Gundog group · England
Pointer
Also called English Pointer.
What makes them remarkable
Its signature freeze is a working signal: the Pointer holds still to show a hunter where birds are.
- Even-tempered
- Kind
- Loyal
- Hardworking
- Athletic
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 20 to 34 kg45 to 75 lb
- Lives
- 12 to 17 years
- Energy
- Very High
- Trains
- High
- Barks
- Moderate
Training
Training a Pointer
Gundog breeds. Quick to learn and quick to get over-excited. The work is calm around distractions, not obedience.
Exercise Before Training
Start here
This high-energy breed focuses better after physical activity. A tired Pointer is a trainable Pointer.
Natural Pointing Instinct
Pointers have strong innate abilities. Gentle guidance refines natural talent rather than teaching from scratch.
Rewards first
Sensitive to correction. Praise and rewards get the best out of them, so keep sessions upbeat.
The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.
Add your Pointer and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, one step at a time.
Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.
At home
Living with one
Bred to find, flush and retrieve game alongside a person. Biddable, busy, and happiest with a job.
Gets on with
- ChildrenHigh
- Other dogsHigh
- StrangersHigh
- CatsModerate
Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.
- Exercise
- 2+ hours daily. Requires running and field work, not just lead walking. Ideal for runners and hunters.
- Grooming
- Low. Weekly brushing to remove loose hair. Easy-care short coat.
- Drool
- Low
- Coat
- Short, Smooth, DenseLiver, Lemon, Black, Orange, Liver and White, Lemon and White, Black and White, Orange and White
- In a flat
- Needs more space than a flat gives.
Health
Things to ask a breeder or vet about
Hip Dysplasia
Moderate
Joint condition that can affect mobility in active dogs
Epilepsy
Moderate
Seizure disorder that may require lifelong medication
Entropion
Mild
Eyelid rolling inward, may require surgical correction
Where they come from
History
Developed in England in the 1600s, the Pointer is considered the ultimate bird dog, prized for its ability to locate and point game birds. Spanish Pointers were crossed with various hounds and later refined for speed and style. The breed has remained largely unchanged for over 150 years.
- Judy · A ship's dog and the only dog to be officially registered as a Japanese POW during WWII, later awarded the Dickin Medal for animal bravery
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