Pointer
The Pointer, often called the English Pointer, is a breed of dog developed as a gun dog. It is one of several pointing breeds.
Appearance
The Pointer should be athletic, aristocratic, 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. In the show ring it should be judged for conformation that benefits a hunting dog.
The standard colourings of the Pointer are liver, lemon, orange or black. These can be solid colours, 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."
Most country's breed standards prefer symmetry and balance to perfect size, and most will allow an amount of variation if the dogs' size does not encumber the dog in the field. The approximate measurements are as follows:
- Males from show lines
- Height: 63 to 70 cm (25 to 28 inches)
- Weight: 25 to 34 kg (55 to 75 lbs)
- Females from show lines
- Height: 58 to 66 cm (23 to 26 inches)
- Weight: 20 to 30 kg (44 to 65 lbs)
- Males from American field lines
- Height: 22-26 inches
- Weight: 40-65 lbs
- Females from American field lines
- Height: 21-25 inches
- Weight: 35-55lbs
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.
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 cherry eye, epilepsy, and allergies.
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.
The history of the Pointer, like many breeds, is a reasonably debatable topic. (Cavanaugh, 1997). There are records of Pointers in England as far back as 1650 (Cavanaugh, 1997.) According to one source, the pointer came to be in the sixteenth and seventeenth century when pointing breeds including the Spanish pointer were brought from the European mainland to England. (Fergus, 2002).
Through both history and anatomical evaluation we see that at least four breeds were instrumental in Pointer crosses: Greyhounds, Foxhounds, Bloodhounds, and Bull Terriers. (Cavanaugh, 1997.) Each of these were established breeds with unique qualities that the Pointer could use to do its job; our forefathers were trying to build a very special hunting dog. (Cavanaugh, 1997.)
Pointers were brought to the United States where the breed flourished in the abundant open hunting land. At that time (late 1800's), the Setter was considered to be the bird hunting dog and pointers were not even permitted to compete in field trials with setters. Around 1910, however, the pointer began to beat the setter at its own game. The pointer has dominated the pointing breed field trials since that time. (Fergus, 2002).
One of the earliest dogs to exert influence on the breed in the US was a dog who was imported from England in 1876 - "Sensation [1]." He is well known as the dog on the emblem of the Westminster Kennel Club.
One modern American kennel, established in 1936, and known for breeding large quantities of Pointers, Elhew Kennels [2] produced a popular and successful line of gundogs. Elhew pointers were well-known competitors at field trials for several decades.
In the southern United States, where the dog is so dominant it is often simply referred to as the "bird dog", Pointers are found in abundance. The bobwhite quail is the primary game bird there and is considered classic English Pointer game as the bobwhite will hold well for a pointing dog. Pointers also work game birds such as the pheasant, grouse, and woodcock with success as well.