English Pointer as Hunting Bird Dog
Four breeds went into the development of the English Pointer: the Foxhound, Bloodhound, Greyhound, and English Bull Terrier. According to the most credible hypothesis, the Pointer was developed two centuries ago by crossing among the Italian Pointer, the Foxhound, the Bloodhound, the Greyhound, the Newfoundland, the Setter, and the Bulldog. This is an almost unbelievable mix, but it certainly has produced an outstanding result. The modern Pointer has existed for about eighty years. The Pointer is named for the motionless stance the dog assumes once he has found game. The direction of the point tells the hunter where the game is hiding. The first recorded mentions of the Pointer in England date from around 1650, when the Pointer was used to find hare for the Greyhound to hunt. By the early 1700's the Pointer became the dog of choice. The standard colourings of an English Pointer are liver, lemon, orange or black. These can be solid colours, or a combination white Speckles, and patches are also acceptable. Black and white pointers are sometimes confused with Dalmatians. Dalmatians have a great number of small spots, whereas Pointers have a few large spots. The Pointer, also known as the English Pointer, is powerful, graceful and aristocratic. It carries its head proudly. The pointer has an alert expression and a well-muscled, athletic body. The nose is set higher than the rest of the muzzle. The stop is well-defined. Its upper lip is full but not slack. The eyes are hazel or chestnut depending on the color of the coat. The medium-sized ears are pendant and somewhat pointed. The teeth should form a level or scissors bite. The neck is long. The tail is straight and tapered and is never docked. The feet are oval. Dewclaw removal on the front legs is optional. The short, sleek, shiny coat comes in primarily white, but may be liver, lemon, black or orange, either solid, patched or speckled. Tri-colored is also permitted. The nose should be the same color as the marking on the coat. An energetic and enthusiastic hunter. Some can be high-strung. They tend to be a bit willful, distractible and reserved with strangers. Hunting instincts develop early. Puppies, even at eight weeks old, often display pointing behavior.
Height: Dogs 55-62cm. Bitches 54-60cm. Weight: 20-30kg.
Prone to hip dysplasia, thyroid and dwarfism. Also skin conditions. The Pointer is renowned for his scenting prowess. He works very quickly, covering a lot of ground. The Pointer is particularly good on upland birds, but adapts well to other game. The breed has excellent endurance in warm weather, but is not suited to very cold conditions. Working best on land he is not very comfortable in water. He has a legendary tracking and pointing skills, but is not usually expected to retrieve game. A competitive dog, the Pointer still dominates Pointing Field Trials over all other pointing breeds.
