Pointers are among the oldest sporting breeds. They originated in England during the 1600s, and they were used to hunt hares and birds. Once the breed arrived in the United States before the Civil War, it was desired by hunters in the southern states to aid in their pursuit of quail. In 1884, the American Kennel Club recognized the pointer as a member of the sporting group.
The Pointer, also called English Pointer, is an athletic, muscular dog with a slender, graceful body. Pointers have large heads with broad muzzles. Their jaws are powerful and strong. Their ears are triangular and pendant. They tend to hold their tails upright when trailing. The Pointer’s coat is smooth and glossy and is easy to groom. They need to be brushed regularly to keep loose hair in check. Their ears need to be checked regular for infections.
Personality
Pointers are sweet, gentle, affectionate dogs, devoted to their owners and thrive on human companionship. They are very energetic and regular exercise is really important for them. They were bred to hunt, but are happy with any other exercise. This dog breed likes to run. They are very friendly towards children but are sometimes clumsy and rambunctious. That’s why they’re not the best playmates for small children. They get frustrated, bored and destructive if not given sufficient exercise, or if they are left alone for long hours. Pointers are usually not aggressive and are friendly towards other dogs, pets and strangers.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Hunters |
| Function: | Sporting |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Sporting |
| Life Span: | 12-15 Years |
| Nicknames: | English pointer |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Pointer Build Information
The pointer stands at an average height of 23 to 28 inches at the shoulders and weighs between 45 and 75 pounds. The coat is smooth and comes in an array of color choices, including white, black, liver, lemon or orange, and markings are often displayed. The earflaps hang downward. The tail is carried downward when the dog is relaxed. When the dog is hunting, the tail is carried horizontally and points upward when the quarry has been located. The Pointer, also called English Pointer, is an athletic, muscular dog with a slender, graceful body. Pointers have large heads with broad muzzles. Their jaws are powerful and strong. Their ears are triangular and pendant. They tend to hold their tails upright when trailing. The Pointer’s coat is smooth and glossy and is easy to groom. They need to be brushed regularly to keep loose hair in check. Their ears need to be checked regular for infections.
| Size: | Medium |
| Length (Male): | 19-25 in. |
| Length (Female): | 22-24 in. |
| Weight: | 41 – 65 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
Pointers are good family dogs that have even temperaments and get along well with children and other dogs. A pointer’s hunting instincts may prompt the dog to perceive cats and other small mammals as prey to be stalked. Pointers are energetic, and they require daily opportunities to exercise, romp and play. They are affectionate and sociable, but can be wary with strangers. They make alert and courageous watchdogs. Pointers are sweet, gentle, affectionate dogs, devoted to their owners and thrive on human companionship. They are very energetic and regular exercise is really important for them. They were bred to hunt, but are happy with any other exercise. This dog breed likes to run. They are very friendly towards children but are sometimes clumsy and rambunctious. That’s why they’re not the best playmates for small children. They get frustrated, bored and destructive if not given sufficient exercise, or if they are left alone for long hours. Pointers are usually not aggressive and are friendly towards other dogs, pets and strangers.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Quiet |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | None |
| Energy Level: | Very Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | Yes |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
To groom a pointer, brush the coat once a week with a grooming mitt. That is all that is necessary to remove dead hairs and maintain the coat’s healthy luster. Visually inspect the ears weekly for signs of debris, and clean the ears if they appear dirty to reduce the risk for ear infections. Brush the teeth every other day to eliminate plaque and prevent periodontal disease.
| Colors: | Black, Lemon, Liver, Orange, Tri-Color |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Dense |
Pointer Common Health Conditions
The pointer lives an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Some health conditions that have been known to affect pointers include hip dysplasia, congenital deafness, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, aortic stenosis, progressive retinal atrophy and allergies.
Pointer Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
As a skilled hunter, an alert family watchdog and an even-tempered playmate for the children, the versatile pointer wears many hats. The pointer originated in England. The pointer is also called an English pointer. The pointer is an intelligent, active and playful family member and a dedicated hunter on the trails. The pointer stands 23 to 28 inches tall and weighs 45 to 75 pounds. The pointer has a moderate energy level. The pointer requires minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a pointer is 12 to 15 years.
| Training: | Moderately easy to train |
| Hunting Companion: | Yes |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | Yes |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | No |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | No |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
