Pointer
Although the modern pointer has existed for about 100 years, its development began in the late 17th century in England. The Spanish Pointer, no longer able to keep up with the fast pace of hunters using advanced rifles and guns, was crossed with the Foxhound to create a dog with more speed and endurance. Others have also suggested that crosses with setters, bloodhounds, greyhounds and bulldogs were used to provide qualities such as scenting ability, concentration, nerve, stamina and amenability to training. While many of the crosses proved disastrous, breeders persisted until the Pointer was perfected; it has since then earned the reputation of "gun dog par excellence." On the hunt, the dog carries its head high, searching out the scent of game in the air and freezes "on point" when it has located the quarry. The Pointer was one of the original breeds shown at the first dog show ever held. The event took place in Newcastle-on-Tyne in England, in 1859. By 1877, there were over 100 Pointers exhibited at the Westminster Kennel Club show. Since then, it has remained an extremely popular hunting dog and a moderately popular show dog.
Height: Males measure 25"-28"; females measure 23"-26" (USA). Males measure 25"-27"; females measure 24"-26" (UK).
Weight: 55 - 75 lbs (24.6 - 24.6 kg) for dogs, 45 - 65 lbs (20.1 - 20.1 kg) for bitches
Coat Type: The coat is short, glossy, dense and flat. Colors and color combinations include liver, lemon, black, orange and white. Regular brushing fulfills grooming needs.
Temperament: The Pointer is affectionate, good with children, loyal, intelligent, and clean. It is eager, alert and responsive in the field and requires regular exercise off-lead. The Pointer is well-adapted to life in the home, but enjoys life most when it can perform the duties for which it was created. Its oft mentioned stand-offishness is a myth.
Health Problems: Relatively few, especially in working strains. Epilepsy, entropion, and hip dysplasia are conditions to be guarded against in some show lines and some auto-immune and allergy conditions have been identified in recent years in both working and show stock.
Special Interest: Young Pointer pups often start to point at just a few months of age, even with no training; it seems to be a natural instinct in this breed.
Classifications:
AKC: Group 1 - Sporting Dogs
CKC: Group 1 - Sporting Dogs
KC: Sporting - Gundog Group
FCI: Group 7
ANKC: Group 3 - Gundogs
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