The compelling history of the Old Danish Pointing Dog begins in the rolling countryside of early 18th century Denmark, where social and political changes were creating new opportunities for ordinary citizens to participate in hunting activities previously reserved for the aristocracy. This democratization of hunting rights created a demand for versatile hunting dogs that could serve the practical needs of Danish farmers, tradesmen, and emerging middle-class hunters.
Central to the breed's origin story is Morten Bak, a determined individual living in Glenstrup, Denmark, near the towns of Randers and Hobro. Around 1710, Bak embarked on an ambitious breeding project that would span eight generations and ultimately create one of Denmark's most distinctive native dog breeds. His methodical approach to breeding demonstrated remarkable foresight and understanding of canine genetics, particularly considering the limited knowledge available during that era.
The foundation breeding stock for Bak's project consisted of carefully selected local farm dogs crossed with what historical records describe as "gypsy dogs." The local Danish dogs used in this breeding program were likely descendants of various scent hounds that had been present in the region for centuries. These included dogs related to bloodhound types and what researchers believe were Squire Scent Hounds, themselves descendants of the renowned St. Hubert Hounds that had been distributed throughout Europe centuries earlier.
The identity of the so-called "gypsy dogs" remains one of the more intriguing aspects of the breed's early history. Traditional breed histories suggest these were Spanish Pointing Dogs and related scent hounds with Iberian influence. However, modern historical analysis suggests these dogs may have arrived in Denmark through military connections rather than through traveling peoples. During Bak's lifetime, Denmark was actively involved in the War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714), with Danish auxiliary troops fighting alongside Austrian armies in campaigns throughout Spain and the Netherlands.
Through this military connection, it's plausible that Spanish hunting dogs found their way to Denmark with returning soldiers and officers who had acquired these dogs during their service abroad. Bak's location near important Danish ports would have provided access to such dogs, and his evident knowledge of breeding suggests he may have had connections to military or aristocratic circles that could provide access to foreign hunting stock.
The eight-generation breeding program that Bak conducted was remarkably systematic for its time. Through careful selection and breeding, he established a consistent type characterized by uniform white and brown piebald coloring and reliable hunting abilities. These early dogs became known locally as Bakhounds in honor of their creator, though they would eventually acquire numerous names as the breed gained recognition throughout Denmark and beyond.
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the Old Danish Pointing Dog gained steadily in popularity among Danish hunters. The breed's versatility, reliable temperament, and adaptability to various hunting conditions made them increasingly valuable as hunting companions. However, the proliferation of regional names created significant confusion regarding breed identity and standards, with different areas maintaining slightly different breeding preferences and terminology.
The industrial and social changes of the 19th century brought both opportunities and challenges for the breed. Improved transportation allowed for greater distribution of breeding stock, but also introduced competition from imported hunting breeds from other European countries. The breed managed to maintain its position in Danish hunting culture through the dedication of hunter-breeders who appreciated the dogs' unique characteristics and strong working ability.
The 20th century brought the breed's closest brush with extinction. Both World Wars devastated European dog populations, and the Old Danish Pointing Dog suffered significant losses. Breeding programs were disrupted, bloodlines were lost, and by the mid-20th century, the breed's survival was seriously threatened. The situation became so critical that concerned Danish breed enthusiasts formed a specialized breed club in 1947 with the primary mission of preventing the breed's extinction.
This rescue effort involved locating surviving examples of the breed throughout Denmark and neighboring countries, establishing comprehensive breeding records, and creating breeding programs designed to preserve essential breed characteristics while rebuilding population numbers. The dedication of these preservationists during the challenging post-war years ensured the breed's survival during its most vulnerable period.
An unexpected boost to the breed's recovery came through popular media in the 1980s. A Danish nature television program called "En Naturlig Forklaring" featured an appealing Old Danish Pointing Dog named Balder, whose personality and working abilities captivated viewers throughout Denmark. This television exposure generated renewed interest in the breed among Danish families, providing crucial support for breeding programs and helping establish the breed's modern role as both hunting partner and family companion.
International recognition arrived gradually, with the United Kennel Club providing official recognition in 2006. This milestone marked the breed's formal entry into the international dog community, though populations outside Scandinavia remain limited. Today's Old Danish Pointing Dog represents over three centuries of careful breeding and selection, maintaining the essential characteristics that Morten Bak sought to establish while adapting to contemporary roles as versatile sporting dogs and devoted family companions.