The Pointer is a powerful dog breed with a gracious gait characterized by its pointing ability.
The strong, even-tempered breed is known for pointing game birds.
This extremely active dog can run quickly and is loyal, making it a wonderful family pet.
Breed Overview
- Group: Sporting
- Height: 17.5 – 20.5 inches
- Weight: Male pointers can weigh 55 – 75 pounds, while females weigh 45 – 65 pounds
- Coat and color: Short coat color combinations could include white with liver, orange, lemon, or black markings. Solid colors may appear in any of these colors.
- Life expectancy: 12-17 years
Characteristics
- Affection Level: High
- Friendliness: High
- Kid-Friendly: High
- Pet-Friendly: High
- Exercise Needs: High
- Playfulness: High
- Energy Level: High
- Trainability: High
- Intelligence: High
- Tendency to Bark: Medium
- Shedding: Medium
History
The Pointer is a noble breed dating back to the seventh century.
Pointers are believed to be related to the foxhound, greyhound, bloodhound, and spaniel that existed back then.
Although widely regarded as bird dogs, their primary assignment was to point hares for greyhounds to chase.
The dog adapted to point for games when gun use during hunting became more accepted; they’ve remained popular as bird dogs since then.
Before guns were developed, pointers were just as important since birds were netted instead of being shot.
Pointers maintained their role when gun use was introduced, as they were also used to retrieve the birds.
The shape of a pointer is quickly recognizable, as its head and pointed tail help hunters know the direction of their game.
Pointers would generally stand firm and still with one foot off the ground, pointing the hunters in the right direction.
Even though they have always been focused and alert in the field, pointers are also playful, mischievous, and loving companions, making them adorable pets.
Pointers consistently win some of the world’s most prestigious competitions for pointing dogs.
Credit can be given to the breeds’ heritage, love of attention, and competitive nature.
The breed is a sports dog and excels in field trials, agility, rally, and obedience. The breed gained recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1884.
Care
Like several sporting breeds, pointers are obedient, loyal, and loving to their family.
The love they share with their family also extends to strangers and people around them. Pointers are not aggressive; they are good with other pets and children.
The breed likes to be in the center of the action, especially when its family is involved.
Because pointers are very alert in the field, they can equally make good watchdogs.
While this active breed enjoys spending time outdoors, most prefer indoors and hanging with their owners on the couch. Pointers are dogs that require regular exercise.
So, if you don’t have enough time, maybe this isn’t your breed.
Their active history means that the breed loves to run and play around. Owners should provide enough space for their dogs to stretch their legs and play off-leash.
Pointers could become destructive and restless when not provided with play-around and burn off energy, especially if left alone for too long.
Owners don’t need to put too much work into grooming their Pointer. They have a short coat and are average shedders.
However, regular ear checks and cleaning are required to avoid possible ear infections.
Because pointers are brilliant, they are easily trainable. Like most sporting dogs, pointers can become sensitive.
They may not respond well to harsh methods of training. They do better with positive reinforcements like treats, praises, and other rewards.
Common Health Problems
While naturally a healthy breed, the pointer breed can be prone to some common health conditions, such as:
- Canine dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Allergies
- Eye disorders
- Bloat
Diet and Nutrition
The pointer dog needs to be fed high-quality dog food. Owners can feed their pointers home-prepared or commercially-made foods with the supervision of a vet.
Owners should do well not overfeeding their dogs and ensure their diet is appropriate for their age.
Because Pointers is a highly active dog, owners should ensure they don’t overfeed them, which may lead to obesity.
Regular exercise must be maintained to keep them in shape.
Pros
- Highly-trainable and intelligent dog
- Reacts well to positive reinforcement
- Ideal family dog
Cons
- Needs a considerable amount of daily exercise
- Loves plenty of attention
- Can get sensitive to harsher training
Adopting or buying a pointer
Although not a very popular breed, breeders are easy to find. Be sure to check with reputable breeders who can present proper medical records.
Check with the American Pointer Club if you want to adopt a pointer. The club has a list of breeders in each state.
There are also pointer organizations like the Pointer Rescue. Prospective owners can check up with them to inquire about adopting a pointer.
When determining if the Pointer is the right breed, you can meet with other pointer owners to get more information about the dog.
You can also meet with breeders and rescue groups to learn more. You can also check out other dog breeds similar to the pointer breed:
- Greyhounds
- Great Danes
- Saint Bernards
Do you own a pointer? Is the dog a breed you’d readily recommend to family and friends? If so, kindly drop tips or suggestions to guide prospective dog owners in the right direction.