Pointer

The Pointer knows how to do his job and takes pride in doing it well. His short, smooth coat shows off his handsome outline. He is sleek, muscular, and ready for action. The Pointer is an independent dog who likes to compete. His concentration is intense. He has strength, courage, and great dignity, but he is also a sweet companion and gentle with children.

Pointer breed facts

The first Pointers appeared in England about 1650.

The Pointer was the first dog used to stand game.

Pointers seem to acquire the hunting instinct at around 2 months of age.

Information you should know before owning a Pointer

The Pointer is gentle with children which makes him a wonderful family dog.

Because the Pointer requires a lot of exercise, it is not a breed recommended for a small city apartment.

The Pointer's coat is easy to take care of, just a couple of minutes of grooming a day will give it a healthy shine.

The Pointer was the first dog, so far as we know, used to stand game in the sense in which we use the term today, and was developed as a distinct breed much earlier than any of the setters. It seems likely that Pointers came into general use in Spain, Portugal, throughout Eastern Europe and in the British Isles at approximately the same time, although the development of the English Pointer took place in Great Britain. The first Pointers appeared in England around 1650, some time before wing-shooting with guns became popular, and Pointers were often used to locate and point hares in conjunction with Greyhound coursing. However, by the 18th century, wing-shooting had come into vogue, and the "shorthair" has been considered by the majority of sportsmen the equal, if not the superior, of any of the gun dogs.

The Pointer's lineage is foggy, but there is no question that it includes Foxhound, Greyhound, and Bloodhound crossed with some sort of "setting spaniel," which played an important part in the creation of all modern bird dogs. Eventually the Spanish Pointer too was interbred with the English Pointer, but only briefly to intensify the pointing instinct in the breed. During the 19th century, Pointers gained in popularity and were crossed often with setters to improve disposition; they appeared often in hunting news and sporting papers. The Pointer of today is easily recognized and not a far cry from his 19th century predecessors. He is clean-limbed, lithe, and muscular without being coarse, full of energy and "hunt," built for speed and endurance, courageous, and determined. Although willing to work for someone other than his master, Pointers are wonderful family dogs and make excellent companions at any age.

Is this a vulnerable breed? Yes, No	No
What size is this dog? Small, Medium, Large	Large
How much excercise is required? 30 mins a day, 1 hour a day, Over 2 hours a day	Over 2 hours a day
How long is this dog's coat? Short, Medium, Long	Short
How much grooming is required? Once a week, More than once a week, Every day	Once a week
Does this dog shed? Does shed, Does not shed	Does shed
What area is this dog best suited to? Town, Country, Either	Either
What size house is required for this breed? Flat/Apartment, Small House, Large House	Small House
What size of garden is required? Small Garden, Large Garden, No Garden	Large garden

	General Appearance Symmetrical and well built all over, general outline a series of graceful curves. A strong but lissom appearance.
	Characteristics Aristocratic. Alert with appearance of strength, endurance and speed.
	Temperament Kind, even disposition.
	Eyes Same distance from occiput as from nostrils, bright and kindly in expression. Either hazel or brown according to colour of coat. Neither bold nor staring, not looking down the nose.
	Mouth Jaws strong, with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
	Neck Long, muscular, slightly arched, springing cleanly from shoulders and free from throatiness.
	Forequarters Shoulders long, sloping and well laid back. Chest just wide enough for plenty of heart room. Brisket well let down, to level with elbows. Forelegs straight and firm, with good oval bone, with back sinews strong and visible. Knee joint flat with front leg and protruding very little on inside. Pasterns lengthy, strong and resilient. Slightly sloping.
	Body Well sprung ribs carried well back gradually falling away at strong muscular and slightly arched loins. Short-coupled. Haunch bones well spaced and prominent, not above level of back.
	Hindquarters Very muscular. Well turned stifles. Good expanse of first and second thigh. Hocks well let down.
	Feet Oval, well knit, arched toes, well cushioned.
	Tail Medium length, thick at root, tapering gradually to a point. Well covered with close hair, carried on a level with back, with no upward curl. In movement, tail should lash from side to side.
	Gait / Movement Symmetrical and well built all over, general outline a series of graceful curves. A strong but lissom appearance.
	Coat Fine, short, hard and evenly distributed, perfectly smooth and straight with decided sheen.
	Colour Usual colours are lemon and white, orange and white, liver and white, and black and white. Self colours and tricolours are also correct.
	Size Desirable heights at withers: dogs: 63-69 cms (25-27 ins); bitches: 61-66 cms (24-26 ins).