Dog Breeds > English Pointer

The English Pointer

The English pointer is a very interesting pet that would keep the whole family fascinated and awed. An enthusiastic and active dog, this breed would make a very good companion for those people who are looking for dependable and loyal pet.

Energy Playfulness Intelligence Grooming Popularity

Fascinating Facts

Before the guns were invented, the English pointers were considered as dependable and reliable companion of hunters especially the Greyhounds. The pointers were used to locate hares and other small games. It got its name from its uncanny habit; staying around its prey as if it was pointing it to the hunters. 

The English pointer was developed using Foxhound, Bloodhound, Italian Pointer, Bulldog and Newfoundland. This breed has an excellent scent and could run fast to catch its prey quickly.

Physical Appearance

The English Pointer measures 22 – 24 inches and weighs 44 – 66 pounds. They have a wide head, long neck and a muzzle as long as its head. The color of the nose is quite dependent on the color of the coat; darker nose for darker color coat and flesh colored nose for light colored coat. The eyes however stand in contrast to the color of the coat; light eyes for darker coat and vice versa.

The coat of an English Pointer has a dense, short and smooth texture. The color of the coat ranges from black, lemon, liver and some orange markings. The front legs are straight and strong. The tail is wide from the bottom and ends to a tapering point at the tip.

Grooming

The English Pointer has an easy to manage coat that is easy to groom. Brush the coat with soft bristle in order to prevent shedding hair while combing. After bathing, dry the coat with rubber gloves or chamois to have a sleek effect.

Mood

The English Pointer is a determined, skillful and extremely active hunter. They are conveniently calm indoors especially if they had enough exercise. This breed is also intelligent, devoted and loyal to their family. Their hunting skills are developed as early as their puppyhood.

This breed can have a very disturbing attitude if it did not get enough exercise. They could exhibit overwhelming dominance, inconvenient destructive pattern such as biting a furniture and obsessive barking. They could even become reserved to strangers.

With Children

This breed is affectionate and friendly to children. They have an almost never ending stamina and very passionate attitude.

Training & Exercise

Training an English Pointer is easy as long as they are not subjected to harsh and rough training techniques. They respond well to calm and mild mannered words especially to friendly tones. Food reward training is highly recommended especially during the times when the pointer is “throwing a tantrum”.

Daily exercise should always be given to the English Pointer; otherwise they will be upset all throughout the day. Exercise is a vital part of their development especially if the owner/trainer/handler is raising the Pointer to become a hunter.

Health & Life Expectancy

You can expect your pointer to have 13 – 14 years of life depending on how well they are taken care of. There are some cases wherein dwarfism is observed. They are also prone to hip dysplasia, skin and thyroid problems. Deafness and eye problems are also occasionally seen on the Pointers.

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