Like other Scandinavian dogs, Danish dog breeds love the outdoors and exploring wide open spaces. They prefer owners who are active (and therefore able to give them the exercise and access to the countryside that they want and deserve) and often have thick coats, so aren’t suited to living in warmer climates.
Dog breeding standards are upheld in Denmark by the Dansk Kennel Klub, established in 1897.
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Broholmer
Size: Very Large/Giant
Height: 70-75 cm (28-30 inches)
Weight: 40-90 kg (88-198 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short with thick double coat; in yellow or golden red with a black mask
Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
Group: Guard dog
Personality
Otherwise known as the Danish Mastiff, Broholmers are watchful, confident dogs who are dedicated to their families and will want to spend as much time as possible in their company. Their formidable, muscular appearance masks a calm and generally good-natured dog, noted for their gentleness with children and friendliness with familiar faces. However, careful socialisation is required to prevent their natural suspicion of strangers becoming a problem. In spite of their large size, the Broholmer is not a particularly athletic dog and has surprisingly moderate exercise requirements. There is a great deal of sexual dimorphism within this breed, the largest female being only about as large as the smallest male.
Danish Spitz
Size: Medium
Height: 38-48 cm (15-19 inches)
Weight: 12-18 kg (26-40 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Medium to long, soft and dense; in solid white to biscuit
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Group: Companion dog
Personality
Otherwise known as a Greenland Spitz or a Wolf Spitz, the Danish Spitz is famous for its lively, friendly, curious and brave temperament. It is especially popular in its homeland, where it is considered one of the national breeds. In common with most Spitz dogs, the Danish Spitz is happy and outgoing with familiar people but naturally watchful and suspicious of strangers, often alerting owners to the presence of new people by barking. They are an energetic breed who require plenty of regular exercise and play.
Danish-Swedish Farmdog
Size: Small
Height: 30-39 cm (12-15 inches)
Weight: 7-12 kg (15-26 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and smooth; in white with brown or black markings or tricolour
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Personality
Otherwise known as a Scanian Terrier, Danish-Swedish Farmdogs are typical terriers: playful, rambunctious, energetic and friendly. They were bred to work keeping farmyard vermin under control but are equally excellent family pets. Versatile, outgoing and eager to learn, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog is quick to adapt to any new situation. They are smart, engaging, well-mannered little dogs who are full of personality and extremely endearing. They are good with new people and love to spend time with children, although care should be taken around smaller animals due to their naturally high prey drive.
Greenland Dog
Size: Large
Height: 51-68 cm (20-27 inches)
Weight: 30-32 kg (66-71 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Thick double coat; in any colour from fawn to black
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Group: Sled dog
Personality
These impressive wolf-like dogs are tireless, determined and independent-minded animals who are still mainly kept as working dogs. This said, they are happy to become family pets provided their new owners are as keen to explore the great outdoors as they are. With a family, Greenland Dogs will be loyal, calm and friendly. Used to working in large teams of people and other dogs, they will generally be equally accepting of everyone they meet and rarely form an especially strong attachment to any one person. While Greenland Dogs rarely bark, they are noted for a characteristic howling noise which they will sometimes make at the slightest provocation or none at all. Combined with their size, exercise requirements and boisterous nature, it means Greenland Dogs are quite unsuited for life in built-up areas.
Old Danish Pointer
Size: Large
Height: 50-60 cm (20-24 inches)
Weight: 26-35 kg (57-77 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and smooth; in white with brown markings
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Group: Gun dog
Personality
These big dogs are known for their calm, unhurried and steady demeanour. They are naturally rather stubborn dogs who will present a challenge for an inexperienced owner, but with good training and socialisation will be gentle, well-behaved and unflappable companions. While they are not particularly energetic, they do require regular exercise to keep happy and will do this at their own very characteristic pace.