English Pointer

Breed Description

In the Middle Ages, no dog breeder in Britain kept records of their dogs’ matings. Breeders were primarily interested in specific characteristics. Therefore, we can only speculate about the ancestors of the English Pointer.

Farmers and peasant hunters used terriers and foxhounds for hunting game without weapons. However, those in high society always wanted something special, exquisite, and unique in their kennels. Thus, sighthounds and pointing dogs became quite popular among the upper classes at that time.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, officers returning from the Netherlands introduced Spanish Pointers (a type of pointing dog) to the Foggy Albion. The name translates to “pointer” or “indicator” in Russian. Hunting dogs freeze in a characteristic stance, raising one paw and elongating their bodies toward the target.

Since then, hunting for hares and foxes became much more exciting: Pointers indicated the game, while packs of Beagles, Lurchers, or Foxhounds chased it down. All this could happen without a single shot fired. To create the English version of the breed, Spanish pointing dogs were mixed with some local breeds, resulting in the prototype of the first English Pointer.

It inherited the best traits from the Spanish hound, then the genes of the fastest Foxhounds were added, along with the agility of setters and the strength of bulldogs. Thus, the breed formation lasted nearly a hundred years, and in the 18th century, sighthound blood was incorporated. The image of the English Pointer was finalized only at the very end of the 19th century.

The modern English Pointer has completely unique external characteristics. Moreover, these hunting dogs are represented in several types, which mainly differ in specific exterior traits. The working qualities of the Pointer are very high, regardless of their type.Notably, the most famous kennels breeding Pointers in England can be found in Devonshire. In Braunfels, Germany, English “pointers” were bred during the time of Prince Solms. The U.S. saw the first representative of the breed around 1878. American audiences loved the dogs from Foggy Albion so much that the breed was recognized shortly after, in 1884.To this day, dog breeders appreciate these dogs for their hunting instincts, which can begin to manifest at a very young age, starting from two months.

Appearance

If the Bull Terrier is a troublemaker and the Irish Terrier is a rural pub hooligan, then the Pointer is an aesthetic and aristocrat from high society. The smooth lines of its elegant body clearly indicate that such an animal is not meant for an ordinary owner. It’s like a luxury car in a garage.

The “English Pointer” always stands out in a pack of dogs. When it freezes in a point upon sensing game, you can see everything that makes it beloved in every corner of the world.

It is a fairly large hunting dog, known for its high speed and excellent upper scenting ability (a special skill to detect the animal itself rather than its tracks on the ground). Its movements are light and graceful. An adult male ideally can reach 69 cm at the withers, while a female is noticeably shorter, around 61 cm. The average lifespan is between 12 to 17 years, and their weight typically does not exceed 30 kg.

A sporty, well-toned body allows for swift movement across marshy, hilly terrains. However, they do find it more challenging in the woods than in open terrain, where they significantly outpace other pointing breeds in speed when searching for game.

Their energy and bravery accompany them during hunts or competitions, while some sluggishness prevails during rest or at home.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The skull between the ears is flat. Its size is quite large but proportional to the snout. It is not overly wide, and a groove runs down the middle, dividing it into two halves. A noticeable bump on the back of the head is prominent, and the brow ridges are well developed. The transition to the snout is very clearly visible.

Морда

Practically the same size as the skull. The width (thickness) of the forehead is about 1/3 smaller. An interesting fact: the bridge of the nose may be slightly upturned. The standard indicates small hollows under the eyes. When viewed from the side, it is quite wide and blunt at the tip of a large nostril.

Уши

They hang down and fit fairly snugly against the cheeks, which allows for a judgment of their average size. They are thin and rounded in shape, but there is a barely noticeable point at the bottom. It cannot be claimed that they are positioned high. They feel suede-like, with a slightly silky texture.

Глаза

Medium-sized. Usually in various shades of nut, with the color of the iris depending on the dog's coat. Generally, lighter-coated dogs have lighter eyes. They are not protruding, look straight, and do not squint. The brow ridges are very prominent. The gaze is attentive, intelligent, and refined.

Зубы

Strong jaws, with robust teeth and a correct or scissor-like bite. They grow perpendicularly, with the upper canines overlapping the lower ones. It is noted that the lower jaw is slightly shorter than the upper one, although the standard does not specifically mention this feature.

Корпус

Rather short body. The chest is strong but dry, noticeably lowered between the front legs. The ribs have a good curve. The back is strong and straight. The loin is muscular, wide, and shortened, with a slight curve. The croup is slightly lower than the withers.

Конечности

The front limbs have strong bones and are slightly oval. The tendons are clearly visible. The shoulders are quite drawn back, sloping and straight. The shoulder blades are elongated and noticeably inclined. The hind legs are very well-developed, strong, with muscular, dry thighs. The knee angle is distinctly expressed, and the shins are long. The toes are arched. The structure of the hind paws allows for powerful propulsion during movement.

Хвост

Not very long, rather of medium size, but quite thick at the base and sharply tapering towards the end. It never curls into a loop and stays straight. It is noted that during movement, it sways from side to side. In one of the kennels in the UK, the tails of their pointers are compared to a bee sting.

Шерсть

Glossy, very short, quite stiff but not bristly, and perfectly fitting to the body. The straight hairs are evenly distributed one to one. The structure of the coat highlights all the dog’s virtues, emphasizing the musculature and tendons of the pointer.

Окрас

Various combinations of lemon, white, liver (all shades of brown), white, orange, and black are possible and approved. Bicolor patterns are the most common, but tricolor is also allowed. Solid-colored pointers look very stylish.

Character

How beautiful these dogs are, so loyal they are as well. They equally love not only their owner but also their surroundings, which they consider their own. Especially if these people have been around the dog since its earliest days.

Energetic during walks and at work, lively in competitions, dogs with a lifted nose can be quite laid-back at home. However, this doesn’t happen very often. And if there are children in the house, one can confidently say that they will “bond” with them.

However, their fun should be supervised to avoid property damage. The dog’s activity level and size are quite high, so they can easily knock over chairs during play. Pointers make poor babysitters.

To maintain all their positive traits, the dog needs to run a lot every day. One can’t forget for a second that excitement is in the blood of these dogs, and they desperately need to stay in shape. Their developed intelligence allows them to quickly learn new commands. Moreover, they enjoy being active. But when they catch a scent of prey, they might forget everything else, giving in to instinct.

The “aristocrat” is very expressive during hunting. In showing affection to their owner, they are unobtrusive and tactful: they might approach and gently touch a paw, asking to be petted. Once they receive affection, the dog will calmly attend to other matters but will not seek more attention.

The dog is very trainable and quite compliant in upbringing. They are always full of energy. This is evident on the dog park – generally, the tail-wagging crowd greets them joyfully. Fights involving them hardly ever occur.When strangers appear, there will be no aggression; this is a true gentleman. At most, there will be a loud bark to announce the approach of an unfamiliar face.One can also note some bad habits. These tend to surface particularly strongly if left alone for extended periods. Since the pointer is a pack dog, it constantly needs close companionship. A solitary dog can be quite troublesome; it might damage furniture or shoes if it feels neglected.Interestingly, people often buy a pair of such puppies so that they always have someone to spend time with.Coexistence with other animals in the home is quite possible. It doesn’t matter who is nearby, even a cat; their friendship can be fairly strong. However, they won’t get along with birds. Given this fact, caution is necessary during walks, and it’s wise to purchase a collar with a GPS tracker to monitor the dog’s whereabouts if they chase after a passing magpie.

Care and Maintenance

Even a large city apartment is not the best place for a pointer. An English aristocrat needs a spacious country home with an equally large plot of land. This breed is a true scenting machine. Therefore, it can be confidently said that an English pointer makes a wonderful gift for a wealthy hunting enthusiast.

Keeping such an animal is a pleasure. The most important aspect is walking. The more time the dog spends outside, the better it will be for both its physical and mental health.

The friendly nature allows the owner to keep other animals, including small rodents and guinea pigs, alongside it. However, there is a problem with birds-they are definitely seen as prey and will always be hunted. If you have chickens, ducks, or geese, you must keep a close watch on their safety. A fence higher than 2 meters can serve as protection, as a standard fence won’t deter a pointer.

The short but very beautiful coat does not have an undercoat and is quite easy to care for. It should be wiped down with rubberized cloths or special gloves 2 to 3 times a week to remove dead hair. Of course, this “coat” does not require grooming.

Nails should be trimmed about twice a month. However, a more accurate schedule for this procedure comes with experience, as the rate of nail growth varies for each dog. The pulp in the center of the nail contains nerve endings and can be damaged if the nail is cut too short. Therefore, it’s best not to shorten it by more than one-third. It’s essential to get the dog accustomed to nail trimming from the first months of its life. This way, it will be comfortable standing still while the “pedicure” is completed.

A quick daily inspection of the eyes can be done after walks. During the examination, the owner should pay attention to the cleanliness of the iris and the absence of cloudy discharge in the corners. After sleeping, there may occasionally be minor eye crusts that can be easily removed with a finger, and they are not a cause for concern. However, if such discharges become frequent, it’s better to visit a veterinary clinic for an examination.The nose is a pointer’s tool. A moist and cool nose is normal and indicates that the animal is healthy. If there are cloudy, yellowish, or greenish discharges from the nostrils, a vet visit cannot be delayed.Dental care can be more complicated than it seems if you don’t start brushing teeth when the dog is still a puppy. An adult dog simply will not tolerate having a brush with toothpaste shoved into its mouth. Thus, patiently brushing your pet’s teeth twice a week with gentle pressure is essential. A pointer should always look perfect. To prevent tartar buildup, you can buy a chew bone, which also helps with yellow plaque. However, brushing also massages the dog’s gums.Ears should be cleaned about once a week. Cott

Training and Education

Everyone who has dealt with a pointer believes that its training abilities are similar to those of other dogs. However, initially, puppies need to be raised as family pets before developing their hunting skills. The very first steps involve learning their name, their place in the home, and a set of basic commands.

Every owner must remember that a wonderful hunting companion can only emerge from a well-behaved and trained household dog. A disciplined puppy will undoubtedly behave the same way during hunting. A spoiled dog is unlikely to assist in the work process and will probably struggle to understand its owner and the tasks at hunting grounds.

Naturally, a leader, but not a tyrant, should be present alongside an English Pointer. From a young age, the owner must show that they are in charge and consistently ensure that commands are followed. Every successful repetition should be rewarded. However, it is unwise to engage for too long. There is also no need to shout or hit the dog; tyranny will meet with fierce resistance. An aristocratic dog can become a spiteful creature, seeking revenge on its owner and becoming completely unbalanced.

In cases where the dog owner does not know how to train and educate their pet, it is recommended to seek help from a kennel club and take a course in obedience training and other programs.

When interacting with your dog, it’s best to maintain a balance: one cannot give in too much, but strictness and demands should also not be excessive. The very first commands are “Come!”, “No!”, “Place!”, after which one can complicate the exercises by adding “Heel!”, “Forward!”, “Okay!”, “Play!” and so on. Always take not just treats but also toys for dogs during walks. These can help quickly teach the command “Fetch!” which will come in handy during hunting or sport competitions. Additionally, from the very first walks, ensure that the puppy does not pull on the leash, but learns to walk next to you, as it is not just any dog but a “Pointer.”

At training stations, canine instructors will prepare the pointer for hunting. Naturally, prior training is required, during which the puppy learns to come when called without hesitation and to follow commands from a distance. Zoonika brings together certified organizations that offer puppies with excellent pedigrees.

How to Choose a Puppy

When selecting a hunting dog, a good pedigree is extremely important. More often than not, dogs with unstable mental states or hidden genetic defects are sold through advertisements or at bird markets. Buying from unregistered sources carries a huge risk of ending up with a mixed breed.

English pointers are typically purchased with careful consideration, thoroughly selecting a kennel. There aren’t many in Russia, but there’s no need to rush. It’s crucial that the kennel is officially registered.

During a visit, carefully examine the living conditions and all documents that the breeder presents. Ask them to draft a sales contract that outlines all risks and responsibilities of both parties in case hidden diseases are discovered. The mother of the puppies should meet the standard, show no aggression, and her behavior should closely align with the “pointer” temperament description.

Often, such dogs are bought in pairs. Look for puppies with clean coats, playful, non-aggressive, and with healthy joints. Pay particular attention to their eyes, the insides of their ears, and their noses – there should be no discharge. The tip of the nose should be cool and moist.

It’s also important to consider that a low price for a puppy does not indicate the breeder’s generosity, but rather signals potential issues with the puppy’s mental health or physical well-being. There is a wide selection of breeds available at Zooinika with documentation and pedigrees.

Health and Diseases

The breed’s health is quite robust. Caring owners can help their pets live longer by ensuring timely vaccinations and deworming.

Of course, animals can get sick. However, it doesn’t make sense to list all possible ailments, so let’s focus on the predisposition to a number of diseases, including genetic ones.

Pointers can have joint issues such as hip dysplasia. Unfortunately, a hereditary form of the disease exists. To avoid purchasing a puppy with such a genetic defect, screenings are conducted. In Russia, this is not mandatory. However, in some serious kennels, breeders conduct tests on their own. Besides the hereditary form, there’s also an acquired version-when a puppy is mishandled. For example, it is strongly recommended not to allow them to jump off the couch or go down stairs until they reach 6 to 8 months of age.

Some skin problems often arise from improper nutrition or as an irritation to various grooming products or anti-tick treatments.

Epilepsy, congenital cataracts, and endocrine system issues are genetic defects to which the English Pointer is predisposed. However, this does not mean the dog will necessarily suffer from them.