The Kingdom of Denmark is a Northern European country. It is made up of the peninsula of Jutland along with more than 400 islands. This Scandinavian nation is also home to a handful of its very own dog breeds, which to most people’s surprise doesn’t include the Great Dane (it’s actually a German breed). So here are the Danish dog breeds and what you’ll want to know about them.
Broholmer
The Danish Broholmer was named in recognition of Count Sehested of Broholm. Around 1850 he helped to prevent this old breed from dying out by starting a breeding program at his estate on the island of Funen. He also helped to refine the breed.
The Broholmer is also known as the Danish Mastiff and like other mastiff breeds it is has a large and powerful body with a massive head. This big Danish breed was used to guard large farms and manors. It is a self-confident canine that is known for having a calm temperament yet that is at the same time watchful and alert to any threats.
Danish Spitz
The origins of this Danish dog breed are believed to stretch back to the time of the Vikings. This medium-sized dog has a lively and friendly personality. In the past, the Danish Spitz was used as a farm dog and family companion. And because of its gentle nature and patience with children, it has been referred to as a “nanny dog.”
While it was once a fairly common breed on farms around the country the breed declined in numbers. Luckily however an effort was made in the late 1980s by the Danish Kennel Club to form a standard to help preserve the Danish Spitz as a pure breed. Today it is still not well-known outside of Denmark.
Danish Swedish Farmdog
This small Danish breed has a predominantly white coat with patches of various colors and sizes on its body and head. It is a compact canine that is both fast and agile which allows it to be able to catch rats and mice, a job it has performed on farms in Denmark (and southern Sweden which was formerly part of Denmark) for hundreds of years.
It also functioned as a hunting dog and watchdog that would alert its family when visitors came around. This is considered to be a pinscher-type dog as opposed to a terrier.
Old Danish Pointer
An elegant yet muscular canine with graceful curves, the Old Danish Pointer, is a gun dog that can be used to hunt a range of game birds. Males and females can easily be distinguished from one another as the males are larger and more powerfully built.
This Danish hunting dog was created by Morten Bak who crossed eight generations of gypsy dogs to farm dogs creating the piebald brown and white pointers we know today. While it is a calm and quiet canine, the Old Danish Pointer is a dog that needs a large yard and is not a breed for apartment living or confined spaces
.
Greenland Dog
Greenland is the world’s biggest island. And it also happens to be a territory of Denmark which makes the Greenland Dog one of the Danish dog breeds as well. This is a spitz-type dog with a thick double coat that is perfectly suited for the Arctic climate and it is the only remaining native dog breed on the island of Greenland.
It originally functioned not just as a sled dog but also as a hunting dog. The breed was used by the native people of Greenland to hunt seals since the dogs’ keen sense of smell allowed them to locate the seals’ breathing holes in the ice.
Start Shopping for Dog Supplies!
Dogs With Webbed Feet
Dogs with webbed feet have extra skin in-between their toes. These breeds were purposely bred to have this webbing in order to help them perform various jobs, (often in and around the water). The increased surface area that the webbing provides can help them to do...
Hairless Dog Breeds
Usually, when we think of dogs, we think of furry creatures on four legs. But did you know that there are hairless canines as well? These unique dogs are a favorite among owners who need a hypoallergenic pet, or those who don’t want to deal with fleas or shedding....
Dogs With Short Legs
Dogs with short legs are often robust and adorable at the same time. While these canines were usually bred for hunting or working, they often make charming family pets, as well. With that being said, let's take a look at some of the most popular short-legged dog...
Retriever Breeds
Retrievers were specially created to retrieve game such as fowl and other animals while hunting, and they are revered for their obedience and trainability. So how many retriever breeds are there? Altogether, there are six official retriever breeds, and in this...
Giant Dog Breeds
Dogs can come in a bunch of different sizes, and a few breeds can be as big as humans, or even bigger! Giant dogs require an experienced and responsible owner, and they can be costly to care for, however they are extremely rewarding to keep as pets. That being said,...
Dog Breeds With Beards
One surprising yet adorable feature in some dog breeds is an adorable fluffy beard. This is a popular breed trait that adds a whole lot of personality to a dog. So here are the top dog breeds with beards, and what you'll want to know about each of them! Brussels...
Dogs With Dreadlocks
Dogs can come with all sorts of different hairstyles, but did you know that they can come with dreadlocks, too? If you want a dog that looks totally unique from all the other canines out there, then a dog with dreadlocks just might be the pooch for you. With that...
Dogs With Different Colored Eyes
While it may sound rare, there are actually a lot of dogs with different colored eyes. This is an odd but gorgeous condition that can occur in a variety of different breeds. So here are some of the top dog breeds with different colored eyes! Heterochromia in Dogs...
Slovakian Dog Breeds
Slovakia is a small country in central Europe. It is landlocked and bordered by Austria, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. And from hounds to wolfdogs Slovakia has created some of the most unique canines on the planet. So here are the Slovakian dog...
Czech Dog Breeds
The Czech Republic is a country in Central Europe. It has an interesting history and has been an independent state since Czechoslovakia dissolved in 1993 and split into two separate countries: the Czech Republic and Slovakia. And it has created some amazing canines....
Polish Dog Breeds
Located in Central Europe, the Republic of Poland is a country of stunning beauty with a range of natural habitats. And it’s also home to several remarkable breeds of dogs that were developed for specific jobs. So here are the Polish dog breeds and what you’ll want to...
Dogs That Look Like Cows
Real cows belong on the farm and don’t make great pets, however dogs that look like cows do! Luckily for cow fans there are quite a few breeds ranging in size from tiny to extra-large, that have a cow-like appearance. So here are the top cow-looking dogs and what...
Dogs That Look Like Horses
Horses are gallant creatures with long flowing tails and manes. And while these aren’t traits most people think of when it comes to canines, amazingly there are a handful of dogs that look like horses. So here are the top horse-looking dogs and what you’ll want to...
Romanian Dog Breeds
Nestled in Southeastern Europe, Romania is a country with a diverse range of wildlife, and that includes predators. To safeguard livestock in this rugged terrain, four distinct Romanian dog breeds were developed. Dive into the unique characteristics and histories of...
Dogs That Look Like Deer
Deer are beautiful and graceful creatures that use their speed to evade predators. And it’s no coincidence that most of the dogs that look like deer are fast on their feet as well. Their similar looks are the result of function, and that function is speed. Here are...
Thai Dog Breeds
Like many other countries around the world, the Southeast Asian country of Thailand can be credited with developing its own very own dog breeds. And while there are only two, both are incredibly unique with a look and temperament all their own. So here are both of the...
Maltese Dog Breeds
Even some of the smallest countries in the world have created their very own dog breeds. And the Republic of Malta is no exception. This Southern European island nation located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea has developed two unique breeds to call its very...
Dogs That Look Like A Rug
Different dog breeds can have wildly different coat types. And with so many breeds out there, a few even have coats that make them look quite rug-like in appearance. Here are nine dogs that look like a rug including what you’ll want to know about each of these...
Dogs That Look Like A Lamb
Dogs are unique to other animals because they come in an endless combination of shapes, sizes, and colors. It's no wonder these beloved pets have made their way into our hearts! No matter what kind of dog you prefer, you're sure to find at least one breed that fits...
Dogs That Look Like Sheep
Through artificial selection, dog breeders have created hundreds of unique breeds with a range of different physical characteristics. Some even look similar to other animals including sheep. So here are seven dogs that look like sheep, and what you’ll want to know...