The words Dog Breed Info with the letter D inside of a black paw print

Old Danish Chicken Dog

Information and Pictures

Right Profile - A white and brown Old Danish Chicken Dog is standing in grass and it is looking to the right.

Adult Old Danish Chicken Dog, photo courtesy of Jorgen Bay

Other Names
  • Gammel Dansk Honsehund
  • Old Danish Pointe
  • Old Danish Bird Dog
  • Old Danish Pointing Dog
  • Altdänischer Hühnerhund
  • Ancien chien d'arrêt danois
Pronunciation

ohld dey-nish chik-uhn dawg

Description

Liver and white, a small amount of ticking allowed.

Temperament

Hunting dog

Height, Weight

Height:
Male 21–24 inches (54–60 cm) above 22 inches (56 cm) is preferred
Female 20–22 inches (50–56 cm) above 20 inches (52 cm) is preferred

Weight:
Male 66–77 pounds (30–35 kg)
Female 57–68 pounds (26–31 kg)

Health Problems

Some lines can be prone to hip dysplasia, but are usually a very healthy breed.

Living Conditions

The Danish Chicken Dog will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard.

Exercise

This breed needs to be taken on a daily walk.

Life Expectancy

About 12 to 14 years

Litter Size

About 4 to 6 puppies

Grooming

The smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush regularly with a firm, bristle brush. Bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary. These dogs are average shedders.

Origin

Denmark

NOTE: The Danish Chicken Dog should not be confused with the Danish/Swedish Farmdog. The Danish/Swedish Farmdog and the Old Danish Chicken Dog are two entirely different breeds. This was mistakenly published in the Bruce Fogle's Encyclopedia of the Dog; the Farmdog was never known as the Chicken Dog. The book has the Danish/Swedish Farmdog listed under the name Old Danish Chicken Dog and has the true Old Danish Chicken Dog named as the Old Danish Pointer. In the Danish world, there is no confusion; the confusion existing only among non-Danish speakers. Websites often make the confusion (including those of breeders), but it doesn't happen on Danish websites. The reason being that Bruce Fogle's Encyclopedia of the Dog is the only English language dog breed book which has the Danish/Swedish Farmdog pictured and described, but has it listed as Danish Chicken Dog. This has caused the confusion in the English speaking (and reading) world. Danish: hoensehund (hønsehund) – “hoense” means hen (a female chicken); –“hund” means dog.

Group

Gun Dog

Recognition
  • ACA = American Canine Association Inc.
  • DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
  • FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale (pending)
Front view - A white and brown Old Danish Chicken Dog is sitting in grass looking forward. It his holding a dead duck in its mouth by the neck. It has a ticking color pattern on its legs.

Old Danish Chicken Dog with a duck in its mouth, photo courtesy of Jorgen Bay

Front view of an adult dog and a puppy laying side by side in grass - A white with brown Old Danish Chicken Dog is laying next to a white with brown Old Danish Chicken dog puppy. They both are looking to the right.

Old Danish Chicken Dogs, photo courtesy of Jorgen Bay

Front view - Two white with brown Old Danish Chicken Dogs are standing on a hardwood floor looking down. There is an orange wall behind them.

Old Danish Chicken Dogs, photo courtesy of Jorgen Bay

A white with brown Old Danish Chicken Dog puppy is laying on a brown leather couch looking forward. There is a blue and white plaid shirt behind it. The puppy has a wrinkly forehead and brown spots on its white legs and paws.

Old Danish Chicken Dog puppy, photo courtesy of Jorgen Bay

Dog Breed Info Center(R) DBIC