English Pointer: Guide to the Top Game Hunter [Personality, Care, & More]

In addition to the Pointer's history as a hunting dog, they are also great family dogs when in the right home. Active and energetic, these pups are full of stamina and prefer a family that loves to move along with them! English Pointers are a very easy-going and loving breed that doesn't require too much extra care. Find out more about this beautiful, bold dog and see if the English Pointer is the right breed for your home!

 

 

English Pointer Characteristics (Physical)

The Pointer is an active dog bred specifically for sports, so it will always look the part. Their body is powerful, agile, and graceful. The Pointer is muscular and full of stamina. This breed carries its head proudly and always looks intelligent and alert.

 

• Size: Pointers are medium-sized dogs. The males weigh up to 75 pounds and are 28 inches at the shoulder, but the females can weigh as little as 45 pounds.
• Head: The Pointer has chiseled cheeks and a slight furrow between the eyes. Their muzzle is a good length. They often have dark eyes. "The darker the better," according to breed standards from the .
• Neck and Shoulders: The Pointer has a long muscular neck. Their shoulders are long, slim, and sloping.
• Torso: This breed's chest is wide and deep with well-sprung ribs. The tuck-up should be "apparent but not exaggerated."
• Gait: The English Pointer has oval and well-padded feet. Their gait is smooth and "frictionless." The AKC states that their gait should "give the impression of a well-balanced, strongly-built hunting dog." When the pointer walks, you can tell they have amazing stamina and powerful hindquarters!

 

 

 

English Pointer Temperament

This independent breed can sometimes be a bit strong-willed and stubborn. This trait may come from their days as a hunting dog. Some say it's best to find an English Pointer specifically bred to be a pet so they fit better into family life. Though they are not watchdogs, they are known to warn their family if a stranger approaches their territory. They love being around their family and grow very attached to children in the home.

 

This high-energy pointer dog thrives better in larger homes with a yard — apartments might be too small for this very active dog. They are known to love jumping and tossing things around, so always keep an eye on them! The good news is that English Pointers are not known to bark. If a Pointer barks excessively, they are most likely bored. They might also bark when a stranger approaches the house.

 

 

English Pointer Exercise

Among the types of Pointer dogs, the English Pointer needs a LOT of exercise to be happy and healthy, especially as a young dog. The best way to give your English Pointer exercise is by bringing them on walks, runs, hikes, and even canine sports. Put them on a harness (so they can't chase after animals on the trail) and take them on multiple walks a day.

 

 

English Pointer Training

The Pointer isn't a dominant breed but they may get distracted quite easily as high energy dogs. Since they were bred to be hunting companions, sights, sounds, and scents can quickly take their attention. It's important to train them in a quiet location with little distraction. Training a Pointer requires you to show leadership. It's important that you naturally take your place as the alpha so this pointing dog understands that you are to be respected.

 

 

 

English Pointer History

The Pointer is an English breed (hence the name). It's believed that they are descendants of the Old Spanish Pointers imported to England in 1713. The Spanish Pointer was introduced to England by a Portugal Merchant, according to the Cynographia Britannica published in 1800. Other people believe that the English Pointer is a blend of the Portuguese Pointer, Italian Braccos, or French Pointers.

 

The earliest record of Pointers in England is in the 18th century. According to a 1713 poem called "Rural Sports," they were used for hunting partridges. An English Pointer was also featured in a painting from 1725 with the Duke of Kingston-upon-Hull's dogs. Earlier Pointers were heavier bird dogs than the Pointers of today.

 

When guns improved in the 18th and 19th centuries, it was more important for the Pointer to be fast and agile as one of the major gun dog breeds. Breeders crossed them with Greyhounds to increase their speed for game birds. Now, Pointers have the signature tucked-up loin of Greyhounds and other European pointer breeds.

 

Related: English Setter: Breed Guide for the Incredibly Loyal, Big-Hearted Dog

 

 

English Pointer Health Problems

Compared to other dog breeds, English Pointers are generally healthy dogs and doesn't carry many genetic health issues. But, it's still crucial to only adopt a Pointer from a reputable breeder who can guarantee the health of their puppies. Here are a few issues the breed may face.

 

• Hip Dysplasia: A common health problem with the Pointer is hip dysplasia. This means that the ball and socket do not fit or develop properly. Instead of sliding smoothly, their joint rubs and grinds. This results in a deterioration of the hip over time.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Pointers are also prone to progressive retinal atrophy, a condition that leads to complete vision loss. Your dog can inherit this condition, or it may develop later in its lifetime.
• Finding a Healthy Dog: The American Pointer Club is part of the Canine Health Information Center. This health database requires breeders to submit hip and thyroid evaluations and eye clearance as well.

 

 

 

How to Care for an English Pointer

The Pointer's coat is so short that they may need protection from colder weather. If you live in a state that experiences cold winters, you should consider buying a jacket to keep your dog warm. You'll often notice that your Pointer shakes during colder months. Provide them with a warm blanket, comfy dog bed, and anything else that gives them some extra comfort.

 

Along with extra winter care, we want to stress again that Pointers need plenty of exercise to keep themselves stimulated. It's essential to set aside time to play with your dog every day. For this reason, it's often recommended that Pointers live in a home with a big backyard. This allows them to exert their boundless energy.

 

 

Nutrition and Feeding for an English Pointer

You should choose high-quality dog food for your English Pointer. This includes a quality protein source, fats, fibers, and vitamins. It's helpful to talk with a vet about what you should be feeding your Pointer. But a general recommended daily amount is two to three cups of dry food a day, split into two meals.

 

Many dog owners provide CBD for their pets when they want them to be calm and less nervous. If you don't know where to start, you can try HolistaPet's CBD Calming Chews. These are easy to digest and will leave your Pointer feeling relaxed when they are getting worked up. They are also tasty and made with healthy, beneficial ingredients!

 

 

 

Coat Color And Grooming

The Pointer's coat is short, dense, and smooth. The coat also has a sheen. Their fur comes in liver, lemon, black, and orange. These colors are often in combination with white. The breed is considered an average shedder, so brush your Pointer about two or three times a week to give their coat a sleek appearance. Regularly inspect their ears and clean them with soft gauze and an ear cleaning solution whenever necessary. Also, trim your Pointer's nails if they aren't wearing down naturally.

 

 

Children And Other Pets

The English Pointer is known to be very friendly with children, especially ones they have grown up with. But the Pointer should be exposed to kids from the time they are a puppy. Pointers are known to toss and throw things when they are excited, and a kid might get caught in the crossfire if you don't supervise interactions.

 

The English Pointer is a natural-born hunter with a strong prey drive. They don't typically get along with cats and other small animals, so you will need to constantly supervise the Pointer with your other pets. They do get along with other dogs if they are properly introduced and are familiar with them. They are pack animals that will definitely bond with other dogs.

 

 

Rescue Groups

Many first-time dog owners aren't able to handle the high energy and excessive exercise English Pointer puppies require. Their energetic nature can lead destruction and other negative behaviors. This is why pointing breeds can end up in rescues when families don't realize how much time and interaction these dogs need to be happy. Here are some English Pointer rescues in the United States:

 

• Pointer Rescue
• American Pointer Rescue, Inc.
• Illinois Birddog Rescue
• Dogs Hope English and German Shorthair Pointer Rescue

 

Breed Organizations

The American Pointer Club works to preserve, protect, and promote the English Pointer. The national breed club joined the American Kennel Club in 1888 and helped draft the physical breed standard. To this day, Pointers compete in both the National Specialty and National Field Trial Championships. The American Pointer Club also hosts various events that promote the breed, including obedience trials, field events, dog sports, and educational programs.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Despite their hard-working personalities, the Pointer dog breed is known to love creature comforts. Some owners joke that Pointers don't see themselves as a dog and instead as a human family member! That's because your pup will always prefer to be involved in whatever you are doing, especially if it involves sleeping on a bed or cuddling on the couch.