Is the Pointer Right For You?
- 1The Pointer dog breed looks the part of a great field companion with a lean, muscular body.
- 2The Pointer dog is calm and intelligent and makes a great friend.
- 3They require a lot of mental and physical exercise. Pointers will often initiate activity.
HISTORY
Dating back to about halfway through the 17th century, the Pointer is the carefully selected result of years of crossbreeding. Part Foxhound, Bloodhound, Greyhound, Newfoundland, Setter, and Bulldog, Pointers get their name from the way they point at game during a hunt. These dogs act like a type of compass or directional arrow to their masters, assisting in the hunt by standing still and pointing with their nose in the direction of whatever game is nearby. Also adept at flushing out game birds, the Pointer was the favored hunting dog of the 18th century in England. They were recognized by the AKC in 1884.
Quick Facts
Size
Large
Lifespan
12-14 years, max 16 or older.
Hair Length
Short
Male Height
25-28 inches (63-69cm)
Male Weight
55-75 pounds (25-34kg)
Female Height
23-26 inches (61-66cm)
Female Weight
44-65 pounds (20-30kg)
Litter Size
5-7 puppies with the average being 6 puppies
Personality
The Pointer is a very tolerant and energetic breed, making them great companions for children. Because of their intense amounts of energy, routine exercise is a must. Though renound for their innate pointing skill, these are not retrieving dogs and are not fit to be watchdogs. They should be socialized well, since they do have a tendency to be aloof and even unfriendly towards strangers. .
Color
Pointers are very diverse in colors. If the dog is dark, they often have a dark nose, and similarly, those with light (or even white) coats often have a lighter colored nose, like tan or rose. Their nails may be either dark or light, depending upon coat and skin color.
Health Concerns
They have a normal life expectancy of 12 to 17 years. Pointers have many pressing health issues such as:
- Elbow dysplasia
- hip dysplasia
- progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- epilepsy
- dwarfism
- thyroid conditions
Appearance
Pointers are powerful hunters with an athletic frame, wide head, and a deep muzzle. Their drooping ears are slightly pointed and their dark eyes really pop against their white fur. They have a short, dense, smooth coat that can be found in a wide variety of colors.