door. My human grabs the leather lead, and I wag my tail in a steady rhythm. We walk through the long meadow where I point at a flutter of feathers, my nose twitching. Later, I curl on the kitchen tiles, one ear cocked for the kettle's whistle. At dusk, we sit on the porch, and I rest my chin on their knee. The world smells of earth and calm. I sigh, happy to be the quiet rhythm in their day.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

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 a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Old Danish Pointer. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Old Danish Pointer tip

Treats should be low in fat (under 15% DM) to help prevent bloat and weight gain, and you can use small pieces of lean boiled chicken or turkey as a healthy reward. Always split the daily treat allowance into two or more meals to reduce the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus.

Source: akc.org

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Old Danish Pointer, and at what times?

Feed your Old Danish Pointer at least two meals a day, as adult dogs' stomachs empty within a few hours. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Exact times can vary, so a consistent schedule works best.3

What should an Old Danish Pointer eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always check with your vet for specific dietary advice.4

How often should I bathe an Old Danish Pointer?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues.5 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an Old Danish Pointer need brushing?

Brush your Old Danish Pointer weekly to remove loose hair and keep its short, dense coat tidy. This matches both Furry Diary's plan and general care advice for short smooth coats.51 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an Old Danish Pointer's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an Old Danish Pointer need?

This breed has high activity needs and requires plenty of daily exercise and space. Furry Diary suggests daily walks and play. It is not suited for apartment life or a small yard.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an Old Danish Pointer's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth ideally daily, or at least 2, 3 times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly for moisture or dirt, especially since floppy ears trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.5 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an Old Danish Pointer live?

Lifespan varies by individual and care. Ask your vet or a good breeder for typical expectations for this breed.

Is an Old Danish Pointer good with children and other pets?

The breed is described as composed and even-natured, settling quietly at home. However, individual temperament varies, so always supervise introductions and ask your breeder about the specific dog's background.12

Can an Old Danish Pointer be left alone?

This dog likes to stay connected with its person and works closely with its handler. It may not enjoy long periods alone. With training and gradual alone time, it can adapt, but it's best as an active companion.12

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard N° 281 Gammel Dansk Hønsehund fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. Old Danish Pointer - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, AKC FSS, activity, fun facts
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.