There are several other dog breeds with “pointer” in the name, but there is only one definitive pointer. Also known as the English pointer, this is a dog bred to point, but intelligent enough to be a show dog and companion. This is a high-energy dog, so he is not good for apartment life. However, pointers are very affectionate. Even out on the hunting field, they do not attack game – they just point it out.
What’s the Point?
All dogs can perform the activity known as a “point”, but pointers are the Picassos of pointing. Even a tiny Chihuahua will point. A “point” is when a dog freezes and curls one foreleg to the chest when they see or hear a prey animal. Wolves also point.
In pointers, this prey animal is usually a game bird of some kind. Pointers just don’t freeze and curl up one leg, they keep an unbroken line from their extended nose to the base of the tail. Their tails are supposed to stick up like a flag in order for a hunter to see it better, but some pointers are too excited and put the tail in many positions when on a point.
Brief History
It is unknown just how old the pointer breed is, but it seems to stretch back to the Middle Ages in England. The first written description known is dated from 1650, although drawings of pointers only date back to the 1800s. Foxhounds, bloodhounds, greyhounds and possibly the Bull Terrier were crossed with the native dogs in order to produce the long, lean athlete of today.
The most famous pointer known is Sensation, the dog on the logo of the American Kennel Club. She arrived in America from England in 1876. The breed was recognized by the fledgling AKC as early as 1884. Pointers are allowed to be bred with Dalmatians in order to help eliminate health problems in the Dalmatians.
General Appearance
Pointers are built similarly to other hunting dogs like Weimaraners and English foxhounds. They average about 21 to 25 inches tall from the bottom of their forepaws to the top of their shoulders. The females are usually smaller and slimmer than the males, but exceptions always seem to pop up. Although a large dog, pointers can often be picked up. The females weigh about 45 – 55 pounds while the males can tip the scales at 66 pounds.
Pointers have floppy ears, a long, thin tail and short hair. They do not grow a shaggy coat for winter and so need to be indoors or at least in a heated kennel during cold weather. Pointers come in many different colors, but usually the main part of their coat is white. Their noses can be dark, pink or both. Their eyes come in various colors.
References
Howell’s Book of Dogs. Liz Palika. Howell Book House; 2007.
Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds. D. Caroline Coile. Barron’s; 2005.
ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs. Sheldon L. Gerstenfeld, VMD. Chronicle Books; 1999.
Dog Breed Info. “Pointer (English Pointer).” http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/pointer.htm
Breed All About It. “Pointer.” Video. http://animal.discovery.com/videos/breed-all-about-it-pointer.html
