English Pointer

The Pointer is a graceful, athletic and alert hunting dog. It is distinguished from other breeds primarily by certain features like its tail, feet and head. It is not tedious to groom Pointers and it does not take much time to do so. The Pointers have a soft coat which is short and needs a mere quick rub using a brush to reduce shedding. Pointers are usually found in certain standard colors like black, lemon, liver or orange. If the Pointer belongs to the darker colors its nose must be brown or black; if it belongs to the lighter shades it should be light or flesh-colored.

Pointers like living in doors with the family as they are well-tempered, happy and congenial dogs. Contrary to popular belief they are quite comfortable in doors in spite of being a hunting dog. Pointers are loyal and show affection. They are not aggressive and they can live happily with other animals like other dogs and even cats. Pointers tend to intimidate the people that come at door due to their bark and size. They are good with children but young children should not be left alone with young puppies.

Pointers were initially bred to be hunting dogs but they can be well suited in non-hunting homes provided they are given enough exercise if not daily at least regularly. A regular exercise regime is efficient with pointers because they are a sporting breed. They are a galloping breed and hunt at a distance it is advisable to fence the house well and keep them well within security. Pointers also enjoy lazing around in the house on the sofas or chairs. Pointers have the natural desire to be a part of a group or pack. Pointers live for 12 to 17 years on an average. They rarely have genetic problems. The usual health problems to affect this breed are epilepsy, dysplasia, cherry eye and allergies.

There are certain skills which a hunting dog like the Pointer is required to possess in order to execute certain tasks. The dog should be able to point and locate the bird. They are expected to be adept at pointing at the required point by stopping a few steps before it. They also should be able to find or retrieve the wounded or the dead. They were used often as the falconer’s dog. They have been used in the past to chase and locate hares. Pointers came into being as a breed in the 16th or 17th century. The Pointer is believed to be the cross of many breeds like Bull Terriers, Foxhounds, Greyhounds and Bloodhounds. When the Pointers were brought into the United States of America in the late 1800s they were not well recognized as a hunting breed and were not preferred. However, the Pointer came to be recognized as a popular breed around the year 1910. Colloquially the Pointer is referred to as the “English pointer” but the official name of the breed according to the British Kennel club is the “Pointer”.