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English Pointer Dog Breed

The Pointer, often called the English Pointer and Bird Dog, is a breed of dog developed as a gun dog. It is one of several pointing breeds.

Appearance

The Pointer should be athletic 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 for show purposes.

The standard colorings of the Pointer are liver, lemon, orange or black. These can be solid colors, 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.”

As far as size is concerned, male height is usually 22-28 inches at the whithers, and weight is generally 40-75 pounds. Females are 21-26 inches at the whithers and 35-65 pounds.

Health

The average life span of a Pointer is 12 to 17 years.

Pointers are fairly genetically sound as a breed. Some problems that can occur in the breed include hip dysplasia, cherry eye, epilepsy, and allergies.

Temperament

Pointers are even-tempered, congenial dogs happiest living indoors as part of the family. Pointers are affectionate and loyal. Their aggression level is very low to non-existent and they can happily co-exist with other dogs and often cats. Pointers are typically not territorial, although their size and bark will intimidate most people that come to your door. Pointers are very good with children, although young children and a clumsy young Pointer is often not the best combination.

While Pointers were bred to be a hunting dog, they are perfectly content given adequate exercise in a non-hunting home. Since they are a galloping breed, regular exercise is important for them, as it is for all sporting breeds. A securely fenced yard is a must to keep a Pointer safe since they are bred to hunt a good distance from their person. They typically do best indoors when they are left for the day. A well-exercised Pointer is a wonderful family member. 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 to minimize shedding.

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.

English Pointer Pictures

English Pointers For Sale

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