The English Pointer, also known as the Pointer, is a breed of dog in the Gundog Group. Unlike many sport dogs, this breed of dog is happy to just hang out with members of the family and as such they make excellent house pets.
Their short coat is very easy to care for, but their floppy ears should be cleaned on a regular basis and frequently checked for any signs of infection.
History
The Pointer’s history is quite an old one, traceable through writings and artwork back to the middle of the 17th century. While the Pointer was refined in England, many canine historians credit Spain as the breed’s actual country of origin. The Pointer’s ancestors probably include Spanish pointers and a number of other breeds, such as the Foxhound and Bloodhound for their scenting instincts, the Greyhound for its tremendous speed and the Bull Terrier for its “bull-headed-ness” and tenacity. Spanish setters were almost certainly part of the mix. Spanish pointers were much heavier and more course than the Pointers we know today. These dogs appeared in Britain in 1713, at the end of the War of Spanish Succession, when British army officers brought them home. Italian pointers were also brought to England around the same time and were crossed with Spanish pointers, contributing to the Pointer as we know it today.
Early on in their development in England, Pointers were used to hunt and point to hares in the field, so that coursing Greyhounds could locate them and chase them down. The Pointer’s type, temperament and hunting ability were fairly well-standardized by the end of the 1700s and actually have changed very little since then. Pointers in America can be traced to the Civil War period, when they were brought to this country by their English owners.
The Westminster Kennel Club was organized in the early 1870s, primarily for the development and improvement of the Pointer in the United States. Some of the very first officials of the Westminster Kennel Club imported an English Pointer named “Sensation” and used him to help build the breed in this country. An engraving of that dog is still displayed on the Westminster Kennel Club’s logo.
Today, Pointers are regarded as among the finest bird-hunting dogs found anywhere in the world. The American Kennel Club recognized the Pointer for full registration in 1884, as a member of its Sporting Group. The United Kennel Club recognized the English Pointer shortly thereafter, in the early 1900s, as a member of its Gun Dog Group.
Appearance and Grooming
This breed gives the immediate impression of compact power and agile grace; the head noble, proudly carried; the expression intelligent and alert; the muscular body bespeaking both staying power and dash. Known for their skilled work alongside hunters, the Pointer is a graceful dog with an elegant carriage.
Their expression always shows their alertness and their bodies are muscular and athletic. The nose of the Pointer sits high atop the dog’s muzzle and they have a defined stop. The Pointer’s ears are pendant in shape and have are slightly pointed. They have long, elegant necks and straight, tapering tails. Their short and sleek coat is either white or white with liver, lemon, black or orange.
Coat and Colour
The Pointer sports a short, smooth, easy to maintain coat that comes in liver, black, orange or lemon and some have a white background. Many have speckles called ticking on the white portion of the coat. Tricolour Pointers are uncommon but do exist and they have a white base with two other colors for markings. The nose colour will be different according to the shading of the dog. Light Pointers (Lemons) have a flesh coloured nose, medium coloured (orange) dogs will have a brown nose, and darker coloured Pointers will have black noses.
Grooming Needs
Grooming a Pointer is a breeze. Their short, smooth coat is shiny and sheds lightly throughout the year. Once per week should be enough brushing to keep loose hair under control. Rubbing a Pointer with a chamois will cause his coat to almost sparkle. Pointers only need bathed three or four times per year, unless the dog has a knack for rolling in the muck.
Check the dog’s ears weekly for signs of wax buildup, irritation or infection. Clean them out with a cotton ball and a veterinarian-approved cleanser. Brushing the Pointer’s teeth on a weekly basis will keep tartar from building up and promote gum health.
Health
The average life expectancy of the English Pointer is between 12 and 17 years. The increased health risks associated with the breed include cherry eye, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, and skin allergies. Health concerns include cataracts, elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, ear infections and skin cancer.
Personality
English Pointers are a true sporting dog who should not be confined indoors for a long period of time. They are athletic and energetic, and are happiest when they are running. They are sweet, gentle animals who are polite and welcoming to strangers and shouldn’t be relied upon to be watchful guard dogs. They are best suited for active families, preferably those who enjoy hunting.
Activity Requirements
English Pointers are rowdy and rambunctious and need a lot of exercise; and just when you think they’ve had enough, they’ll probably want more. This breed was not designed to be a household pet, but rather to be a sturdy, reliable hunting companion in the field, and the modern Pointer has not lost this desire. For owners who do not hunt, a commitment should be made to enroll their pointer in tracking or agility activities in order to satisfy their need to run and think. If a Pointer does not get enough exercise, they will resort to barking and chewing which may develop severe anxiety.
Trainability
Training a Pointer in basic obedience can be difficult, but is an absolute necessity. They suffer from sporting dog ADD – they will be distracted by sights, sound and smells and will want to abandon training to chase after something more interesting. For this reason training should involve a lot food and should be conducted in short spurts. The two most valuable commands you can teach a rowdy pointer is “down” and “stay.”
House training a Pointer is a long process and many breeders and trainers recommend crating a Pointer until he gets the hang of it, which can unfortunately be several months.
Behavioral Traits
Chasing is the Pointer’s biggest problem. Unless they are hunting in the field, they should be kept in a fenced-in yard or on a leash at all times. They will chase after anything that moves, and once they give chase, they are completely deaf to your calls to return home.
Rowdiness and hyperactivity are common in Pointers, even those who are properly exercised. They are always brimming with energy and love to greet everyone they meet, which usually involves a lot of jumping. Teaching a Pointer “down” and “stay” can save you from alienating your friends and neighbors.
A short video to see Pointers in action.
KUSA Breed Standard
Click here to view the KUSA breed standard for the EP.