Sporting dogs are known to be excellent hunters — and at the top of the list is the classic Pointer dog breed. Considered to be a wide-ranging hunter, the Pointer is able to run for hours on end, while showing off its excellent bird hunting skills.
Like most sporting
dogs, the Pointer absolutely must have plenty of daily exercise.
These dogs are instinctively on the never-ending hunt for birds, even
inside the house! Because of this genetic hunting trait, the dog can
become a bit distracted by everyday matters. But don’t get too
sidetracked by the high energy output of this lovable canine –
Pointer dogs are just as gentle and kind as they are vigorous.
A Brief History Of
The Pointer
History tells us
that the earliest Pointer dogs were used sometime during the 17th
century. However, they were not used to point birds, but instead to
point hare, which, once pointed, the hunters would release Greyhound
dogs to pursue the hunt.
During the 18th
century, wing-shooting became popular and it was this hunting
activity that the Pointer found it’s talent as an excellent bird
locator. Any hunter who trained the ideal Pointer would have his dog
find game, respond to its location, and remain perfectly still until
the hunter could aim in for the shot.
The early Pointer
dogs were reported to have many different blood types that made up
their genetic make-up. Such examples include mixes from Bloodhounds,
Foxhounds, older setting spaniels, and Greyhounds.
Today’s Pointer
is the inherent mix of the older Spanish Pointers and Italian
Pointers. Soon enough recreational hunting on large land properties
became the most popular use of these dogs. The ideal hunting
situation would have two Pointers used to locate a bird so that the
hunter could cross-reference the canines’ points. This strategy was
very successful.
Upkeep Requirements
For The Pointer
The first
consideration to keep in mind if you want to own one of these amazing
animals is that Pointer dogs need an abundance of daily exercise. In
fact, they top the list of breeds that need to run and play, day in
and day out.
If your lifestyle
is one that does not have lots of outside activities, or if you live
in a small apartment, then Pointers are not the breed for you. The
ideal home situation for the Pointer to be happy is one that offers
the dog time to hunt outside, even on its own, so that it can enjoy
running and scouring the woods for small prey.
Never expect this
dog to sit in the house all day. Even one day of inactivity can cause
a Pointer to become destructive. The best set up is to have a large
open space for the Pointer to play in during the day while sleeping
inside at night with the family.
Health Concerns For
The Pointer
Healthy Pointer
dogs can have an average life span of up to fifteen years, with most
living between twelve and fourteen years. Major health concerns to
watch out for include entropion with minor issues including
hypothyroidism and CHD. Pointer dogs may occasionally show signs of
deafness and cataracts but these health problems are rare.
Veterinarians suggest testing Pointer dogs for potential eye, hip,
and thyroid problems.
History
It is thought that
Pointers hail from Spain, and they came to England at the culmination
of the War of Spanish Succession, when British Army officers
transported them home. Italian Pointers were also brought to England.
These are the breeds that were bred with the Spanish Pointer: Italian
Pointer, Bloodhounds, Greyhounds, Foxhounds, and Bull Terriers.
During the 17th
century, hunters used the archaic flintlock gun. This meant that the
dog had to locate the game, point out its position, and watch it,
while the hunter prepared to shoot. Actually, two Pointers were
utilized to find the game and to supply a cross reference of the
game’s location. The first pointers came to England, when shooting
flying birds wasn’t in vogue. After the game had been flushed by
the Pointers, then Retrievers were used to bring the game to the
hunter.
Pointers were in
the U.S.A. in the middle of the 19th century. The Westminster Kennel
Club was started in the 1870′s; its main purpose was to improve the
Pointer. The Pointer Club UK was established in 1960. The AKC
recognized the Pointer in 1884. Pointer clubs have been
established in Bulgaria, Poland, Canada, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and
other countries.
General Looks
The features that
mark off the Pointer are the tail, paws, and head. The skull is about
as wide as the muzzle. There is a bit of a furrow between the eyes.
The tail is thicker at the base and tampers off. The paws are oval
shaped, the toes are arched and close together, with good padding,
which is deep.
The Pointer is big,
with a sleek coat, and taunt muscles.
Is This Your Breed?
The Pointer needs a
lot of exercise, otherwise, he may be destructive. This is a breed
for an active owner. He gets along well with people and other
animals. He has a sweet nature. He takes months to housebreak. His
coat needs minimum care.
Coat
The coat is short,
thick, and shiny.
Color
The colors are
liver, lemon, black, and orange. It can be a combo of a color and
white or a solid coat.
Locomotion
The hindquarters
drives powerfully. The movement is smooth. The tail moves back and
forth in pace with the gait.
Personality
Pointers are
faithful, smart, friendly, affectionate, and clean. He likes kids.
The Pointer is sometimes reserved, but congenial with strangers. He
is kind and sensitive. He enthusiastic about hunting. It takes
sufficient exercise for him to be calm at home. He is adaptable to
changing situations.
The Pointer needs a
strong minded owner so he won’t be timid or nervous or act willful,
thinking you need leadership. The trainer needs to be patient, and
give treats and praise to get a good response. This breed can be
stubborn.
