OLD DANISH BIRD DOG

OLD DANISH BIRD DOG
OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG
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COUNTRY: Denmark

WEIGHT: 40-53 pounds

HEIGHT: 20-23 inches

COAT: Short, dense, and tight

COLOR: Liver and white, a small amount of ticking allowed

OTHER NAMES: Gamle (or Gammel) Dansk Honsehund, Old Danish Pointer

REGISTRY: FCI

GROUP: Gun Dog

One of only two hunting dogs native to Denmark, this breed was developed in the early 1700s from various farm blodhundes, (probably a form of the St. Hubert Hound), and early pointing dogs brought from Spain by gypsies. The man most responsible for the breed's early development was Morten Bak, and the breed is sometimes still called the Bakhund locally.

The Old Danish Bird Dog was initially used as a retriever, but its skills as a close working gun dog increased over the years. Unfortunately, the breed began to wane and, in 1939, during the War, it nearly disappeared. Due to the persistence of a few enthusiasts, the Honsehund has gained steadily in popularity since that time. Today, in Denmark, its owners boast it is listed as third hunting dog in the number of registrations.

Modern Danish field trial standards for the breed demand a dog that works fairly close and takes direction from his handler while thoroughly hunting the terrain. He must have great stamina, clean retrieves and, although the high point is most desirable, the old style of creeping and/or dropping to a lying position is still seen and allowed. His tail moves eagerly and, upon scent, circles in full rotation. Because of the breed's superlative nose, many are trained for schweisshund work (seeking wounded deer) as well as for bomb detection.

Danish owners say that the breed's abilities are quite universal, with almost all dogs being used for hunting or some other form of work. But they also are a quiet, friendly family dog who can get by with a minimum of exercise. One fan says to live with a Honsehund is like having a "clever and good friend."

The heavy neck skin of the breed is a mark of its ancient hound lineage, but the standard warns against allowing too much exaggeration to creep in. His body proportions are that of a rectangle, being only slightly longer than tall, and his tapering tail is never docked. The Honsehund has had very little exposure outside Denmark, although recently, one was invited to compete in the European World Cup competition for all Continental pointing dogs.