bespeaking both staying power and dash. Here is an animal whose every movement shows him to be a wide-awake, hard-driving hunting dog possessing stamina, courage, and the desire to go. And in his expression are the loyalty and devotion of a true friend of man.
Temperament
The Pointer's even temperament and alert good sense make him a congenial companion both in the field and in the home. He should be dignified and should never show timidity toward man or dog.
Balance and Size
Balance and over-all symmetry are more important in the Pointer than size. A smooth, balanced dog is to be more desired than a dog with strongly contrasting good points and faults. Hound or terrier characteristics are most undesirable. Because a sporting dog must have both endurance and power, great variations in size are undesirable, the desirable height and weight being within the following limits:
Dogs: Height -- 25-28 inches
Weight -- 55-75 pounds
Bitches: Height -- 23-26 inches
Weight -- 44-65 pounds
Other names:English Pointer.
Breed Classification Pointers belong to the gundog group and are used as companions, as field sports dogs and in the show-ring.
Lifespan:9 - 15 years. Pointers will live 13 to 14 years.
Size Category:Medium
Common Ailments
Skin - Mange - Demodectic
Bones (Developmental) - Hip dysplasia
Eye - Entropion
Eye - Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Ruptures/Hernias - Umbilical hernia
Neurotoxin Osteopathy
Degeneration of the Spinal Cord
Gout
Susceptibility To Illness:Low
Intelligence
Pointers are intelligent and therefore learn reasonably quickly. Because of their sensitive natures, training should be done with kindness and rewards. They do not like to be dominated.
Country Of Origin:England
Energy Level:Medium
Overall Exercise
> 2 hours per day.
Because they are primarily field sports dogs, they need plenty of exercise. After puppyhood, free galloping is a necessity on a regular basis. Care must be taken when allowing them off the lead as they are hunting dogs and, as such, will gallop off on their own. They do need a good-sized garden which is well enclosed with a fence of at 1 1/2 to 2 metres high as they can and will jump.
Compatibility With Other Animals and Suitable For Children: High
Coat Length: Short/Smooth
Grooming Requirement: Once a week
Trimming: None
Colour
Pointers come in lemon and white, orange and white, liver and white and black and white. Self colours and tricolours are also seen.
