Old Danish Pointer characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | 32% of breeds |
| Energy level | Medium | — |
| Trainability | High | 30% of breeds |
| Friendliness | High | 35% of breeds |
| Good with children | Very High | — |
| Grooming needs | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Shedding | Medium | 40% of breeds |
| Barking | Low | 32% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 12 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Old Danish Pointer right for you?
The Old Danish Pointer is a large and powerful breed that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. In terms of temperament, it is famously gentle and patient with children and is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors. Day to day, the Old Danish Pointer wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Old Danish Pointer wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. With medium energy and medium athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Old Danish Pointer to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Old Danish Pointer needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Old Danish Pointer is quick to learn and a pleasure to train and keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally. It prefers company and copes only with short periods alone, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Old Danish Pointer
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Old Danish Pointer genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Independence: Low — the Old Danish Pointer wants more company than most breeds. Only 22% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Old Danish Pointer actually costs you
| Exercise | About an hour a day of walking and play suits it. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Occasional brushing is enough. |
| Time alone | Wants company. Long days alone are where the problems start. |
| Noise | Quieter than most breeds. |
Where the Old Danish Pointer fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Size alone rules out small flats, though the temperament can suit one. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | Very high child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Good fit | High trainability without an unusually strong will makes the learning curve forgiving. |
| Homes with cats | Depends | High prey drive. Introductions need managing, and a bolting cat triggers exactly the instinct this breed was selected for. |
| Long working days | Depends | Low independence — this breed wants company and shows it when it does not get any. |
| Allergy households | Depends | No low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme. |
Perfect for
- Traditional hunters
- Tracking enthusiasts
- Patient families
- Rural living
Things to consider
- Very rare breed
- Slower working style
- Needs patient training
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Old Danish Pointer good with children?
- Yes — the Old Danish Pointer is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Old Danish Pointer shed a lot?
- The Old Danish Pointer has medium shedding.
- How much exercise does the Old Danish Pointer need?
- With medium energy, the Old Danish Pointer needs moderate daily exercise such as a good walk or two.
- How long does the Old Danish Pointer live?
- The Old Danish Pointer typically lives around 12 years.
- Can the Old Danish Pointer live in an apartment?
- The Old Danish Pointer is a larger breed and does better in a home with more space, though it can adapt with enough daily exercise.
- Is the Old Danish Pointer easy to train?
- The Old Danish Pointer is quick to learn and a pleasure to train. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Old Danish Pointer be left alone during the day?
- The Old Danish Pointer prefers company and copes only with short periods alone. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.