The Old Danish Pointer was first used as a pointing dog in Denmark. However, its origin goes all the way back to the year 1710 when Morten Bak of Glenstrup had crossed gypsy dogs through eight generations with local farm dogs. This led to the establishment of a pure breed of Bakhounds or Old Danish Pointers that were piebald white and brown in color.
Though the locals then called these farm dogs "Bloodhounds", these hounds were basically offsprings of Squire's scent hounds with ancestry from the St. Hubert Hounds. And since gypsy dogs had descended from Spanish Pointing dogs and other scent hounds, St. Hubert hounds have a part in the contribution of the Old Danish Pointer. Though Old Danish Pointers were first used as retrievers, they have grown into good working gun dogs over the years.
In fact, during the war, in 1939, this breed of Old Danish Pointers had practically vanished. It was the enthusiasm of some breed enthusiasts that made the breed popular once again. Today, the Danish consider the Old Danish Pointer to be the third hunting dog in registration.
The Old Danish Pointer is basically a medium sized dog which is usually white, with brown markings. They are strongly built and the most significant feature of the dog is that there is a great difference between the male and female species of the dog. The male dog is usually powerful and substantial in size while the bitch is more spirited, lighter, and capricious in nature. The male Old Danish Pointer has an average height difference of 1.6 in and weight difference of 8.8 lbs over the female Old Danish Pointer.
At a glance, the Old Danish Pointer proves to be rather quiet and stable in nature. However, in addition to being stable in nature, the Old Danish Pointer is a very determined and courageous dog. When on a hunt, the Old Danish Pointer tends to progress slowly while maintaining contact with the hunter at all times. With this, the Old Danish Pointer tends to accomplish its task of a pointing dog, without having to create any form of unnecessary disturbance on the ground.
Not much effort is required on your part for the care and maintenance of your Old Danish Pointer. This is because it is basically a very friendly dog that loves the company of family. The Old Danish Pointer is a dog that is suitable for both small and large hunting grounds. And as long as it gets its daily bout of exercise, the Old Danish Pointer remains a friendly family dog. Though the Old Danish Pointer is fast and active when outdoors and relatively quiet when indoors, it is not advisable to keep your Old Danish Pointer in apartments or small yards.
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