Pointer, also known as the English Pointer, originated in Great Britain in the 1600s. The Pointer would find and point game, and then Greyhounds would be turned loose to run down the prey. When guns came into use, the Pointer was still valued for the ability to pinpoint prey.
Today’s English Pointer dog breed stands 23 to 28 inches tall and weighs 45 to 75 pounds. The English Pointer is very much an athlete. Her head is medium width, and her muzzle has good length. Her eyes are round and dark and ears are dropped. Her back is strong, and her tail tapers to a fine point. Her coat is short and dense and is liver, lemon, orange, or black, with or without white. The coat should be brushed weekly with a soft bristle brush.
The Pointer is a breed driven to hunt; she has a strong prey drive and the body of a superb athlete. The English Pointer needs vigorous daily exercise; without it, she will find potentially destructive ways to amuse herself. She can run alongside a bicycle, go jogging with her owner, train on the agility course, or play flyball. Many Pointers have done well in canine sports, while others compete in field trials. English Pointers also need obedience training. Without training, this energetic breed can be hard to control and quite mischievous. Until taught the household rules, the English Pointer can easily entertain herself—much to her owner’s dismay. This training will help to develop your Pointer’s manners for the enjoyable years ahead as a true member of the family.
Socialization is also important; Pointers can be protective of their homes. Their vocal abilities may be too loud for close neighbors. The English Pointer is not the right dog for a sedentary owner; she needs an owner who can keep her busy. The English Pointer breed retains its hunting instincts and is still widely used as a superb hunting companion. The English Pointer is usually great with children, although English Pointer puppies can be rough and rowdy. Care should be taken with smaller pets. Health concerns include eye disorders and deafness.
2 replies on “Pointer ( English Pointer )”
What an amazing breed. We have owned a Black and White English Pointer for the last 10 years. Ossie is fantastic with children, he is very very affectionate and a real family member. He needed a lot of walking when he was younger, but has slowed down at bit as he heads towards 11 (77 in our years) so he only runs for an hour straight on walks rather then the usual 2/3 hours from when he was 6 months old!
He still Points, and not many people know that they are also very good Retrievers with a very soft mouth.
They come in two sizes in Europe (may not be the case in the US), the Show dog is much bigger heading towards Great Dane size, the Working dog is smaller and more agile . . . depending on which type you are after, be advised you may wish to check out the Pedigree history before purchasing.
I could not recommend this breed highly enough.
The AKC Standard says, “Every movement shows him to be a wide-awake, hard-driving hunting dog possessing stamina, courage, and desire to go.”
Though dignified, sweet-natured, and gentle, the English Pointer is bred primarily for sport afield. He is packed with energy and belongs with an active owner who will give him the running exercise he needs to feel satisfied.
English Pointers, especially youngsters, become restless and bored when confined too much and may resort to destructive chewing and barking. A walk around the block is barely a warm-up for this superb athlete.
With strangers, most English Pointers are slightly reserved, but congenial. This is not a guard dog. He is amiable with other animals.
A bit stubborn and easily distracted, but also kindly and sensitive, the English Pointer responds well to patient obedience training that includes food rewards and praise rather than jerking around.
Commands such as “down” and “stay” are important for instilling self-discipline and control.