Pointer

Pointer - Breed Profile:

Origin: England
Colors: Primarily white, but also liver, lemon, black, orange
Size: Large
Type of Owner: Experienced
Exercise: Vigorous
Grooming: Very little
Trainability: Slightly difficult to train
Combativeness: Not generally dog-aggressive
Dominance: Moderate
Noise: Not a barker

Physical characteristics

The Pointer is a powerful and aristocratic-looking dog with a well-muscled body. The long muscular neck is slightly arched. The head is carried proudly; it is approximately as wide as the length of the muzzle. The stop is pronounced. The ears are set at the eye level and hang down naturally. The rounded eyes are dark. The shoulders are thin and sloping. The nose is set higher than the rest of the muzzle. The teeth should meet in a level or scissor bite. The straight tail tapers to a fine point. The gait has a powerful hindquarters' drive.
The height is 23 to 28 inches, the weight is 45 to 75 pounds. Females tend to be smaller.

Temperament

Pointers are full of energy and enthusiasm. They are true friends, loyal and devoted. Adaptable and good with children. Calm at home if they are properly exercised. If under-exercised, these dogs can become restless and destructive. Socialize them well at an early age to prevent timidity. Some individuals can be wilful and high-strung, so proper human leadership is very important to prevent unwanted behaviour. Pointers will bark at suspicious noises, but they are not watchdogs. Puppies start to display hunting behaviour very early - at about 8 weeks old. Pointers are generally good with other pets including other canines. These dogs usually become very attached to their families and therefore need to be involved in their activities as often as possible.
Show lines tend to become better pets than field lines. The latter are often too active and hunt-oriented.

Coat and grooming

The short coat is sleek, smooth, and shiny. It comes in primarily white colour but may be liver, lemon, black or orange. The pattern can be solid, patched or speckled. Tricolor is also allowed. Very little grooming is necessary. These dogs are average shedders.

Health

Pointers are prone to hip dysplasia, thyroid and skin conditions, and dwarfism. The lifespan is 12 to 14 years.

Other interesting facts

The history of the Pointer is a debatable topic. The first recorded mentions of the breed were in England around 1650s. At least four breeds take a significant role in the Pointer's ancestry: the Greyhound, Foxhound, Bloodhound, and Bull Terrier.
The name "Pointer" derived from the way the dog stands motionless when it spots the game. It looks like the dog is pointing right at it.