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Breed Characteristics
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Pointer
| Other Names | English Pointer |
| Country of Origin | Great Britain |
| Weight | Males: 55 – 75 lbs. (25 – 34 kg) Females: 45 – 65 lbs. (20 – 30 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | Males: 25 – 28 in. (60 – 70 cm) Females: 23 – 26 in. (58 – 66 cm) |
| Coat | The coat is short, smooth and dense. |
| Colour | The standard colourings of the Pointer are liver and white, lemon and white, orange and white or black and white. Lemon & white dogs have flesh-coloured noses, while orange & white, liver & white, while black & white dogs have dark (black or very dark brown) pigmentation on their noses, as opposed to other colours. They may also be any of the above as solid colours; the body of most Pointers is mainly white, but there may be some body markings. |
| Litter Size | 5 - 7 puppies |
| Life Span | 12 - 14 years |
| Origin & History | The history of the Pointer, like many breeds, is a reasonably debatable topic. Records of Pointers in England trace as far back as 1650. According to one source, the Pointer came to be in the 16th and 17th centuries, when pointing breeds, including the Spanish and Portuguese pointer, were brought from the European mainland to England. Through both history and anatomical evaluation, at least four breeds appear to have been instrumental in Pointer crosses: Greyhounds, Foxhounds, Bloodhounds, and Bull Terriers. Each of these were established breeds with unique qualities the Pointer could use to do its job. Pointers were brought to the United States, where the breed flourished in the abundant open hunting land. At that time (late 1800s), the Setter was considered to be the bird-hunting dog and pointers were not even permitted to compete in field trials with setters. Around 1910, however, the Pointer began to beat the Setter at its own game. The Pointer has dominated the pointing breed field trials since then. (Fergus, 2002). One of the earliest dogs to exert influence on the breed in the US was a dog imported from England in 1876 – "Sensation". He is well known as the dog on the emblem of the Westminster Kennel Club. One modern American kennel, established in 1936, and known for breeding large quantities of Pointers, Elhew Kennels produced a popular and successful line of gun dogs. Elhew pointers were well-known competitors at field trials for several decades. In the southern United States, where the dog is so dominant it is often simply referred to as the "bird dog," Pointers are found in abundance. The bobwhite quail is the primary game bird there, and is considered classic English Pointer game, as the bobwhite will hold well for a pointing dog. Pointers also work game birds such as the pheasant, grouse, and woodcock with success. |
| Personality | English Pointers are extremely high energy, and very enthusiastic hunters. With enough exercise they will be calm in the home. Intelligent, devoted, loyal and clean, they are patient, friendly, affectionate, love children and are a true friend to the family. They adapt well to new situations. Can be reserved with strangers. Socialize well at an early age and as the owner of the dog, be sure to stay mentally strong so the dog can feed from your energy to avoid timidity. Nervous humans tend to have nervous dogs because the dog can feel your emotions. If you do not provide enough mental and/or physical exercise they will become high-strung and distractible and can become neurotic and destructive. If they sense their owners are not as strong-minded as themselves they will become a bit willful as they will believe they need to be the leader of the relationship. It will bark at suspicious noises, but it is not a watchdog. Hunting instincts develop early. Puppies will start to display pointing behavior as young as 8 weeks old. These dogs are generally good with other pets and are not usually dog-aggressive. |
Care Requirements
| Health | Usually a rather healthy breed, some of the larger animals may have hip disorders later in life as a consequence of aging. They are hard running puppies and often injure themselves in the first year of life, though the injury is rarely serious. Other genetically inherited disorders include: Hip Dysplasia: This degenerative disorder presents like arthritis and usually appears when the dog is middle aged. Typically this is carefully bred out of lines, and you should be able to get a certificate stating that both parents and hopefully all grandparents are free from the condition. Skin problems: Scaly skin and lumps are also an inherited disorder that can often be treated but not eliminated. Epilepsy: This may be triggered by certain activities such as driving in the car for more than an hour or so, or just happen randomly. Preventative medication is available from the vet. |
| Grooming | The smooth coat of the Pointer is very easy to groom. Just brush regularly with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. A rub with a piece of toweling or chamois will leave the coat gleaming. Check the feet also, especially after the dog has been exercising or working. Dry the dog thoroughly after hunting to prevent chilling. Ears should be checked regularly. This breed is an average shedder. |
| Exercise | This dog is extremely energetic and tireless. It is very important that it gets daily vigorous exercise to prevent extreme indoor restlessness. This breed is more than a match for even the most active family and should not be taken on as a family pet unless they can guarantee plenty of vigorous exercise. They need to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk, jog or run alongside you when you bicycle. They are excellent jogging companions. Some love to swim and retrieve although they were not bred for that task. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Teach them to enter and exit door and gateways after the humans. When the dog is taught to work as a hunting dog it must be taught the difference between when it is time to work and when it is not. When it is not time to hunt, the dog should be respectfully heeling on a leash for the handler. |
| Other Considerations | These dogs are not recommended for apartment life. They are moderately active indoors and do best with acreage. Famous pointers; Judy, awarded the Dickin Medal Sensation, featured on the logo of the Westminster Kennel Club |
