Old Danish Chicken Dog
Breed Description

The Old Danish Chicken Dog is known by several names throughout its history and in different regions. The most common alternate names include Old Danish Pointer, Old Danish Pointing Dog, Gammel Dansk Hønsehund (in Danish), Old Danish Bird Dog, Bakhound (historical name after its creator Morten Bak), Altdanischer Hühnerhund (in German), and Ancien Chien d'Arrêt Danois (in French). These various names reflect the breed's rich history and the confusion that existed over breed standards until they were unified in the 19th century. The breed was officially named the Old Danish Pointer in the 19th century, though the English translation "Old Danish Chicken Dog" persists in some circles. Despite the name variations, all refer to the same distinctive Danish pointing breed developed for hunting birds and game.

The Old Danish Chicken Dog stands as a testament to Danish breeding excellence, representing centuries of careful selection for both hunting prowess and family companionship. This medium-sized, strongly built dog exhibits a distinctive rectangular frame that immediately conveys both power and athletic grace. One of the breed's most charming characteristics is the pronounced difference between males and females, with males being notably more substantial and muscular while females display a lighter, more spirited demeanor that often includes a delightfully capricious personality.

These dogs possess an unmistakable presence that speaks to their working heritage. Their build reflects their original purpose as versatile gun dogs capable of working in Denmark's varied hunting terrains, from small private grounds to expansive estates. The breed's physical structure demonstrates remarkable balance between strength and agility, allowing them to maintain stamina during long hunting sessions while remaining nimble enough to navigate challenging terrain.

The Old Danish Chicken Dog's head is notably short and wide, lacking the pronounced stop found in many other pointer breeds. This distinctive head shape, combined with their broad, deep flews that give the face its characteristic depth, creates an expression that is both noble and approachable. Their medium-sized, dark brown eyes convey intelligence and determination, while their ears, set rather low and medium in length with broad, rounded tips, hang close to their cheeks in a manner that enhances their gentle expression.

The breed's temperament represents perhaps their greatest asset as family companions. These dogs exhibit a remarkable ability to switch between their roles as dedicated hunting partners and calm, affectionate family members. In the home environment, they display a quiet, stable nature that makes them excellent indoor companions. Their calm demeanor indoors contrasts beautifully with their animated, energetic outdoor behavior, where their true hunting instincts shine through.

Old Danish Chicken Dogs form incredibly strong bonds with their families and are known for their unwavering loyalty. They possess an innate understanding of household dynamics and adapt their behavior accordingly, showing remarkable sensitivity to the moods and needs of family members. This emotional intelligence, combined with their natural protective instincts, makes them excellent family guardians who are alert without being aggressive.

American Kennel Club (AKC)

The Old Danish Chicken Dog is currently not recognized by the American Kennel Club. While the AKC recognizes 14 different Pointer breeds within their Sporting Group, the Old Danish Chicken Dog has not yet achieved AKC recognition status. This lack of recognition is primarily due to the breed's rarity outside of Denmark and limited breeding population in North America. Efforts are ongoing by breed enthusiasts to establish sufficient breeding programs and documentation that could eventually lead to AKC recognition in the future.

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

The FCI recognizes the Old Danish Chicken Dog under standard number 281 as the "Old Danish Pointing Dog." According to FCI standards, this is a medium-sized, rectangular dog that is strongly built with pronounced secondary sex characteristics. Males should be powerful and substantial while females are characterized as lighter and more spirited. The breed should display a quiet, stable, determined and courageous temperament. The head is described as short and wide without a pronounced stop, with a broad muzzle featuring deep flews. The coat should be short and dense, colored white with brown markings, preferably with darker shades of brown being more desirable.

United Kennel Club (UKC)

The United Kennel Club officially recognized the Old Danish Chicken Dog on January 1, 2006, classifying it within their Gun Dog Group. The UKC standard describes this breed as the result of crossbreeding between gypsy dogs, local farm dogs, and St. Hubert's Hounds, resulting in a pure breed of piebald white and brown dogs. The UKC emphasizes their versatility as gun dogs suitable for hunting various types of birds. The standard specifies males should stand 21-24 inches tall with females at 20-22 inches, with weights typically ranging from 55-75 pounds for males and 40-65 pounds for females. The UKC standard particularly notes the breed's characteristic throatiness as a hallmark feature.

Other Organizations

In Denmark, the breed is maintained and protected by the Danish Kennel Club and specialized breed organizations that formed in 1947 specifically to prevent the breed's extinction. These organizations maintain detailed breeding records and health testing requirements. Various European kennel clubs recognize the breed under different variations of its name, though breeding populations remain primarily concentrated in Denmark and surrounding Scandinavian countries. Some North American specialty clubs exist to promote and preserve the breed, though these remain relatively small organizations focused on maintaining breed purity and working ability.

The remarkable history of the Old Danish Chicken Dog begins in the early 18th century, around 1710, in the picturesque Danish countryside near the towns of Randers and Hobro. This breed owes its existence to a dedicated individual named Morten Bak, who lived in Glenstrup, Denmark, and possessed both the vision and determination to create what would become one of Denmark's most treasured hunting breeds.

The historical context surrounding the breed's development is crucial to understanding its creation. During the early 1700s, Denmark, like many European countries, was experiencing significant social changes. Hunting rights, which had previously been reserved exclusively for the aristocracy, were gradually becoming more accessible to common citizens through various reforms. This democratization of hunting created a demand for versatile hunting dogs that could serve the needs of ordinary Danish hunters rather than just the elaborate hunting parties of the nobility.

Morten Bak embarked on an ambitious breeding program that spanned eight generations of careful selection and crossbreeding. The foundation of his program involved crossing what were described as "gypsy dogs" with local Danish farm dogs. The local farm dogs used in this breeding program were likely descendants of various scent hounds that had been present in Denmark for centuries, including bloodhound-type dogs and what researchers believe were Squire Scent Hounds, which themselves descended from the famous St. Hubert Hounds.

The so-called "gypsy dogs" that formed part of the breed's foundation are believed to have been Spanish Pointing Dogs and other scent hounds with Spanish influence. These dogs likely arrived in Denmark through various trade routes or possibly through military connections, as Denmark was involved in several European conflicts during this period, including the War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714). Danish auxiliary troops fought alongside Austrian armies in battles in Spain and the Netherlands, providing potential opportunities for Spanish hunting dogs to make their way to Denmark.

Through methodical breeding over eight generations, Bak successfully established a uniform type of dog that displayed consistent white and brown piebald coloring and possessed the hunting abilities he sought. These early dogs became known locally as "Bakhounds" in honor of their creator, though they would eventually be known by numerous names throughout their development.

The breed's journey through the 18th and 19th centuries was marked by both recognition and confusion. As the dogs gained popularity among Danish hunters for their versatility and reliable temperament, they began to be known by various names in different regions and by different groups of hunters. Names such as Old Danish Bird Dog, Old Danish Pointing Dog, Gammel Dansk Hønsehund, Altdanischer Hühnerhund, and Ancien Chien d'Arrêt Danois all referred to the same basic breed type that Bak had developed.

This proliferation of names created significant confusion regarding breed standards and recognition. Different regions maintained slightly different breeding practices and preferences, leading to variations within the breed that needed to be standardized. It wasn't until the 19th century that serious efforts were made to unify these various strains under one comprehensive breed standard, ultimately settling on the name "Old Danish Pointer," though the alternative name "Old Danish Chicken Dog" continued to be used in some areas.

The 20th century brought both triumph and near-disaster for the breed. During the early decades, the Old Danish Chicken Dog enjoyed moderate popularity in Denmark and was valued for both its hunting abilities and its excellent temperament as a family companion. However, the two World Wars had a devastating impact on European dog breeds, and the Old Danish Chicken Dog was no exception. Many breeding lines were lost, breeding programs were disrupted, and the overall population declined dramatically.

By the mid-20th century, the breed faced the very real possibility of extinction. Recognizing this critical situation, a group of dedicated Danish breed enthusiasts formed a breed club in 1947 with the specific mission of saving the Old Danish Chicken Dog from disappearing forever. This club worked tirelessly to locate surviving examples of the breed, establish breeding records, and create breeding programs designed to preserve the breed's essential characteristics while rebuilding population numbers.

An unexpected boost to the breed's popularity came in the 1980s through the power of television. A Danish nature program called "En Naturlig Forklaring" featured a charming Old Danish Chicken Dog named Balder, and this exposure captured the hearts of Danish viewers. The show's popularity led to increased interest in the breed among Danish families, providing a much-needed boost to breeding programs and helping ensure the breed's survival.

International recognition came gradually, with the United Kennel Club officially accepting the breed in 2006. This recognition was significant as it marked the breed's formal entry into the international dog world, though populations outside Denmark remain limited. Today, while the Old Danish Chicken Dog is still primarily concentrated in Denmark and other Scandinavian countries, growing interest from hunting dog enthusiasts and breed preservationists in other countries offers hope for the breed's continued expansion and preservation.

The modern Old Danish Chicken Dog represents nearly three centuries of careful breeding and selection, maintaining the essential characteristics that Morten Bak sought to establish while adapting to contemporary needs as both hunting companions and family pets. Their history serves as a testament to the dedication of countless individuals who recognized the value of this unique breed and worked to ensure its survival for future generations.

The Old Danish Chicken Dog was originally developed as a versatile gun dog specifically designed to excel in Denmark's diverse hunting environments. Their primary function centers around their exceptional pointing ability, which gives the breed its distinctive name and represents its most valued working characteristic. When hunting, these dogs demonstrate remarkable skill in locating game birds through their keen sense of smell, then freezing in the classic pointing stance to alert hunters to the presence of game without disturbing or flushing the birds prematurely.

The breed's hunting versatility extends far beyond simple pointing duties. Old Danish Chicken Dogs are equally skilled at retrieving downed game, making them true all-around hunting companions. Their medium size and athletic build allow them to work effectively in both small private hunting grounds and extensive estate properties. They possess the stamina necessary for long hunting sessions while maintaining the agility required to navigate Denmark's varied terrain, from dense forests to open fields and wetland areas.

One of the breed's most remarkable functional characteristics is their ability to work independently while maintaining constant communication with their human hunting partner. Unlike some pointing breeds that require constant direction, Old Danish Chicken Dogs possess the intelligence and judgment to make autonomous decisions in the field while keeping their handler informed of their actions and discoveries. This independent working style made them particularly valuable to Danish hunters who needed reliable partners capable of covering extensive ground efficiently.

The breed demonstrates exceptional scenting ability, capable of detecting game birds at considerable distances and in challenging environmental conditions. Their broad nostrils and well-developed olfactory system allow them to work effectively even when scenting conditions are poor due to weather or terrain factors. This reliable scenting ability, combined with their steady, determined approach to hunting, makes them valuable partners for both novice and experienced hunters.

In modern times, the Old Danish Chicken Dog's functional role has expanded beyond traditional hunting applications. Many of these dogs excel in various dog sports and activities that utilize their natural abilities. They perform well in field trials and hunt tests, where their pointing instincts and retrieving skills are evaluated in controlled settings. Their intelligence and trainability also make them suitable for activities such as tracking, agility, and obedience competitions.

The breed's calm temperament and strong family bonds have made them increasingly valued as therapy and emotional support animals. Their gentle nature with children and elderly individuals, combined with their intuitive understanding of human emotions, allows them to provide comfort and companionship in various therapeutic settings. Some Old Danish Chicken Dogs have been trained for search and rescue work, utilizing their excellent scenting abilities and determined nature to locate missing persons.

As family companions, Old Danish Chicken Dogs serve multiple functional roles within the household. Their natural protective instincts make them excellent watchdogs who alert families to potential intruders or unusual activities without being overly aggressive. They serve as exercise partners for active family members, adapting their energy levels to match different family activities from leisurely walks to vigorous outdoor adventures.

The breed's function as a working dog requires specific environmental conditions to thrive. They need adequate space for exercise and mental stimulation, making them unsuitable for apartment living or small confined spaces. Their working heritage means they require jobs or activities that engage both their physical abilities and mental capacity. Owners who cannot provide adequate exercise and mental stimulation may find their Old Danish Chicken Dog develops behavioral issues stemming from boredom and unfulfilled instincts.

Conservation efforts have recognized the Old Danish Chicken Dog's important role in preserving traditional Danish hunting culture. These dogs represent a living link to centuries of Danish hunting traditions and serve as ambassadors for responsible hunting practices and wildlife conservation. Their balanced approach to hunting, which emphasizes partnership between human and dog rather than domination over game animals, aligns well with modern conservation ethics.

The behavioral profile of the Old Danish Chicken Dog reflects centuries of selective breeding for both working ability and family companionship, resulting in a remarkably well-balanced temperament that adapts beautifully to various situations and environments. These dogs display a fascinating dichotomy in their behavior patterns, demonstrating calm, composed demeanor indoors while exhibiting vibrant energy and enthusiasm during outdoor activities.

In the home environment, Old Danish Chicken Dogs are renowned for their quiet, steady nature. They possess an innate understanding of household routines and social hierarchies, adapting their behavior to match the energy levels and needs of their family members. This remarkable emotional intelligence allows them to serve as comforting presences during stressful times while remaining unobtrusive during quiet family moments. Their ability to "read" human emotions and respond appropriately makes them exceptional therapy dogs and emotional support animals.

The breed demonstrates strong pack loyalty and forms intense bonds with all family members, though they often develop a particularly close relationship with one primary person. This bonding behavior extends to children in the family, with Old Danish Chicken Dogs showing remarkable patience and gentleness with young family members. They seem to instinctively understand the need for different interaction styles with children versus adults, moderating their energy and play behavior accordingly.

Social behavior with strangers reveals the breed's natural caution without aggression. Old Danish Chicken Dogs typically adopt a reserved but polite approach to unfamiliar people, observing and assessing before deciding whether to engage. This behavioral trait makes them excellent natural watchdogs who will alert families to visitors or unusual activities without being overly territorial or aggressive. Once properly introduced and given time to assess new people, they generally warm up and can become quite friendly and welcoming.

The breed's hunting heritage strongly influences their behavioral patterns, even in non-hunting situations. They display natural investigative behaviors, using their excellent sense of smell to explore and understand their environment. This curiosity-driven behavior can manifest as thorough exploration of new environments, careful investigation of interesting scents, and heightened alertness to wildlife or unusual sounds. These behaviors are normal expressions of their working heritage and should be channeled positively rather than suppressed.

Mental stimulation requirements are significant for this intelligent breed. Old Danish Chicken Dogs become bored easily without adequate mental challenges, and this boredom can manifest as destructive behaviors, excessive barking, or attention-seeking activities. They thrive on problem-solving activities, training sessions that challenge their minds, and tasks that allow them to use their natural abilities. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and training exercises that incorporate their pointing and retrieving instincts provide excellent mental stimulation.

Exercise behaviors reflect the breed's high energy levels and athletic capabilities. Outdoors, Old Danish Chicken Dogs transform from calm house dogs into energetic, enthusiastic athletes. They excel at activities that involve running, jumping, swimming, and retrieving. Their exercise needs are substantial, requiring at least one to two hours of vigorous activity daily to maintain physical and mental health. Without adequate exercise, behavioral problems including destructiveness, hyperactivity, and anxiety may develop.

Training behaviors demonstrate the breed's high intelligence and eager-to-please nature. Old Danish Chicken Dogs respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement training methods and form strong working relationships with consistent, fair trainers. They possess excellent memory and can learn complex commands and sequences relatively quickly. However, they can also be somewhat sensitive to harsh corrections or inconsistent training approaches, which may cause them to become withdrawn or anxious.

The breed exhibits natural leadership tendencies and may attempt to assume pack leadership roles if not provided with clear, consistent guidance from their human family. This behavior is not typically aggressive but rather reflects their working heritage and intelligence. Proper socialization from puppyhood helps ensure they develop appropriate social behaviors with both humans and other animals.

Seasonal behavioral changes may occur, particularly during hunting seasons when their instincts become more pronounced. Many Old Danish Chicken Dogs show increased alertness, higher energy levels, and stronger pointing behaviors during autumn months when their ancestral hunting instincts are naturally heightened. Understanding and accommodating these natural behavioral cycles helps maintain harmony between dog and family throughout the year.

The Old Danish Chicken Dog integrates seamlessly into family life, bringing a unique combination of loyalty, intelligence, and adaptability that makes them exceptional family companions. Their ability to form deep, lasting bonds with all family members while maintaining their individual relationships with each person creates a complex and rewarding family dynamic that enriches the lives of everyone in the household.

Within the family structure, Old Danish Chicken Dogs naturally assume the role of gentle guardians and companions. They possess an intuitive understanding of family hierarchies and relationships, often positioning themselves as bridges between different family members during conflicts or tensions. Their calm, steady presence during family gatherings or stressful situations provides emotional stability and comfort that many families come to rely upon deeply.

The breed's interaction with children is particularly noteworthy and represents one of their most endearing qualities as family dogs. Old Danish Chicken Dogs demonstrate remarkable patience with children of all ages, seeming to understand instinctively that young family members require gentler treatment and more tolerance. They often become willing playmates for active children while also serving as protective companions who will stay close to ensure children's safety during outdoor activities.

Their protective instincts toward children are subtle but constant. Rather than displaying overt guarding behaviors, Old Danish Chicken Dogs typically position themselves where they can observe and respond to potential threats to children. This protective behavior extends to alerting parents when children wander into potentially dangerous areas or situations. Many families report that their Old Danish Chicken Dog serves as an excellent "early warning system" for parents, helping keep track of children's activities and whereabouts.

The breed's energy levels and activity needs make them ideal companions for active families who enjoy outdoor recreation. They eagerly participate in family hiking trips, camping adventures, beach outings, and backyard games. Their enthusiasm for physical activities often encourages family members to spend more time outdoors and engage in healthier, more active lifestyles. However, they also possess the remarkable ability to downshift their energy levels to match quieter family activities when appropriate.

Multi-pet households often benefit from the Old Danish Chicken Dog's generally sociable nature with other animals. When properly introduced and socialized from puppyhood, they typically coexist peacefully with other dogs and can even form close friendships with family cats. However, their hunting heritage means they may show strong interest in smaller pets such as birds, rabbits, or rodents, requiring careful supervision and training to ensure all family pets remain safe.

The breed's role in family routines becomes central to household operations. Old Danish Chicken Dogs thrive on consistent schedules and often become instrumental in maintaining family routines. They may naturally assume responsibility for waking family members, reminding them of meal times, or signaling when it's time for daily walks or exercise. This integration into family schedules strengthens their bonds with family members while providing structure that benefits both dog and family.

Family training activities provide excellent opportunities for bonding while addressing the breed's need for mental stimulation. Old Danish Chicken Dogs excel at learning family rules and expectations, and they often enjoy training sessions that involve multiple family members. These shared training experiences can strengthen relationships between the dog and different family members while ensuring consistent behavior expectations throughout the household.

The emotional support provided by Old Danish Chicken Dogs within family dynamics cannot be overstated. Their sensitivity to human emotions allows them to provide comfort during difficult times, celebrate during happy occasions, and offer steady companionship during everyday life. Many families report that their Old Danish Chicken Dog seems to know exactly when emotional support is needed and appears without being called during times of sadness, stress, or illness.

Space requirements and living arrangements significantly impact family dynamics with this breed. Old Danish Chicken Dogs are not well-suited to apartment living or homes without adequate outdoor space. Families must be prepared to provide sufficient room for exercise and mental stimulation, as confined dogs may develop behavioral issues that disrupt family harmony. Ideal family situations include homes with securely fenced yards where dogs can exercise safely and families committed to providing daily vigorous exercise opportunities.

The Old Danish Chicken Dog is generally considered a healthy and robust breed, benefiting from centuries of selection for working ability which naturally favored dogs with sound physical condition and longevity. However, like all purebred dogs, they are susceptible to certain genetic health conditions that potential owners should understand and responsible breeders should screen for to maintain the breed's overall health and vitality.

The breed's typical lifespan ranges from 12 to 14 years, which is excellent for a medium to large-sized dog. This longevity reflects the breed's generally good health and the careful breeding practices maintained by dedicated breed enthusiasts. Throughout their lives, Old Danish Chicken Dogs tend to remain active and engaged well into their senior years, though like all aging dogs, they may require modifications to their exercise routines and additional veterinary care as they age.

Preventive health care plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of Old Danish Chicken Dogs throughout their lives. Regular veterinary examinations, typically recommended every six to twelve months depending on the dog's age, help identify potential health issues before they become serious problems. These examinations should include comprehensive physical assessments, dental evaluations, and discussions about appropriate vaccination schedules and parasite prevention programs.

Nutritional requirements for Old Danish Chicken Dogs vary based on their age, activity level, and overall health status. As active, athletic dogs, they require high-quality diets that provide adequate protein to maintain muscle mass and appropriate fat levels to fuel their energy needs. Working dogs or those engaged in regular hunting activities may require specialized nutrition formulated for active or working breeds. Weight management is particularly important, as excess weight can exacerbate joint problems and reduce overall health and longevity.

Exercise-related injuries represent one of the most common health concerns for this active breed. Their enthusiasm for vigorous outdoor activities can sometimes lead to cuts, bruises, muscle strains, or more serious injuries if proper precautions aren't taken. Owners should be prepared to provide basic first aid and know when injuries require professional veterinary attention. Proper conditioning and gradual increases in activity levels help prevent many exercise-related injuries.

Ear health requires special attention in Old Danish Chicken Dogs due to their pendant ears and active outdoor lifestyle. Their ear conformation can trap moisture and debris, creating environments conducive to bacterial or yeast infections. Regular ear cleaning and inspection, particularly after swimming or hunting activities, helps prevent infections and maintain ear health. Signs of ear problems include odor, discharge, excessive scratching, or head shaking.

Dental health is often overlooked but crucial for overall health and quality of life. Old Danish Chicken Dogs should receive regular dental care including home dental hygiene and professional cleaning when recommended by veterinarians. Poor dental health can lead to pain, infection, and systemic health problems affecting the heart, kidneys, and other organs. Providing appropriate chew toys and dental treats can help maintain dental health between professional cleanings.

Reproductive health considerations are important for both breeding and pet dogs. Spaying and neutering decisions should be made in consultation with veterinarians, considering factors such as the dog's intended use, health status, and owner preferences. For breeding dogs, proper reproductive management includes pre-breeding health screenings, appropriate nutrition during pregnancy and lactation, and careful monitoring of whelping and puppy development.

Environmental health factors can significantly impact the well-being of Old Danish Chicken Dogs. Their active nature means they may be exposed to various environmental hazards including toxic plants, chemicals, extreme weather conditions, and wildlife encounters. Owners should be aware of potential hazards in their specific geographic regions and take appropriate precautions to protect their dogs during outdoor activities.

If you're looking to adopt an Old Danish Chicken Dog, consider contacting these rescue organizations that work with pointer breeds and sporting dogs. Due to the breed's rarity outside of Denmark, specific Old Danish Chicken Dog rescues are extremely limited, but these organizations work with similar pointer breeds and may occasionally have Old Danish Chicken Dogs available for adoption:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Old Danish Chicken Dogs and similar pointing breeds waiting for their forever homes. Due to the changing nature of rescue organizations, please verify website functionality before contacting.