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English Pointer Dog Breed Description

The English Pointer dog breed, or Pointer, is a beautiful dog known for its powerful grace and aristocratic nature. The dog carries itself proudly with a constantly alert expression.

Dogs are athletic and muscular, with a high nose, chestnut or hazel eyes, pointed, medium-sized ears, and a long neck.
The Pointer’s coat may be white, lemon, liver, orange, or black and may be patched, solid, or speckled. Hair is sleek and short.

English Dog Pointer

Temperament

Pointers are on-the-go dogs with endless energy. True friends, these dogs are sweet, loyal, devoted, and always patient with children. Clean, intelligent, and affectionate, dogs are calm at home and enthusiastic at work and play.
Dogs should be socialized at a young age to prevent them from becoming timid or high-strung.
Show lines make better family pets; field lines can be too active for indoor life.

Height and Weight

Adult males tend to be 22-24 inches tall and weigh around 44-66 pounds.
Adult females are generally 21-24 inches tall and weigh about 44-66 pounds.

Living Conditions and Exercise

The English Pointer dog breed is not well-suited for apartment living, and do best with large yards.
Dogs have boundless energy and require daily vigorous exercise and play to prevent restlessness. Pointers are ideal jogging companions and enjoy swimming and retrieving.

Life Expectancy

Well-cared for dogs can be expected to live 13-14 years.

Grooming

Little grooming is necessary; brushing regularly and rubbing the coat with chamois for shine is all that most Pointers require. Dogs should be bathed only when necessary.
Owners should check the feet after work or play.
They are average shedders.

History

The Pointer dog breed was developed over centuries. It’s exact origin is in question, but most likely the breed was the result of crossing of the Foxhound, the Bloodhound, the Setter, the Bulldog, the Italian Pointer, the Greyhound, and the Newfoundland.
By the 1700s, Pointers were dogs of choice for hunting, particularly with upland birds. The breed is named after its trademark stance, which tells the hunter where game is hiding in the field.
The English Pointer dog breed does best in warm environments and are more comfortable on land than in water.