Pointers

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Pointers

Pointer dog breed is a very energetic breed that has a lean muscular structure that showcases strength and agility.

The pointer is also famously known as the English pointer.

It is a very well behaved dog but not suitable to be a family’s first pet as it is a breed which needs to be tamed by experienced people.

Through hunting and pointing out birds and animals of prey alongside their hunter owners, they made a place into the homes and became a family pet.

These dogs are loyal and devout to their families and have an even temper.

They are good at mingling with dogs and cats as well, making them a perfect pet for a pet-loving family.  

<>Quick Facts

Avg. Weight: 55-75 lbs (male), 45-65 lbs (female)

Avg. Height: 25-28 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female)

Life Expectancy: 12-17 years

Dog Group: Sporting dog

Colors:  Black, liver & white, lemon & white, orange & white, liver, black & white

Rank (America): 113/193

<>At A Glance

Pointers
  • Size (3/5)

These are medium-sized dogs that can grow up to 28 inches tall.

Their growth depends on the quality of food fed to them since the start and also their genes.

  • Affection Level (5/5)

A pointer dog is very well suited for a family kind of atmosphere as it has a very welcoming nature towards kids and people part of the family.

They are also good at getting along with new people and neighbors.

They are very loving and playful and constantly need someone to keep them busy in activities and games.

  • Apartment Friendly (1/5)

No, this dog doesn’t do well living in confined spaces.

It needs a spacious house, and an attached yard can do the best job of keeping it satisfied.

It is a very energetic dog that needs constant participation in activities or exercise or play.

If the energy is not spent well, it can take your house for a yard and be damaging to the apartment.

  • Cold Weather Tolerability (2/5)

It has a slim coat and low-fat content in the body, which makes it pretty much vulnerable to cold.

It can be taken out for a walk in winters for 20 min after putting up a warm coat or sweater on it.

Best time to take it out for a walk in the day time when the sun is at its peak.

It is not meant for snowy regions.

  • Hot Weather Tolerability (4/5)

Pointer dog does well in terms of tolerating heat because of its thin fur coat.

It just needs to stay hydrated as its enormous inclination towards staying physically active can make it drain away from the water from its body in summers.

Best time for it to go out and play is either early in the morning or late in the evening.

  • Barking Tendencies (3/4)

Pointers are not aggressive canines and so they don’t bark excessively at strangers or other dogs.

They bark when being protective of their owner or also it can be a friend or a welcoming bark.

They are very energetic and so their energy must be drained by involving them in activities.

Not indulging in activities can make them anxious, which can make them bark more than normal indoors.

  • Cat-Friendly (4/5)

This breed has a great temperament. It gets along with house cats well.

Though outside cats can make it instinctive, its non-timid nature can help the owner to keep it under control.

It should be given the space and environment to socialize since puppyhood or else it can grow up to be reserved.

  • Dog-Friendly (5/5)

It is very friendly towards other dogs.

Pointers are one among the breeds of dogs that get along with other dogs very well.

They are playful towards other dogs and it is rare to find a pointer not mingling with other pooches.

  • Exercise Needs (5/5)

It is a very energetic and active dog and has endless stamina for playing or exercising.

Its need for being physical is more than that of an average dog and so the family looking forward to adopting this breed should be willing to give it time outdoors.

Playing games like fetch can do well in expending its energy and keeping it calm indoors.

Less playing or activities can make them destructive and ill-behaved indoors.

  • Grooming Needs (5/5)

There are many types of pointer dogs, some have more grooming needs than others depending on the kind of fur they have.

But among other pointer types, the English pointer has low grooming needs as for its small fur coat is rugged and doesn’t catch dirt.

It sheds throughout the year (mildly) so consistent grooming can help in keeping the house clean along with the dog.

  • Playfulness (5/5)

These dogs are very playful due to their nature and get along well with kids.

Having them in the house can be a very joyful experience.

You should also provide the pooch with toys to keep busy when no one has the time to have a play with it.

  • Trainability (5/5)

It is a fairly intelligent breed and fairly quick in grasping commands and intentions of its owner.

These dogs are a little sensitive so be sure to use positive action towards it so as to train it and not scare it down.

Have patience in training your pointer and it will learn well.

These dogs need an experienced owner who can play the role of alpha.

  • Intelligence (5/5)

Pointers are intelligent but if they are not indulged in activities that exercise their brain or keep their wits active, they can get dull with time.

  • Mouthiness (5/5)

Just like most of the dogs, even this breed is a little mouthy. It is a normal dog behavior to chew, nip or bite in a non-harmful manner.

This can be controlled by giving the dog different chew toys to take out its mouthiness on.

Buy treat-filled chew toys for your dog.

  • Price Group (3/5)

Pointer dog price can cost from $1000 – $1250 making it count in the averagely costly dogs in the U.S.

About English Pointers

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About English Pointers

Pointers are fine dogs that are medium-sized and have a great temperament.

They behave well with kids and neighbors and are perfect for an active family.

Pointers are easy to discern by their pointed tail, long head, and muscular frame.

They can hear the prey in the distance and spot it to the hunter by pointing their tail and standing with one leg lifted from the ground.

They socialize well with other pets especially when raised together.

Pet bird owners should look out for their birds as this breed has a keen interest in going behind them.

This breed is not for you if it is your first time handling a pet.

It has a lot of energy and so it needs an active owner.

It is fairly intelligent and has a mind of its own and so it should be trained and needs a controlling owner who can play the alpha.

Its grooming needs are also less due to its short coat.

It sheds moderately throughout the year and so regular grooming can keep both the dog and your house clean.

It is a very loyal and devout breed which can assume the stance of a guard when it senses any danger to its family.

Where Did Pointers Come From?

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Where Did Pointers Come From

The origin of this breed like most of the breeds of dogs is pretty vague.

It is said to have originated from Spain and existed in England since 1700s, brought there by the English officer from the Netherlands, which was then under Spanish control.

The name ‘pointer’ before being given to this breed was a term used to denote the dogs that used to help the hunters by pointing out the birds or animals of prey.

As this breed started getting commonly used in hunting or coursing where this breed was used to point out the prey (and greyhounds were used to hunt the prey down) this breed grew in popularity and was started to be known as “the pointer”.

It made its way to America by the colonists after being perfected in England itself.

The breed was larger and slower than the ones we see today and was perfected by mixing foxhound, greyhound, and bloodhound with the original.

It made into American households of the hunters and from there its loving nature and good temperament came to be known, making it a common house breed.

FACT-ILICIOUS: “Even before the invention of guns, Pointers were used for hunting birds. The dog would be sent out to locate prey, and then the hunter would throw a net over the dog and any birds it had found, as a way of catching them.”

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