Overview
The Pointer is a medium-sized, athletic pointing dog developed in England to find game for hunters. When it scents hidden birds it halts with its nose aimed at them, giving the hunter a clear signal.
Many gundog fans regard it as one of the finest pointing breeds. It is popular on sporting estates and in field trials, and it also makes a devoted companion for active homes that can meet its need for exercise.
History
The most widely held view is that the Pointer descends from Old Spanish Pointers brought to England in the early 1700s, though early writers also suggested Portuguese, Italian or French pointing dogs. In those days a general pointing type existed across Europe rather than fixed breeds.
In England these dogs were crossed with setters, foxhounds and other breeds to sharpen their hunting. As firearms improved, Greyhound blood was added for speed and agility, producing the finer, leaner modern dog. The breed standard was formally adopted in 1936 and has changed little since.
Appearance
The Pointer is built for speed and endurance, with a long, slightly arched neck, deep chest, muscular hindquarters and a tucked-up loin. The head is distinctive, with a slightly dished face, raised brow, wide nostrils and high-set, hanging ears.
Dogs usually stand about 64 to 69 cm and weigh 25 to 34 kg, with bitches a little smaller. Field-bred dogs tend to be more muscular and natural in movement than show-bred ones.
Temperament
The Pointer is adaptable, obedient and generally even-tempered. It is somewhat more reserved than many other gundogs and has a lower need for constant human company, a trait often linked to its Greyhound ancestry.
Field lines in particular can be extremely energetic and need a real outlet for their drive.
Care and exercise
This is an active breed that needs plenty of daily running, ideally in safe open space, along with mental work such as scent games or field training. A bored Pointer can become restless.
The short coat needs only occasional brushing, but the fine hair offers little protection, so a coat is helpful in cold, wet weather.
Health
Generally healthy, with a life expectancy of 13 to 14 years. Conditions recorded include hip and elbow dysplasia, patella luxation, hereditary sensory neuropathy, spinal muscle atrophy, cerebellar ataxia and deafness. Minor risks include hypothyroidism, demodicosis and some eye problems.
