Dog Breed Information, Description, Origin, History, Temperament, Height, Weight, Exercise, Life, Group, Articles, Health, Books, Photos, Posters,
Wallpapers, Training, Dog names, Links and more.
The Pointer, often called the English Pointer, is a breed of dog developed as a gun dog. It is one of several pointing breeds.
Appearance: The Pointer should be athletic,
aristocratic, and graceful. The immediate impression should be
of a compact, hard-driving hunting dog, alert and "ready
to go." The primary distinguishing features of this breed
are the head, feet, and tail. Hound or terrier characteristics
are undesirable. In the show ring it should be judged for
conformation that benefits a hunting dog.
Coat and colour: The standard colourings of the
Pointer are liver, lemon, orange or black. These can be solid
colours, or a combination of white with speckles (properly
referred to as "ticking") and/or larger colored
patches.
Here are Pointer colors as described in the AKC breed
standard: "Liver, lemon, black, orange; either in
combination with white or solid-colored. A good Pointer cannot
be a bad color. In the darker colors, the nose should be black
or brown; in the lighter shades it may be lighter or
flesh-colored."
Size: Most country's breed standards prefer symmetry
and balance to perfect size, and most will allow an amount of
variation if the dogs' size does not encumber the dog in the
field. The approximate measurements are as follows:
Males
Height: 63 to 70 cm (25 to 28 inches)
Weight: 25 to 34 kg (55 to 75 lb)
Females
Height: 58 to 66 cm (23 to 26 inches)
Weight: 20 to 30 kg (44 to 65 lb)
Health: The average life span of a Pointer is 12 to
17 years. Some known health problems that can occur in the
breed include hip dysplasia, seizures, allergies.
History: Pointers were bred to work with hunters. In
the past they were sometimes used in combination with a
retriever, to point out the game for the hunter. Pointers were
also used as falconer's dogs. As early as the 17th century,
sportsmen used Pointers to locate hares and then Greyhounds to
chase them.
The history of the Pointer, like many breeds, is a
reasonably debatable topic. (Cavanaugh, 1997). There are
records of Pointers in England as far back as 1650 (Cavanaugh,
1997.) According to one source, the pointer came to be in the
sixteenth and seventeenth century when pointing breeds
including the Spanish pointer were brought from the European
mainland to England. (Fergus, 2002).
Through both history and anatomical evaluation we see that
at least four breeds were instrumental in Pointer crosses:
Greyhounds, Foxhounds, Bloodhounds, and Bull Terriers.
(Cavanaugh, 1997.) Each of these were established breeds with
unique qualities that the Pointer could use to do its job; our
forefathers were trying to build a very special hunting dog.
(Cavanaugh, 1997.)
Pointers were brought to the United States where the breed
flourished in the abundant open hunting land. At that time
(late 1800's), 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 that time.
(Fergus, 2002).
One of the earliest dogs to exert influence on the breed in
the US was a dog who was 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 gundogs. 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 simple 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 as well.
Temperament: Pointers are even-tempered, congenial
dogs happiest as part of the family. Their aggression level is
very low to non-existent and they can happily co-exist with
other dogs. Since they are a galloping breed, regular exercise
is important for them, as it is for all sporting breeds.
Pointers are habitual "couch potatoes" who enjoy
lounging on the family's chairs or sofas. This is a natural
part of their desire to feel part of the pack. Grooming
English Pointers is not time-consuming. Their coat is very
short and needs only a quick rub with a soft brush.
Name: While the dog is often called the
"English pointer" colloquially, there is no breed
with that name registered with the AKC or the FCI, and that
name refers to the Pointer.
Miscellaneous: The first Pointer was entered at the
Westminster Kennel Club Show in 1877. Three Pointers have won
"Best in Show" there, the first being Ch. Governor
Moscow in 1925, second being Ch. Nancolleth Markable, and the
most recent being Ch. Marjetta's National Acclaim in 1986.
HeyDogs is an easy to use site that keeps both dog professionals and dog enthusiasts up to date on the latest information on dogs. You can find the best in dog training, behavior, natural health, agility, clicker training, and other dog related topics
Looking for the perfect
Dog name? Dogs names for your new Puppy.
Browse thousands of Dog names, names for both male
and female dogs, Start looking by clicking on a
letter!
Hi Cats is a website you can find extensive information on all Cat Breeds, Articles, Health, Books, Photos, Desktop Wallpapers, Posters, Training, Cats names, Links and more.
HeyDogs.com Dog Breeds Information
Guide menu 
