The Pointer is instantly recognisable; they are bred to point and retrieve game for hunters. They are working dogs and, unless kept very active, may not be happy if kept indoors as a pet.
Working dogs need a lot of exercise and this guy is no different. They need plenty of exercise and playtime. They could make the perfect jogging partner, this is not a breed for couch potatoes, and you will need to be able to commit to long walks and endless games to keep them happy. This is not a suitable apartment dog.
They are incredibly active but are loving and sweet dogs. If you are looking for an active dog for your family or household, you may have found your perfect breed.
They love to be with you and the family, are fantastic with children, have boundless energy, and run around with kids all day in the garden. They do not cope well with being left alone and are prone to suffering from separation anxiety; they are not dogs for people who work full time.
They are excellent watchdogs and will sound alarm to let you know of any suspicious activities. They love strangers, just friends they haven’t met yet! If you are looking for a good guardian, you need to keep looking; this breed will likely lick them to death.
Remember a bored dog will usually become a mischievous dog, whether it be nuisance barking, chewing or digging. Try to make sure they are occupied with jobs, playtime or plenty of exercise to keep them out of trouble.
They are bred to be pack animals so, will generally be okay around other dogs. They should be OK with cats and small animals if brought up with them. Small animals and neighbourhood cats will have to watch out as the instinct to hunt are strong.
They are very intelligent and easy to train; like most breeds, identify their motivation reward early on for the best results. These are powerful dogs, you will need to establish yourself as the top dog early on, and then you will have a lovely well-trained companion for life.
They have low-maintenance short hair. They are moderate shedders, and weekly brushing will help keep it under control.
Pointer Stats
Hunting dogs were, without doubt, the earliest specialised canines known to man. In the Louvre in Paris, there hangs a painting by Jean Baptiste Oudry depicting a very handsome Pointer pointing a pheasant. The inscription on the painting tells us that this was a ‘Dog of the Field’ of Louis XV. The picture was done during the last half of the 17th or the first half of the 18th Century.
- Weight -18kg –25kg
- Size – 63cm – 70cm
- They live for 13-15 years