Is the English Pointer or the Old Danish Pointer better for families with children?

The Old Danish Pointer tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the English Pointer or the Old Danish Pointer?

The English Pointer and Old Danish Pointer shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the English Pointer or the Old Danish Pointer?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is English Pointer or Old Danish Pointer bigger?

English Pointer and Old Danish Pointer are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, English Pointer or Old Danish Pointer?

English Pointer tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Old Danish Pointer is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, English Pointer or Old Danish Pointer?

For apartment or apartment living, Old Danish Pointer has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

English Pointer vs Old Danish Pointer: Which Is Calmer?

English Pointer vs Old Danish Pointer: full comparison

Trait	English Pointer	Old Danish Pointer
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Very High	Medium
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	Very High
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Medium	Low
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	13 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The English Pointer has noticeably higher energy than the Old Danish Pointer.

Size and living space

The English Pointer is a large and powerful breed that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. By comparison, the Old Danish Pointer is a large and powerful breed that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The English Pointer is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. The Old Danish Pointer wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The English Pointer asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Old Danish Pointer asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The English Pointer learns quickly and enjoys the training process, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Old Danish Pointer learns quickly and enjoys the training process, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, English Pointer shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers, whereas Old Danish Pointer shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Old Danish Pointer has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Old Danish Pointer has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, English Pointer and Old Danish Pointer are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, English Pointer has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, English Pointer and Old Danish Pointer are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the English Pointer if you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure or you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Old Danish Pointer if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion, you want the more child-friendly companion, or you prefer a quieter dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the English Pointer or the Old Danish Pointer better for families with children?: The Old Danish Pointer tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the English Pointer or the Old Danish Pointer?: The English Pointer and Old Danish Pointer shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the English Pointer or the Old Danish Pointer?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is English Pointer or Old Danish Pointer bigger?: English Pointer and Old Danish Pointer are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, English Pointer or Old Danish Pointer?: English Pointer tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Old Danish Pointer is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, English Pointer or Old Danish Pointer?: For apartment or apartment living, Old Danish Pointer has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

English Pointer vs Old Danish Pointer