5 Must-Know Danish Dog Breeds for Active Dog Lovers!

Danish dog breeds are well-known for their strong connection to the outdoors, with many breeds thriving in wide open spaces. These Scandinavian dogs are ideal companions for active dogs owners who enjoy exploring nature, as they require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Their thick coats make them suited for colder climates, but they can also adapt to warmer climates with proper care.

With access to the countryside, these dogs can lead an active and fulfilling life. They benefit from the dog breeding standards set by the Dansk Kennel Klub, which has been established since 1897 in Denmark. These breeds are a perfect match for those who appreciate their beauty and need for an active, outdoor lifestyle.

If you’re also interested in other European dog breeds, you might want to check out Austrian dog breeds, which share a similar love for the outdoors and are known for their strong working abilities.

Broholmer

History

The Broholmer, a prominent Molosser breed hailing from Denmark, was bred by mixing English Mastiffs with native German dogs. This breed’s intended job was to guard the homes of the wealthy, and its big pups show strong protective tendencies, making them excellent guard dogs.

However, after World War II, the Broholmer breed’s numbers declined sharply, and by the 1970s, their population was significantly reduced. Thankfully, efforts to revive the breed have been successful, and today, Broholmer populations are steadily rising. While their original role was as guard dogs, these dogs are now more commonly seen as gentle companion dogs in present-day life.

Characteristic	Description
Size	Very Large/Giant
Height	70-75 cm (28-30 inches)
Weight	40-90 kg (88-198 lbs)
Coat	Short Thick and Double Coat
Color	Yellow or Golden Red with a Black Mask
Life Expectancy	10-13 Years
Group	Guard Dog

Personality of Broholmer

The Broholmer, also known as the Danish Mastiff, is a confident and watchful dog known for its dedication to its families. Despite its formidable and muscular appearance, this breed is a calm and good-natured dog, displaying gentleness with children and friendliness toward familiar faces.

While they are generally affectionate, Broholmers can show a natural suspicion towards strangers, so careful socialization is important. Their large size and athletic build mean they are a moderate exercise dog, requiring regular activity but not excessive amounts.

The breed also shows sexual dimorphism, with the most significant female being smaller than the most petite male. These dogs are dedicated companions who enjoy spending time with their families.

Is the Broholmer good with other animals?

The Broholmer is generally sociable with other animals, especially when they are raised together from an early age. However, they may require extra attention to avoid becoming jealous, particularly around other dogs in the home. 

When it comes to smaller animals like cats, hamsters, or birds, their hunting instinct may cause problems, so careful supervision is recommended when they’re around such pets.

What are the best toys for the Broholmer?

Due to its active and intelligent nature, the Broholmer breed needs toys that offer both physical and mental stimulation. Great options include balls, knotted fiber bones, and dental chews, satisfying the breed’s natural urge to chew.

 Doggie treat games are also effective for engaging their mind, but make sure the toys are safe and won’t be easily swallowed or cause choking, especially with bones.

Do Broholmers drool a lot?

Broholmers are known to have a slight tendency to drool, especially when they are excited or anticipating food. Like some other breeds, they can also be a bit gassy and may snore occasionally. However, excessive drooling is not a common issue with this breed compared to others.

Danish Spitz

History

The Danish Spitz is an old breed from Denmark, historically used for herding and guarding animals.This breed shares similarities with other northern Spitz-type dogs, known for their strong hunting and guarding instincts. 

The Danish Spitz was originally bred to thrive in the harsh northern climate, with its thick double coat offering protection from the cold. Over time, its role evolved as it became a loyal companion for farmers and families. 

Although the breed faced challenges in the modern era, it has remained an important part of Denmark’s cultural heritage. Today, the Danish Spitz is appreciated for its keen intelligence, agility, and friendly disposition.

Characteristic	Description
Size	Medium
Height	38-48 cm (15-19 inches)
Weight	12-18 kg (26-40 lbs)
Coat	Short Thick and Double Coat
Color	Medium to Long, Soft and Dense
Life Expectancy	12-15 Years
Group	Companion Dog

Personality of Danish Spitz

The Danish Spitz is an energetic, affectionate, and inquisitive dog with a bold character. It’s often compared to other Spitz dogs like the Greenland Spitz and Wolf Spitz. The Danish Spitz is a popular breed in its homeland and is known as one of Denmark’s national breeds.

This energetic breed is happy and outgoing, especially around familiar people, but it can be watchful and even suspicious of strangers. It often alerts owners to new people by barking. Due to its high energy, the Danish Spitz needs regular exercise and enjoys play to stay active and content.

Do the Dansk Spids have a tendency to run away?

The Dansk Spids breed has a strong instinct to roam, especially when outdoors, driven by its curiosity and independence. If provided with enough exercise or if it feels its territory is threatened, it may stay in the proximity of its family members.

Is the Dansk Spids suited for participation in dog sports?

The Dansk Spids is a highly trainable and clever breed. When trained from a young age, it is well-suited for dog sports. Its energetic nature helps it excel in various activities, especially when given the right training.

Where can I find a Dansk Spid in North America?

The Dansk Spid breed is rare outside its homeland, making it unlikely to find one easily in North America. It is still unheard of, so you may need to search for a specialized breeder.

Danish-Swedish Farmdog

History

The Danish Swedish Farmdog is an older breed that originated in Eastern Denmark and Southern Sweden. It shares ancestry with the Old Danish Fox Terrier, Scanian Terrier, Russell Terrier, and Fox Terrier, all members of the Pinscher family.

Historically, this breed was used as a guardian, hunter, and vermin catcher, helping farmers across Scandinavia. However, as machinery became more prevalent, the breed’s numbers decreased, and many dogs vanished from working farms.

In the 1980s, the breed saw a resurgence when it was officially recognized by the Danish Kennel Klub in 1987 and the Swedish Kennel Club shortly after. Over time, the Danish Swedish Farmdog was modernized, and its popularity grew, leading to its recognition by the United Kennel Club in 2008 and the American Kennel Club in 2011.

Characteristic	Description
Size	Small
Height	30-39 cm (12-15 inches)
Weight	7-12 kg (15-26 lbs)
Coat	Short and Smooth
Color	White with Brown or Black markings or Tricolour
Life Expectancy	10-15 years
Group	Working Terrier

Personality of Danish-Swedish Farmdog

Like the Scanian Terrier, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog is a typical terrier known for being playful, rambunctious, and energetic. Originally bred to control farmyard vermin, these dogs are friendly and make excellent family pets. Their versatile nature and eager-to-learn attitude make them easy to train, and they adapt quickly to new situations.

Though they are intelligent and well-mannered, these little dogs also have an endearing personality that makes them great companions, especially for families with children. However, they have a naturally high prey drive, so they may not always get along with smaller animals, but they are generally good with new people and eager to show their love and loyalty.

Are the Danish Swedish Farmdogs easy to train?

The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is an intelligent breed that responds well to training. They are quick learners and do well in activities like dog sports, agility, and even flyball. With the right approach, such as positive reinforcement, they excel in tasks like herding or staying on track. While they are energetic and playful, they can remain calm during training sessions, making them great candidates for various dog activities.

Does the Danish Swedish Farmdog bark a lot?

Like many smaller breeds, the Danish-Swedish farmdog has a tendency to bark. They are very alert and often let you know when a stranger is nearby. However, they are generally quiet; otherwise, they only bark when necessary to protect their home or family. While they may be a bit yappy sometimes, their bark is usually more of a warning than a constant nuisance. If you’re dealing with excessive barking at strangers, you can learn how to manage it more effectively here.

What is the average litter size for the Danish Swedish Farmdog?

The average litter size for a Danish Swedish Farmdog is typically 2-4 puppies. This smaller litter size is standard for this breed, reflecting their manageable size and reproductive characteristics.

Greenland Dog

History

The Greenland Dog is one of the oldest dog breeds, believed to have descended from the dogs used by the Thule people over 1,000 years ago. These dogs were essential for transportation in Siberia and Greenland, playing a crucial role in the survival of early Inuit people.

Genetic testing shows that Greenland Dogs share genetic similarities with the now-extinct Taimyr wolf, showing their deep-rooted history. Over time, efforts to preserve the breed’s purity have helped maintain its distinct traits despite isolation from other breeds. The breed’s cultural history remains vital in Greenland even today.

Characteristic	Description
Size	Large
Height	51-68 cm (20-27 inches)
Weight	30-32 kg (66-71 lbs)
Coat	Thick Double Coat
Color	Any Colour from Fawn to Black
Life Expectancy	10-14 years
Group	Sled Dog

Personality Of Greenland Dog

The Greenland Dog is a tireless, wolf-like dog known for its determined and independent-minded nature. Originally bred as working dogs, they are loyal and calm with their owners and make great family pets.

These dogs enjoy the great outdoors and are accepting of other dogs and people, though they can be more reserved. They rarely form a strong attachment unless in large teams. They are known to bark or make a howling noise when provoked. Due to their boisterous nature and size may be unsuited for built-up areas and require ample exercise.

Can the Greenland dog live in an apartment?

The Greenland dog loves the outdoors and requires plenty of room to roam to be better suited for apartment living. It prefers wide spaces and may struggle indoors, especially in high-heat conditions.

Can the Greenland Dog live outside?

The Greenland dog prefers living outside, especially in cold weather and conditions. While it can tolerate some time indoors, it thrives best in an environment where it can be active and enjoy the outdoors.

Does the Greenland Dog have any AKC standards?

The AKC recognizes the Greenland dog under the UKC and working group but has not yet officially listed it in its main registry. The FCI and the Canadian Kennel Club also recognize it, and they set similar breed standards.

Old Danish Pointer

History

The Old Danish Pointer has a rich history that dates back to around 1710 in Denmark when Morten Bak began cross-breeding local farm dogs with gypsy dogs from neighboring regions. These dogs, originally from Glenstrup, Randers, and Hobro, were bred for their ability to point and hunt, combining traits from Bloodhounds, Squire Scent Hounds, and St. Hubert Hounds.

Their scent-hound abilities were further refined through crosses with Spanish Pointing Dogs, contributing to their role as bird dogs and gun dogs. The breed underwent several name changes over time, including the Old Danish Chicken Dog, Gammel Dansk Honshund, and Old Danish Bird Dog, before being recognized by various kennel clubs.

By the mid-20th century, the Old Danish Pointer was nearly extinct, but thanks to the efforts of devoted breeders, its numbers began to rise. The breed standard was developed during this time, and it gained popularity again.

Although the American Kennel Club did not officially acknowledge the Old Danish Pointer until 1884, it was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 2006 within the sporting group.The breed’s uniform coloring, which typically includes a white and brown piebald pattern, became a distinguishing feature. Despite its Spanish influence and centuries-old history, the Old Danish Pointer remains a respected and important part of Denmark’s canine legacy.

Characteristic	Description
Size	Large
Height	50-60 cm (20-24 inches)
Weight	26-35 kg (57-77 lbs)
Coat	Short and Smooth
Color	White with Brown Markings
Life Expectancy	12-14 years
Group	Gun Dog

Personality of Old Danish Pointer

The Old Danish Pointer is a breed known for its calm, steady demeanor and its unhurried approach to life. While these big dogs can be energetic and need regular exercise to stay happy, they are also gentle and make well-behaved companions when properly trained.

 However, they can be stubborn, which poses a challenge for an inexperienced owner. With good training and proper socialization, they become calm companions who are easy to live with, adapting to their owners’ lifestyles at their own characteristic pace. Despite their stubborn nature, they are loyal and gentle, making them great family pets for those who understand their needs.

Is the Danish Pointer a good choice for first-time dog owners?

The Danish Pointer can be a good choice for first-time dog owners, but they require experienced owners due to their stubbornness. Proper training is key, as they respond best to leaders and consistent guidance for the best training results.

Are Danish Pointers good with other pets?

Danish Pointers can get along well with other pets when they are properly socialized from a young age. Puppies who receive proper socialization tend to be tolerant, friendly, and accepting of other animals.

Is the Danish Pointer likely to stray?

The Danish Pointer has a strong instinct for pointing and hunting game, which might cause it to stray or travel ahead during outdoor activities.

What Is The Most Popular Danish Breed Of Dog In Denmark?

In 2021, the Danish-Swedish Farm Dog emerged as one of the most famous Danish breeds, with 367 registrations. However, the Labrador remains the most registered breed in Denmark, with 3983 registrations.

FAQs

Conclusion

Danish dog breeds offer a wonderful mix of loyalty, strength, and companionship, making them ideal pets for active owners and families. Whether it’s the gentle Broholmer, the energetic Danish-Swedish Farmdog, or the hardworking Greenland Dog, these breeds share a deep connection to the outdoors and the Danish way of life. With their rich history and dedication to their families, these dogs are cherished in Denmark and admired worldwide for their unique characteristics.