Pointer Dog Breed Information:
Bred for several hundred years to “point” birds and small game such as rabbits, the Pointer is a versatile field dog and exceptional family dog breed. They excel in many arenas, from the field to the show ring, agility to obedience. Energetic and fun-loving, they’re well suited to active homes where they’ll can be loving members of the family. Apartment dwellers beware, though. These dogs need plenty of space to play and lots of daily exercise to keep their high energy in check. Otherwise, they may find their own fun by acting out with unwanted behaviors.
Pointer Dog Breed Group: Sporting Dogs.
Pointer Height: 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the shoulder.
Pointer Weight: 45 to 75 pounds.
Pointer Life Span: 12 to 15 years.
More About This Dog Breed:
Pointers are wonderful family dogs who thrive when they can spend time with their people. A Pointer should not live outdoors but should enjoy the same comforts as his family. Pointers are very active and require vigorous exercise every day. If you do not have the time or energy to exercise your Pointer at least one hour each day, then you should not purchase a Pointer. Pointers are not suited for apartment dwellings; they do much better in homes with a large fenced yard where they can expend some of their energy.
Pointer History:
Pointer was a term used to describe any breed of hunting dog that pointed at the game it was hunting. They are believed to have originated in Spain, although, like most breeds, their history is somewhat murky. Pointing-type dogs are said to have been known in England as early as 1650, but it's also thought that English officers brought Spanish Pointers back from the Netherlands which was then under Spanish control in 1713 after participating in the War of the Spanish Succession. The Spanish Pointers were larger, heavier, slower dogs than the Pointer we know today, but their strong point so to speak was their pointing instinct, and they were used to strengthen that feature in the British dogs. The modern Pointer's appearance was developed in England, probably through crosses with the Foxhound, Greyhound, Bloodhound, and later, various setters.
Pointer Size:
Males stand 25 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weigh 55 to 75 pounds; females 23 to 26 inches and 45 to 65 pounds.
Pointer Personality:
Devoted and even-tempered, the Pointer is described as a congenial companion. He has a competitive spirit and an independent streak, but he's also fun-loving and mischievous. An excellent watchdog, he's protective of his property and will sound the alarm at anything out of the ordinary. In the field, he's hard-driving and courageous. In obedience trials he's willing and exuberant, performing the "come" command known as the recall in the ring as if shot out of a cannon.
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Pointer Health:
Pointers are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Pointers will get any or all of these diseases:
Hip Dysplasia.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
Epilepsy.
Neurotropic Osteopathy.
Allergies.
Cherry Eye.
Entropion.
Cataracts.
Chondrodysplasia.
Addison's Disease.
Demodectic Mange.
Skin cysts.
Pointer Care:
Pointers enjoy the great outdoors, and they enjoy being with their families. They should not live outside but instead should enjoy the same comforts as their families. The Pointer is an active, intelligent dog who needs daily exercise and stimulation. Jumping and running on hard surfaces at an early age can stress his joints and cause orthopedic problems.
Pointer Feeding:
Recommended daily amount: 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Pointer Coat Color And Grooming:
An old hunters' saying is that a good Pointer can't be a bad color. The Pointer has a striking coat of liver (dark brown), black, orange, or lemon, with or without a white background. Some Pointers have light or heavy speckles called ticking on the white areas of their coat. Tricolor Pointers (white, plus two other colors) exist but aren't very common. He sheds only lightly, and the regular brushing will help keep hair off your clothes and furniture. Rub him with a chamois and his coat will gleam. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet.
Pointer with Children And Other Pets:
Pointers are usually good with children and other animals, particularly if they are raised with them. Pointers can also get along well with other pets, including cats, if they're raised with them, although they may be a little too fond of birds, if you know what I mean.