Pointer
Country/Date of Origin: Great Britain/1600s
By crossing stocky Spanish Pointers with the more agile Italian Pointers (similar to the French Braque), British breeders were able to perfect the best bird dog ever created. It is the most popular pointing dog in the world. It has an incredible nose and the speed and endurance to cover large areas of ground. The Pointer is especially suited to the hunting conditions of the United States where it is hunted from horseback. Records of the Pointer have been kept since about 1650, although paintings of Pointer-type dogs were even found in Egyptian tombs 3000 years ago. It is the fountainhead of many of the other field dog breeds. Pointers were one of the foundation breeds of the American Kennel Club.
Other Names Body Type Personality Coat Health Concerns
Back to TopEnglish Pointer, Spanish Pointer
AKC Group: Sporting
Breed Club: American Pointer Club
Rescue Club: Nancy Mori, (609) 327-4670, New Jersey: nancy.alcorn@pointerrescue.org
Back to TopBody Type:
- Has an agile and athletic build
- Height: 24-26 inches for females (at shoulder) 25-28 inches for males (at shoulder)
- Weight: 45-65 pounds (females) 55-75 pounds (males)
- The medium length tail is carried level with the back. It is never altered
- The hanging ears are of medium length and lie close to the head. They are not altered
- A "dish" face is typical of the Pointer
Personality:
- A dog that loves to hunt birds but also an excellent playmate for children
- Adaptable to people and situations
- Good watchdogs
- Does not need excessive exercise, but lack of exercise may lead to hyperactivity or destructiveness
- Fun-loving and mischievous
Coat:
- The short, dense coat has a glossy sheen
- Permissible colors are liver, lemon, black, and orange either in combination with white or solid-colored. Solid color pointers are rarely seen
- Minimal grooming required
Health Concerns:
- May be subject to hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Skin cysts
Tasty Tidbits:
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