Pointer Dogs

The Pointer, also known as the English Pointer, is a large size dog. The Pointer dog breed is the oldest of the pointing dog breeds. Pointers are originally from Great Britain. In 1879, the Pointer dog breed was accepted into the sporting group of the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Pointers from show lines tend to get along well with children and other household pets. Pointers in hunting lines may have problems with other pets. The Pointer dog is usually an affectionate, playful companion. Pointer dogs are loyal, intelligent, and alert. They do best with active families since they need a lot of exercise. They enjoy activities with the family that will provide them with exercise, such as accompanying the owner on a jog or bike ride.

Pointer dogs were used as hunting dogs. Pointers require regular exercise including a daily walk. A well-exercised Pointer dog with lots of positive attention, mental stimulation, and interaction is less likely to develop destructive behavior out of boredom. This dog breed is fairly easy to train if the dog is from a show line of Pointers. Hunting lines of Pointers are often too high-spirited, rambunctious, and hunt-oriented to make excellent pets. Though some Pointers can occasionally be stubborn, most Pointers are eager to please and respond well to training.

The tail of Pointer dogs is straight and tapers to a point. The ears are set low on the side of the head and hang down. The neck is muscular. Ideally, the Pointer dogs have a well-balanced appearance.

The Pointer dog has a dense, shorthaired coat. They do not require much grooming. Pointer dogs have dark, rounded eyes. The dogs can be solid-colored or mixed with white. The possible solid colors are liver, lemon, orange, or black. If the color of the coat is dark, the nose should be black, otherwise the nose may be light or flesh-colored.

The average life span of Pointer dogs is eleven to fourteen years. The average weight for Pointers is forty-four to seventy-five pounds. Their average height is twenty-three to twenty-eight inches. The Pointer dog is susceptible to cataracts, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and thyroid problems.