Longevity
Life expectancy
With good living conditions, suitable activity and regular veterinary follow-up, this breed generally lives between 10 and 14 years. Its longevity depends largely on the quality of its care, its diet and its level of exercise.
Build
A robust breed?
Its build is generally solid for a pointing dog of this size. It can handle sustained activity, but requires a stable lifestyle hygiene and a present human environment to maintain its good physical and behavioral balance.
Watch points
What to watch for
Particular vigilance must be paid to the drooping ears, which can retain moisture and debris after outings. Long periods of isolation must also be avoided, as this dog does not tolerate prolonged solitude well.
Hip dysplasia : Like many dogs, the Old Danish Pointer may have a joint malformation that promotes pain and osteoarthritis, especially in cases of overweight.
Eye conditions : An ophthalmological examination of breeding dogs and monitoring tearing or vision remain useful.
Otitis and skin allergies : Itching, redness, or dirty ears must be checked, especially if the dog works in cover.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The Old Danish Pointer has an average tolerance to cold as well as to heat. In hot periods, it is advisable to avoid intense efforts during the hottest hours and to always leave it fresh water. In cold or wet weather, a return to dryness after exertion remains preferable.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
This active dog must maintain an athletic and well-defined silhouette. A rationing adjusted to its level of exercise, combined with regular outings, helps prevent weight gain that would harm its performance and its joint comfort.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Inspect the ears after outings to remove debris and moisture
- Check paw pads and skin after walks in natural terrain
- Maintain sustained daily activity to preserve its balance
Vaccination
Old Danish Pointer vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Old Danish Pointer? Like all dogs, the Old Danish Pointer receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Old Danish Pointer is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Old Danish Pointer vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
Which boosters for your Old Danish Pointer?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Old Danish Pointer
A standard veterinary follow-up, with a regular general check-up and particular attention to the ears and locomotor condition, is recommended. As with any working or hunting dog, examination after outings helps to quickly spot injuries, grass awns or irritations.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
