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Sporting breeds: English Pointer
Origin
This dog is sometimes commonly known as the "English" Pointer. This is the first true Pointer. Recorded in history as early as 1650, he was developed much earlier than any of the setters. It is commonly accepted that Pointers came into use across Spain, Portugal, Eastern Europe and the British Isles at about the same time. It is known that the Foxhound, Greyhound and Bloodhound were crossbred into basic "setting spaniel" stock. It is also suspected that the Italian Pointer, Newfoundland and Bulldog may have been used in his makeup. Later, during the 19th century, the Pointer was crossed with the various setters as they came into existence. It's generally accepted that this was done to improve temperament, as the original Pointer was said to have had a ferocious disposition. The modern Pointer has remained basically unchanged in the last 90 to 100 years.
It is interesting to note that their first use in Britain was to course with Greyhounds. The Pointer was used to locate and point the hare, after which the Greyhounds were brought up to kick the game from cover.
General description
Height: 23-28 inches
Weight: 45-75 pounds
Color: The color is liver, lemon, black, or orange, either in combination with white or solid-colored.
Grooming requirements
The Pointer's coat is easy to take care of, and just a couple of minutes of grooming a day with a curry brush will give it a healthy shine. Regular ear cleaning and nail trims are necessary.
Health considerations
The Pointer is one of many breeds with a tendency to Autoimmune problems. He can have allergy problems, hip dysplasia, epilepsy panosteitis (juvenile growing pains), and several eye problems. Umbilical hernias are not uncommon. Parents should be healthy and free of genetic defects, OFA tested clear of hip dysplasia and CERF tested annually.
Breed characteristics and personality
Because the Pointer requires a lot of exercise, it is not a breed recommended for a small city apartment. His short hair makes him neat and clean around the house, and his disposition makes him adaptable for the kennel. He requires less personal attention than some other gun dogs. He is not known as a big barker or a good watchdog, but he will bark at strange noises.
The Pointer is an aristocratic dog, patient with children and affectionate. He's a very intelligent and clean dog. He's very adaptable to every situation. This breed has a tendency toward early development.
The Pointer's even temperament and alert good sense make him a congenial companion both in the field and in the home. He should be dignified and never show timidity toward man or dog.
Uses
The Pointer's point is always spectacular. It assumes a statuesque, motionless pose. He is untiring and obedient in the field and has an exceptional nose. He's best at hunting woodcock, quail and pheasant but will adapt to all kinds of hunting. He's every inch a gun dog. He's lithe and muscular, full of nervous energy and made for speed and endurance. This breed acquires its hunting instinct at an early age. It is not uncommon for 2-month-old pups to point and back. These pups do exceptionally well in Derby and Puppy stakes. He posses the competitive spirit to a greater degree than usual in other bird-dogs. This is a fast, big running dog, well suited to the hunter on horseback.
Web links
AKC Pointer page
The English Pointer
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