WINSTON WEEKLY^[1]

August 2, 2026

Vol. 4, No. 31

DOGS OF DENMARK[2]

The birthplace of the infamous building blocks that were the brainchild of Ole Kirk Christiansen is also home to four Denmark dog breeds. Also known as the Danish Mastiff, the Broholmer, is a massive dog, although well-tempered and friendly. Males can be 30 inches tall and weigh up to 150 pounds. Females are typically five inches shorter and weigh between 90 and 130 pounds. Broholmers were adversely impacted during World War II, but have steadily grown in population since the 1970’s.

With a soft coat and less than half the size of the Broholmer is the Danish Spitz, previously referred to as the Samoyed Spitz, Wolf Spitz, Greenland Spitz, and White Spitz. Common on farms in the 1930’s and a steadfast companion, the Danish Spitz is a family friendly and curious dog. With a curved tail that is carried over their back, they are usually white although some are biscuit color.

Although the Danish-Swedish Farmdog has its origins in Scania, it later became a recognized breed in Denmark after their near-extinction in the 1980s. Predominately white with black ears and brown and black spots, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog loves to hunt and catch. At 15 inches, their tails are long, bobtail, or half bobtail.

Dating back to the 17^th Century is the Danish Pointer. Females are rather slight and spry, even though only five pounds lighter than males. Known as hunting dogs, the Danish Pointer has an uncanny ability to distinguish birds and was once referred to as the “Old Danish Chicken Dog.”

WEEKLY ACTIVITY

Explore the reasons for the near-extinction of two of Denmark’s dog breeds, and efforts to bring them back and thrive in the country and beyond today. Consider how such efforts might help save other animals from extinction.

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[1]A weekly blog/newsletter by Alysen Bayles to be shared with the appropriate attribute.

[2]Resources: Legos were invented in Denmark. Scania once formed the kingdom of Denmark until the signing of The Treaty of Roskilde in 1658. It is now the second most populous area in Sweden. www.scania.com. Antillon Gloria, Old Danish Pointer Dog Secrets, Aug. 23, 2021; Caris Michelle, Danish-Swedish Farm Dog, Aug. 3, 2021; Ria Horter, Meet the Europeans, https://riashorter.com.

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