Pointer Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Pointer?

The name Pointer comes from the referral of any breed of dog used in hunting. The true origin of this breed is not entirely known but it is thought that they originated from Spain. English officers brought back Spanish Pointers from the Netherlands as early as 1650. At this time, the Netherlands was under Spanish control as a result of the Spanish Succession War in 1713.

The Pointers nowadays are smaller, lighter, and a lot faster than the Spanish Pointers of the 18th century.

The main feature that remains constant in both of these dogs, however, is the pointers point. Once in England, they were bred with other dogs used in hunting such as the Bloodhound, and Greyhounds. Hunters tried to create the ultimate hunting dog by taking the desirable hunting characteristics of each dog breed and interbreeding them.

It is thought that the Pointer found its way to America with early colonizers however this is still up for debate. The breed was one of the breeds registered in America. In 1879, the American kennel club recognised the Pointer and in 1938, the American pointer club was created.

Who are Pointer dogs best for?

Pointers are ideal pets for those looking for a furry friend that's extremely active but also very friendly and lovable. Because of their background in hunting, they are great guard dogs that will sound the alarm if anything suspicious activity happens around your house at night.

Like other breeds used in hunting, the pointer responds exceptionally well to training. They can be extremely obedient if trained correctly and will enjoy obeying commands such as "come" and "stay". They enjoy the company of people and other dogs if socialized properly during their early years.

The pointer can also be quite independent due to its individualistic role out in the field as a hunting dog. This means that they won't require attention at every hour of the day which is ideal for owners that need to work throughout the day.

The breed needs a lot of physical activity and needs it daily. This means that if you enjoy long walks in the countryside and don't mind spending a lot of time outside then the Pointer might be ideal for you.

In addition to being highly active, the Pointer is incredibly intelligent and enjoys mental stimulation. Interactive games that require decision-making will satisfy this breed's instinctive need for competition and challenges.

How much grooming does a Pointer need?

The white Pointer has quite a short coat that's smooth and shiny. The breed requires a good brushing every 7 days using a hound mitt. This will help keep the coat in tip-top condition whilst reducing the amount of hair landing on furniture around the house.

If the Pointer is particularly dirty after a long walk in the muddy countryside, they may require a bath. Make sure to use shampoo specific for dogs and give them a thorough cleaning and rinsing. This will help reduce the build-up of dirt in the coat and rinsing and drying properly will stop the chance of the Pointer's short coat becoming dry and itchy.

Other important grooming steps that this breed of dog requires include regular mouth and ear inspection as well as remembering to check their paws. This will help you recognize infections before they become a big problem. Look for any redness, sores, or rashes that are beginning to form on any parts of the dog.

You should carefully wipe the area around the dog's ear to prevent the build-up of dirt and wax. There shouldn't be any foul smells coming from their ears and their eyes should be clear of any grime.

Remember to keep on top of the dog's dental hygiene by brushing their teeth up to three times a week. Finally, you should trim their nails frequently which will reduce the chance of injury to the owner when they get too excited and jump up. It will also help reduce the chance of injury to the dog's toes whilst out running outdoors.

Do Pointer bark much?

You will be happy to know that Pointers do not tend to bark often. This is especially the case if they have been well trained. Some things that might set an English Pointer of include them becoming bored or alerting the presence of potential danger.

Do Pointer bite?

The Pointer is described as having a low chance of biting a person. Some of the reasons they might bite someone is for protection or a reaction to pain which is normal. If trained properly, you should have no problem worrying about the dogs becoming aggressive and reacting inappropriately.

What is the temperament & personality of a Pointer?

In general, Pointers have a very sweet temperament and a gentle personality. When at home they can be relaxed and enjoy chilling on the sofa and when outside, they love sprinting and exploring the outside environment.

What is the weight & size of a Pointer?

For male Pointers, the average size is between 25 and 28 inches with a weight of between 55 and 75 pounds. For female Pointers, the average size is somewhere between 23 to 26 inches whilst weighing somewhere between 45 and 65 pounds.

How much training does a Pointer need?

Pointers are extremely intelligent dogs which makes training them very rewarding. They enjoy mental stimulation and following orders like a game however their attention span can be quite short at times so it may take some patience.

Using a securely fenced yard is a good place to train the dog and remember to start early. They also respond well to positive reinforcement so remember to reward them for obeying you.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Pointer?

Like a lot of breeds of dogs, Pointers are susceptible to certain health conditions. In general, health Pointers are relatively healthy however in severe cases, they can inherit things like hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and allergies which you should look out for. The National breed club has more information on the type of tests that Pointers might need to undergo to assess health.

What is the lifespan of a Pointer?

The life expectancy of Pointers is around 12 years but can go beyond this. The most important thing is to look after the dog's well-being with regular exercise, grooming, and appropriate food.

How much should you feed a Pointer?

The recommended amount and type of food you should give this breed is around 2 to 3 cups of dry food that's of high quality. This should be split between two meal times.

What is the price of a Pointer in Australia?

There are many different types of this specific breed of dog however, on average, you can expect to pay somewhere between $600 and $1500 for puppies.