Pointer

Pointer

Pointers are one of the oldest of the gun dog breeds; their aristocratic bearing and elegant outline have been in the field for at least 400 years.

History:

The Pointer as we know it today is quite different from its ultimate ancestors in looks, but it fulfills much the same purpose. Over the centuries, this breed was used to hunt game, particularly rabbits, and it has become renowned for its exceptional scenting skills and its characteristic pointing stance. It is generally believed that the Pointer originated in Spain and that the Spanish Pointer is the direct ancestor of the modern English Pointer. A prominent breed historian, William Arkwright, wrote in his book, The Pointer and His Predecessors, that he believed that the first Pointers to come to England arrived in 1713.

When the Pointer first arrived in the UK, it was a rather heavy breed; with the advent of firearms a faster dog was required, so they were crossed with Foxhounds. The result is a stylish dog that has an incredible nose, combined with speed and size.

Physical characteristics:

The Pointer is a large dog, although not heavily built. Height: 22 - 27 in (56 - 69 cm). Weight: 42 - 67 lb (19 - 30 kg). It has a very chiseled head with a prominent occiput, well-defined stop and a concave muzzle. The medium-sized ears are set high and well back on the skull, and the round eyes should blend in with the coat color. The Pointer has a long sloping neck on a sleek, short, coupled body. The tail is of medium length and is carried level with the back.

The long legs are muscular and straight. It has a hard, short coat that has a high gloss and can be white with lemon, orange, liver, black, tricolor, or self-colored.

Behavior:

This dog is at the pinnacle of breeding for a working dog. It is superbly adapted to the task of running, tracking, and pointing out game. When training this very intelligent dog, it is wise to think through the logic of your commands and first remove any ambiguity. Unlike many working dogs, the Pointer can also make an excellent companion dog. However, it must be given plenty of exercise and tasks to perform. After the Pointer has been in rough terrain, its feet and skin must be carefully checked for any injuries. A marvelous all-round dog.