Pointer – A Bird Hunting Dogs Series

Many consider the pointer to be the quintessential upland pointing dog

Original purpose

According to the breed parent club, the American Pointer Club, British army officers brought pointing dogs home after the War of Spanish Succession in the early 1700s. In Great Britain, the breed was developed to stand game for both bird and small game hunters. While its ancestors are believed to be a mixture of the Spanish pointer with foxhounds, greyhounds and bloodhounds, the English pointer has “paid it forward” by being used to develop or enhance many subsequent breeds such as the German Shorthaired Pointer, Vizsla, and Braque D’Auvergne.

The breed’s original designation of “English pointer,” still used by the UKC, has been changed to “pointer” which is used by the AKC, NAVHDA, and the American Pointer Club.

Hunting style and temperament

Flat-out, hard-running athleticism paints the word picture to describe a pointer’s hunting style. Until the dog stops. When the dog is on point, elegance and arrogance take over, punctuated by the iconic staunch tail that seems to pierce the sky. Pointers are generally not natural retrievers, although they certainly can be taught to retrieve. In the horseback field trial world, where speed and distance determine the crown, pointers are royalty. As hunters, they can do it all but are best geared for big country and wide range hunting such as Idaho chukar, Alaska ptarmigan, or Texas quail. They tolerate hot weather well.

Pointers have a reputation for being aloof and independent, but those that are socialized with the family from an early age will snuggle like a pro. This is a very energetic breed that needs exercise. Their notable intelligence can make them stubborn and mischievous.

Traits important to hunters

Size

Weight 55-75 males, 45-65 females. Height  23-28”.

Coat

Short, tight, with low to moderate seasonal shedding.

Maturity

Pointers are precocious and have sight and scent pointing at an early puppy age.

Health risks

No major risks are inherent in the breed other than those broadly associated with large breed sporting dogs. Epilepsy has appeared.

Finding a good breeder

Along with kennels breeding the celebrated Elhew pointer line, there are many fine pointer breeders in the country. Fortunately, pointers have not been darlings of the show ring or top of the home companion list. This means that the odds of finding excellent hunting lines in a variety of hunting regions is quite good. The best advice is to seek a breeder who lives and hunts where you plan to hunt. Responsible breeders should provide test information on hip and elbow dysplasia, von Willebrand disease, and eye certification.