Pointer
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 Description:
The Pointer is a sporting dog which is athletic,
alert, well balanced and graceful. While
there is no definitive answer regarding
exactly how the today's Pointer came to
be, we know the first Pointers appeared
in England around 1650. Additionally, it
is strongly believed the Pointer's ancestors
originated in Spain. There are somewhat
different claims as to which other breeds
contributed to the Pointer - one includes
the Greyhound, Foxhound, and Bloodhound
crossed with a type of setting spaniel.
There are also claims that the Italian Pointer,
Setter, Bulldog and Newfoundland all contributed.
The Pointer is a courageous dog with great
stamina as well as tracking and pointing
abilities. The breed was initially used
to locate and point hare for Greyhounds
who would then hunt the game. However, the
Pointer became very popular in the 18th
century as a bird spotter. He would locate
the prey and stand motionless until the
hunter was able to take aim and shoot.
The Pointer has been in the United States
since the 1800s - possibly arriving at or
around the time of the Civil War. In the
1870s, The Westminster Kennel Club was formed
and one of the earliest Pointer imports
named Sensation became their club logo which
is still being used today.
Height:
The desirable height range for male Pointers
is between 25-28 inches (63.5 - 71.1 cm)
and for bitches, between 23 - 26 inches
(58.4 - 66cm) - according to AKC standard.
In addition, the AKC Standard notes that
the Pointer's "overall balance and
symmetry" are of more importance than
size. This is true for most country's breed
standards.
Weight:
The weight for a male Pointer should be
between 55 - 75 pounds (25 - 34.1 kg) and
for bitches between 44 - 65 pounds (20 -
29.5 kg) - AKC Standard.
Coat Type:
The Pointer's coat is very short, smooth
and should have a shine. Coat grooming is
easy - all that's needed is regular brushing
and bathing only when necessary. Note: you
can even clean the coat by rubbing it with
a towel which will help remove dead hairs
as well as add sheen.
Color:
The color of the Pointer's coat can be black,
lemon, liver or orange. Any of these colors
can be solid - or in combination with white.
Temperament:
The Pointer is active, intelligent and adaptable.
He is loyal and devoted making him a wonderful
companion. Pointers also do very well with
children, however younger children should
be supervised, just so that unintentional
injuries do not occur. The Pointer thrives
when he part of his family. He is much happier
left in the home as opposed to outside when
his owner or family is away. Pointers generally
get along with other dogs and pets, but
must be socialized starting at a young age.
The owner of a Pointer must always display
leadership skills so that his dog understands
his master is in charge. Daily exercise
for your Pointer is a must - this breed
enjoys jogging, long walks and even some
enjoy swimming. While the Pointer is an
active breed, he also enjoys lazing around
the house.
Health Concerns:
Overall, the Pointer is a healthy
breed with a life expectancy of 12 to 17
years. Some health issues known to affect
the Pointer include allergies, epilepsy,
cherry eye and hip dysplasia. Additional
issues which have been noted are deafness
and cataracts.
Special Interest:
• The Pointer has exceptional pointing
and tracking abilities.
• The Pointer's natural instincts
to hunt are present as young as two months
of age.
• The Pointer is known to be a couch
potato!
Classifications:
AKC: Sporting Group
ANKC: Gundogs Group 3
CKC: Sporting Dogs Group 1
FCI: Group 7 Section 2 British and Irish
Pointers and Setters
KC: Gundog
NZKC: Gundogs
UKC: Gun Dog
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