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Old Danish Pointing Dog - MAIN HUB

Meet your loyal new partner! This calm Danish hunter is a devoted family dog that thrives on outdoor adventures and constant companionship.

BREED GROUP

Sporting Dogs

Country of origin

Denmark

BREED SIZE

Large

BREED HEIGHT

20 -

24 IN

51 -

61 cm

BREED WEIGHT

57 -

77 LB

26 -

35 KG

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Old Danish Pointing Dog is a loyal and calm hunting breed from Denmark. Known for its steady character and determination, this medium-to-large dog makes a devoted family companion, especially in active households with outdoor space. They typically live 12 to 14 years and possess a short, low-maintenance white and brown coat. Owners should provide one to two hours of daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. While gentle with children, they have strong hunting instincts. This sturdy breed thrives on companionship and is best suited for rural or suburban living rather than apartments.
american kennel club (AKC) recognition

No

Breed was recognized in 0.

International Canine Federation (FCI) recognition

Yes

Breed was recognized in 1969.

WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?

Are Old Danish Pointing Dogs good family dogs?

Below Average

3 out of 10

The Old Danish Pointing Dog is a devoted family companion known for its loyal, calm, and steady temperament. While gentle with children, they thrive best in active households that can provide ample outdoor space and companionship to satisfy their high exercise needs and hunting instincts.

Fair

3 out of 10

Old Danish Pointing Dogs are generally excellent with children, known for their calm, patient, and steady temperament. Their gentle nature makes them devoted family companions that can patiently endure playtime antics. However, because of their large size and hunting instincts, supervision is recommended during interactions with younger children to ensure safety for both the dog and the child.

Below Average

4 out of 10

Old Danish Pointing Dogs are suitable for first-time owners who lead active lifestyles and can meet their high exercise and mental stimulation needs. While they are calm and eager to learn, their independent hunting nature and need for consistent, gentle training require a dedicated commitment. Novice owners must be prepared to provide a large outdoor space and regular activities to prevent this intelligent breed from becoming bored.

Average

5 out of 10

Old Danish Pointing Dogs are not well-suited for apartments due to their large size and high need for physical and mental stimulation. While they are known to be quiet and calm indoors, they require significant daily exercise and thrive best in rural or suburban homes with direct access to large, fenced outdoor spaces. Without consistent outlets for their energy and hunting instincts, they may become bored or unruly in confined urban living environments.

High

3 out of 10

While an Old Danish Pointing Dog can adapt to suburban life, a large, securely fenced yard is highly recommended to satisfy their high exercise needs and natural hunting instincts. They thrive in environments with ample outdoor space to roam and explore, making them less suitable for apartment living or homes without access to a garden.

Above Average

6 out of 10

Old Danish Pointing Dogs are loyal and calm companions that can generally handle being left alone for moderate periods due to their steady temperament. However, they thrive on human interaction and require regular mental and physical engagement, so they are best suited for owners who can provide consistent companionship and activity.

Very Good

7 out of 10

Old Danish Pointing Dogs generally get along well with cats, especially when socialized from a young age. Their loyal and steady character helps them form good bonds with other household pets. However, due to their strong hunting history, early socialization and supervised introductions are essential to manage their instincts and ensure a peaceful multi-pet environment.

Moderate

6 out of 10

Old Danish Pointing Dogs are typically calm and steady companions that are loyal to their families, though they can be reserved with strangers. While they are not inherently aggressive, their strong hunting instincts require early socialization and supervision around small animals to ensure a well-balanced temperament.

Mellow

4 out of 10

Old Danish Pointing Dogs are known for their calm and steady character, possessing a mellow energy level that makes them devoted home companions. While they are determined and active during outdoor adventures or hunts, they typically settle well indoors. Owners should provide consistent daily exercise and mental stimulation to satisfy their working instincts and ensure they remain balanced and content.

~60 min a day

6 out of 10

Old Danish Pointing Dogs require approximately one to two hours of daily exercise and mental stimulation to satisfy their hunting instincts and prevent boredom. This should include varied training, long walks, or active sessions like running and fetching in a large, fenced outdoor space. Consistent daily engagement is essential to keep this intelligent and determined breed balanced and content.

Very Good

7 out of 10

Old Danish Pointing Dogs generally tolerate warm weather well due to their short, weather-resistant coats. However, they are active dogs that can overheat during strenuous exercise. Owners should provide constant access to fresh water and shade, and limit intense activity or hunting sessions to the cooler morning or evening hours during peak summer heat to ensure their safety.

Very Good

7 out of 10

Old Danish Pointing Dogs generally tolerate warm weather well due to their short, weather-resistant coats. However, they are active dogs that can overheat during strenuous exercise. Owners should provide constant access to fresh water and shade, and limit intense activity or hunting sessions to the cooler morning or evening hours during peak summer heat to ensure their safety.

Sometimes Restricted

5 out of 10

Old Danish Pointing Dogs may face apartment restrictions primarily due to their large size, as many rentals impose weight limits between 25 and 50 pounds. While not typically on aggressive breed lists, their need for significant outdoor space and exercise makes them better suited for rural or suburban homes. Always check specific landlord policies regarding size limits and potential requirements for pet liability insurance or references.

WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?


Photo
Reviewed by
Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
DVM · PhD · MBA
Veterinarian Researcher Dog breed specialist
Verified
"Old Danish Pointing Dogs are a sturdy and generally healthy breed, but as a veterinarian, I focus on screening for musculoskeletal issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia. A unique concern for this breed is Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome (CMS), a rare genetic neuromuscular disorder that can cause exercise-induced collapse in puppies. Potential owners should also be vigilant about eye conditions like entropion and ectropion, as well as routine care for their floppy ears to prevent infections. Given their deep chests, I also recommend monitoring for signs of bloat and maintaining a consistent dental hygiene routine to prevent early-onset periodontal disease."

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