Pointer Dog Breed Information

Group

Sporting

Weight

25-34 kg

Height

64-68 cm

Lifespan

10-12 years

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About the Pointer

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Looking to add a furry friend to your family? The Pointer might be just what you are looking for.

This breed loves to explore the outside world and has a lovely temperament. If you enjoy long walks and lovable company then the Pointer could be the dog for you. In this guide, we will discuss everything from the origin of the breed to the typical grooming and feeding requirements as well as activity levels.

Once you have had a good read through this guide, you will have all the information to decide if this four-legged friend will be the right addition to your family.

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.

What is a Pointer breed?

A Pointer is a breed of dog that has been specifically bred to point game birds. They are a popular breed used in dog sports and like other dogs used in hunting, they are highly sought after for their ability to point.

A good pointer is extremely good at picking up a scent and signalling to a hunter that they have found the target. The target can be a bird, a rabbit, or some other animal that the hunter might be tracking.

Some of the main qualities of the English Pointer are their high ability to perform in field trials and the show ring. They are highly active and require a lot of daily exercise to maintain their health.

Who is a Pointer 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 any 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.

Pointer Grooming & Shedding

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 includes 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 Pointers bark a lot?

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 average weight & height of a Pointer dog?

For male Pointers, the average size is between 64 to 68 cm (25 and 28 inches) with a weight between 25 to 34 kg (55 and 75 pounds). For female Pointers, the average size is somewhere between 61 to 66 cm (23 to 26 inches) whilst weighing somewhere between 20 and 29 kg (45 and 65 pounds).

Are Pointers easy to train?

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.

How do Pointers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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.

Does the Pointer have any common health issues?

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 does a Pointer need to be fed?

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.

How much can you expect to pay for 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.

Pointer FAQs

Do Pointers like to cuddle?

Yes! Even though there’s a popular belief that they like to hunt, they also enjoy interacting and cuddling with their owners on the sofa at home and are very affectionate.

Are Pointer dogs hypoallergenic?

No, unfortunately, this dog breed is not hypoallergenic. This means that, if you do have dog allergies this particular breed might not be ideal for you.

There is a lot of information available on the different types of adult dogs with hypoallergenic coats that are suitable for people with allergies.

How high can Pointers jump?

This breed of dog is very athletic with high endurance and pointing ability. They are known to be able to jump over 6ft fences. You might want to reconsider the size of your garden fences for this reason.

Do Pointer dogs get along with a cat?

If they are introduced to cats and other animals and children at an early age, they should have no problem getting along with them. They aren’t so fond of birds due to their instinctive traits to chase and attack them. You might then want to reconsider having this dog in your home if you are an owner of birds.