HOME › FIND A BREED › BREED INFORMATION › BREED DETAILS

Pointer

Background

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 painting was done during the last half of the 17th or the first half of the 18th Century.

The English Pointer is believed be derived from both the French and Spanish pointers, breeds that date back to the 18th Century. The Pointer has now evolved into a specialised field dog; one that hesitates and points out the position of the hidden game before flushing it.

Breed Personality, Characteristics & Temperment

The Pointer is known for its keen intelligence and even, biddable temperament, which makes it a congenial companion both in the home and in the field. Members of this breed are alert and handsome and this is characterised by its unique dished-face appearance. Possessing an ability to point as a true, fixed genetic characteristic, the Pointer is a hard driving gundog in the field as well as a loyal and dignified companion.

Compatibility With Other Pets

The Pointer will live happily with all members of the household. Even hens and other birds are okay if familiarised with them early in life. It will display natural curiosity to wild birds and will point all around the back yard when they are present. It is inclined to be submissive towards other dogs on initial contact and will assess the situation from there. They are not an aggressive dog and will avoid conflict wherever possible.

Care Requirements

It is a low maintenance breed, the short coat needing little more than regular brushing. When the Pointer gets muddy or dirty most will fall off the coat when they dry. They do have a seasonal molt and brushing with a rubber mitt will remove most of the unwanted hair. The Pointer has pendant (dropped) ears which need to be kept clean and checked regularly for any ear infections.

It will live happily in the house with a small back yard providing they get some regular exercise to keep them in good shape and to run off any excess energy. They love to play and will fetch balls and toys willingly.

Please take note:
In the field the working Pointer is the master of gundogs. It lives in harmony with its natural environment, but in our modern society there are restrictions that need to be placed on the dog. Basic obedience training is a necessity and the Pointer is good at it. It is vitally important that the Pointer is socialised regardless of whether it is to be a companion or working dog.

Conclusion

If you have decided that the Pointer is the dog for you and you realise that this is truly a companion dog, then contact one of the groups listed below:

Breeders

State	Contact	Breeder
NT	Lesley Cameron	Gaelforce	Contact
WA	Dianna and Brian Wannell	Silvagun	Contact
QLD	Tracey Sharpe	Ndolge	Contact
QLD	Hayley Winter	Wintacove	Contact
VIC	Steve and Jackie Wraith	Beautelle	Contact
ACT	Tabatha Buckley	Daykeyne	Contact
VIC	Linda Evans	Krikka Kennels	Contact
QLD	Bruce Cornish	ricochez	Contact
VIC	Wendy Watts	Legacee	Contact
WA	Anne Whitehead	wahrelegende	Contact
VIC	Wesley Bryant	AITEWAN	Contact
SA	Des Delaine	Turnix	Contact
NSW	Kerry De Stefano	Pivotal	Contact
NSW	Graham Cruse	Monterrez	Contact
SA	Hollie and Ben Clarke	Zensu	Contact
VIC	Alicia Lumsden	Aspyre	Contact
NSW	Sandra McGrath	Sanmarlitch	Contact

Height:

Weight:

Lifespan: Pointers can live up to 15 years of age.

Ideal Owners: Pointers are ideal for the person who wants an excellent family companion or working gundog or for showing, obedience or agility. They are a soft-tempered dog and not for someone who believes in heavy-handed discipline.