POINTER
APPEARANCE
The Pointer is a large dog with a sturdy build, long legs, and a handsome appearance. The Pointer has a very short coat, which makes grooming a breeze. The coat should remain short, dense and smooth. The coat should also have a shiny appearance. The coloring of the Pointer can vary and includes lemon and white, orange and white, black and white, liver and white, tri-colored, and solid. In terms of weight the Pointer reaches around 40-65 pounds for females and around 5-0-75 pounds for males. The height of the Pointer is around 23-26 inches for females, and around 25-28 inches for males.
PERSONALITY
Pointers are very high energy dogs and constantly think about hunting and tracking. They are also extremely sweet, love to cuddle, play with other pets, and enjoy the company of other humans. These dogs love to work, and are determined, enthusiastic, and have plenty of stamina. They are a very independent, loyal, and responsive breed-they respond well to scolding and are extremely intelligent.
TRAINING
The Pointer has a short attention span and should always have variety. Can be very willful and easily distracted so firm training is a must. Obedience classes at an early age are recommended. The Pointer can sometimes be stubborn and hard headed, which can make training more challenging, but with the right attitude using assertive and positive methods you will find that training this breed shouldn’t prove too much of a problem. Due to its many talents, the pointer is a favorite in show ring, obedience and tracking trials, as well as hunting tests.
EXERCISE
Being an active dog, the Pointer requires a great amount of exercise. This breed is not ideal for families who cannot afford to give it the vigorous workout that it demands. The Pointer does best in a field environment and loves the outdoors. A very tireless breed, this dog requires extensive exercise or he can become destructive.
SOCIALIZATION
The Pointer will get along well with gentle children and when brought up with kids, and also tends to get along well with other pets but as this breed has hunting instincts, it is not recommended for homes with small and passive animals. They can be a little reserved around strangers, but will usually be polite. The Pointer is a responsive dog that is eager to please, and does not normally display dominance over other animals or people. The Pointer can make an excellent pet and companion for those with gentle children, other pets, and enough time on their hands to dedicate to a loving and affectionate pet.
LIVING CONDITIONS
The Pointer can adapt to different climates. However, it is not recommended for people who live in small living quarters. It is ideal for athletic families and those with a large, highly-fenced yard, where it can receive its exercise in a secured area. The Pointer does best in a field environment and loves the outdoors. A very tireless breed, this dog requires extensive exercise or he can become destructive.
GROOMING
The grooming requirements for the Pointer are minimal, and you simply need to brush the coat regularly in order to keep it sleek and to get rid of dead hair. The Pointer generally only needs to be bathed once every six months as they are fairly clean. He is medium shedder, which means that he may not be best suited to those with allergies.
HEALTH ISSUES
The life expectancy of the Pointer is 11-14 years, and there are a number of health problems associated with this breed. This includes epilepsy, gastric torsion, hermaphrodism, lymphedema and pannus. The parents of the Pointer puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates.
HISTORY
The Pointer originates from Great Britain, and is one of the oldest pointing dogs. Often known as the English Pointer, he excels in his field. He was registered with the AKC in 1879.
