Dog Breeds - Pointer

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
It's important to note that individual dogs within a breed can also vary in their affectionate behavior. Some breeds are naturally more inclined to form strong bonds with their owners or immediate family members often displaying loyalty and attachment primarily towards them. On the other hand, certain breeds tend to be more extroverted and social, readily showing affection to family members friends and even strangers they are familiar with.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The level of tolerance and patience a breed demonstrates towards children's behavior along with its overall family-friendly nature is an important aspect to consider. When it comes to interactions between dogs and young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs it is essential to ensure that dogs are always supervised.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
When considering the general friendliness of a breed towards other dogs, it's important to note that individual dogs may display varied levels of sociability and compatibility. While all interactions and introductions between dogs should be supervised certain breeds may have a greater inclination to get along with other dogs, both within their home environment and in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
Considering the amount of fur and hair a breed tends to leave behind is an important factor to consider. Breeds with high shedding tendencies will typically require more frequent brushing to manage the excess hair. Additionally, these breeds are more likely to trigger allergies in sensitive individuals making it crucial to be mindful of this factor. Moreover, due to their shedding these breeds may also require more consistent vacuuming and the use of lint-rollers to maintain a clean and fur-free environment.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The grooming needs of different breeds can vary significantly so it is essential to consider the frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming, and other coat maintenance tasks when selecting a breed. The amount of time, patience and budget you have available for grooming should also be taken into account.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
Taking into consideration a breed's tendency to drool is important, especially if you value cleanliness and prefer to avoid excessive slobber. Some breeds are more prone to drooling and they may leave ropes of slobber on your arm or cause big wet spots on your clothes. If you are a neat freak or have a strong aversion to slobber, it might be best to choose a breed that is known for minimal drooling. These breeds typically have less pronounced jowls or a tighter mouth structure reducing the amount of drool they produce.
COAT TYPE +
Smooth
COAT LENGTH +
Short

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
When considering a breed's behavior towards strangers, it's important to note that different breeds can exhibit various levels of friendliness or reserve. While some breeds may be more reserved or cautious around strangers regardless of the location others may be inherently friendly and open to meeting new people.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The level of enthusiasm for play can vary among different breeds, even as they grow beyond the puppy stage. While some breeds may retain their playful nature well into adulthood and continue to enjoy activities like tug-of-war or fetch others may become more content with leisurely activities or simply relaxing on the couch with their owners.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
The tendency of a breed to alert you about strangers can be an important factor to consider. Some breeds are more vigilant and alert when it comes to potential threats including unfamiliar people. They may have a natural instinct to react and notify their owners when they perceive something or someone as a potential danger. These breeds are typically more prone to barking or displaying other visible signs of alertness when they sense the presence of strangers. They may be attentive and responsive to any potential threat, whether it's the mailman, a visitor, or even a small animal outside.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability and ease with which a breed handles change can vary. Some breeds are more adaptable and flexible when it comes to changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules and other variations in day-to-day life. These breeds are typically more resilient and able to adjust to different environments and circumstances without much difficulty. Such adaptable breeds can handle changes more smoothly and may require less time to acclimate to new living conditions or routines. They tend to be more tolerant of changes in their surroundings and are generally better equipped to handle variations in their daily lives.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things can vary depending on the breed. Some breeds show a strong desire to please their owners and possess a natural inclination towards learning and following commands. They are often eager to engage in training sessions and strive to make their owners proud. These breeds tend to be more responsive and cooperative during training making the process relatively easier. They enjoy the mental stimulation that training provides and readily embrace new challenges and commands. Their inherent willingness to learn makes them highly trainable and adaptable to various training methods.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things are important aspects to consider. Certain breeds demonstrate a strong desire to make their owners proud and are generally receptive to training. Conversely, other breeds may have a more independent nature preferring to prioritize their own desires and act as they please regardless of commands or training efforts.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed requires can vary significantly. High-energy breeds are typically enthusiastic and always ready for their next adventure. These breeds thrive on physical activity and need regular exercise to expend their energy. They enjoy activities such as running, jumping, playing and engaging in interactive games. Providing them with plenty of exercise opportunities throughout the day is important to keep them content and prevent boredom.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
Providing adequate mental stimulation is essential for keeping a breed happy and healthy. Purpose-bred dogs, who have specific jobs or roles, often require mental challenges to fulfill their instincts and natural abilities. These breeds thrive on activities that involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and tasks that engage their cognitive abilities. Without sufficient mental exercise, these intelligent breeds may resort to creating their own ways to keep their minds occupied which may not align with the activities you would prefer. They may exhibit undesirable behaviors or engage in destructive actions as a means of compensating for the lack of mental stimulation.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

It's important to note that individual dogs within a breed can also vary in their affectionate behavior. Some breeds are naturally more inclined to form strong bonds with their owners or immediate family members often displaying loyalty and attachment primarily towards them. On the other hand, certain breeds tend to be more extroverted and social, readily showing affection to family members friends and even strangers they are familiar with.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The level of tolerance and patience a breed demonstrates towards children's behavior along with its overall family-friendly nature is an important aspect to consider. When it comes to interactions between dogs and young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs it is essential to ensure that dogs are always supervised.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

When considering the general friendliness of a breed towards other dogs, it's important to note that individual dogs may display varied levels of sociability and compatibility. While all interactions and introductions between dogs should be supervised certain breeds may have a greater inclination to get along with other dogs, both within their home environment and in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

Considering the amount of fur and hair a breed tends to leave behind is an important factor to consider. Breeds with high shedding tendencies will typically require more frequent brushing to manage the excess hair. Additionally, these breeds are more likely to trigger allergies in sensitive individuals making it crucial to be mindful of this factor. Moreover, due to their shedding these breeds may also require more consistent vacuuming and the use of lint-rollers to maintain a clean and fur-free environment.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The grooming needs of different breeds can vary significantly so it is essential to consider the frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming, and other coat maintenance tasks when selecting a breed. The amount of time, patience and budget you have available for grooming should also be taken into account.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

Taking into consideration a breed's tendency to drool is important, especially if you value cleanliness and prefer to avoid excessive slobber. Some breeds are more prone to drooling and they may leave ropes of slobber on your arm or cause big wet spots on your clothes. If you are a neat freak or have a strong aversion to slobber, it might be best to choose a breed that is known for minimal drooling. These breeds typically have less pronounced jowls or a tighter mouth structure reducing the amount of drool they produce.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Smooth

COAT SPECTRUM

Short

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

When considering a breed's behavior towards strangers, it's important to note that different breeds can exhibit various levels of friendliness or reserve. While some breeds may be more reserved or cautious around strangers regardless of the location others may be inherently friendly and open to meeting new people.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The level of enthusiasm for play can vary among different breeds, even as they grow beyond the puppy stage. While some breeds may retain their playful nature well into adulthood and continue to enjoy activities like tug-of-war or fetch others may become more content with leisurely activities or simply relaxing on the couch with their owners.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

The tendency of a breed to alert you about strangers can be an important factor to consider. Some breeds are more vigilant and alert when it comes to potential threats including unfamiliar people. They may have a natural instinct to react and notify their owners when they perceive something or someone as a potential danger. These breeds are typically more prone to barking or displaying other visible signs of alertness when they sense the presence of strangers. They may be attentive and responsive to any potential threat, whether it's the mailman, a visitor, or even a small animal outside.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability and ease with which a breed handles change can vary. Some breeds are more adaptable and flexible when it comes to changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules and other variations in day-to-day life. These breeds are typically more resilient and able to adjust to different environments and circumstances without much difficulty. Such adaptable breeds can handle changes more smoothly and may require less time to acclimate to new living conditions or routines. They tend to be more tolerant of changes in their surroundings and are generally better equipped to handle variations in their daily lives.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things can vary depending on the breed. Some breeds show a strong desire to please their owners and possess a natural inclination towards learning and following commands. They are often eager to engage in training sessions and strive to make their owners proud. These breeds tend to be more responsive and cooperative during training making the process relatively easier. They enjoy the mental stimulation that training provides and readily embrace new challenges and commands. Their inherent willingness to learn makes them highly trainable and adaptable to various training methods.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things are important aspects to consider. Certain breeds demonstrate a strong desire to make their owners proud and are generally receptive to training. Conversely, other breeds may have a more independent nature preferring to prioritize their own desires and act as they please regardless of commands or training efforts.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Medium

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

Providing adequate mental stimulation is essential for keeping a breed happy and healthy. Purpose-bred dogs, who have specific jobs or roles, often require mental challenges to fulfill their instincts and natural abilities. These breeds thrive on activities that involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and tasks that engage their cognitive abilities. Without sufficient mental exercise, these intelligent breeds may resort to creating their own ways to keep their minds occupied which may not align with the activities you would prefer. They may exhibit undesirable behaviors or engage in destructive actions as a means of compensating for the lack of mental stimulation.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Black & White	019
Lemon	114
Lemon & White	115
Liver	123
Liver & White	125
Orange	133
Orange & White	134
White	199
Black	007

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
Ticked	013
Black Points	019
Liver points	444
Self-colored points	445

About The Breed

The Pointer breed embodies the epitome of canine power and elegance. As indicated by its name, the Pointer's primary purpose is to point game birds, a role it has faithfully fulfilled for countless generations. With their abundance of energy, Pointers make excellent companions for runners, showcasing their athletic prowess alongside their human counterparts. Regarded as unquestioned aristocrats of the sporting world Pointers exude an air of pride and carry themselves with remarkable speed and agility. Their coat can manifest in various colors either solid or patterned. Devotees of the breed often proclaim that a good Pointer cannot be defined by a specific color. In terms of size a large male Pointer can reach an impressive height of 28 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 75 pounds. In contrast, a small female Pointer may weigh as little as 45 pounds and stand at a height of 23 inches. The combination of power, grace, and versatility makes the Pointer a remarkable breed cherished by enthusiasts and admired by all who appreciate its remarkable qualities.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A POINTER

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Pointer: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Pointers are known to be generally robust and healthy dogs, and reputable breeders take the necessary measures to screen their breeding stock for potential health issues like hip dysplasia and eye disorders. However, it's important for owners to be mindful of certain health concerns that can affect Pointers. One such condition is bloat which is a sudden and life-threatening stomach condition commonly observed in large and deep-chested dogs including Pointers. It is crucial for owners to educate themselves about the signs and symptoms of bloat and be prepared to take immediate action in case it occurs. Prompt veterinary attention is essential when dealing with this critical condition. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: Hip Evaluation Thyroid Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Grooming

	The Pointer boasts a short, dense, and lustrous coat that demands minimal maintenance. To keep the dog looking immaculate a gentle brushing session with a soft-bristle brush or a hound glove once a week is sufficient. This helps to eliminate dirt and loose hair that may accumulate. Regular inspection of the ears is crucial, and if necessary they should be cleaned using soft gauze and an ear-cleaning solution recommended by a veterinarian to maintain their cleanliness and health. Proper nail care is also essential for a Pointer. If the nails are not naturally worn down they should be trimmed regularly to prevent discomfort and ensure the dog's ease of movement during walking and running. By following these simple grooming practices, owners can help their Pointer maintain a well-groomed appearance and ensure their overall comfort and well-being. However, it's important to mention that individual grooming needs may vary so it's always helpful to consult a veterinarian or professional groomer for personalized advice based on the specific needs of your Pointer.

Exercise

	As an athletic and exuberant sporting breed, the Pointer thrives on an abundance of daily exercise to maintain optimal health and happiness. Engaging in regular physical activities is essential for this breed. Long daily walks and lively play sessions with their owners are excellent ways to fulfill their exercise needs. Providing a securely fenced yard where the Pointer can freely run and unleash their renowned endurance, which stems from their innate "hunt all day" instincts is highly beneficial. This allows them to burn off excess energy and ensures they remain content and relaxed when indoors serving as a more tranquil companion.

Training

	The Pointer is renowned for its friendly and well-balanced temperament, combined with a keen sense of alertness, making it an amiable and trainable companion in both field and home environments. The versatility of Pointers is truly remarkable. Many individuals in this breed have earned multiple titles before and after their names showcasing their ability to master their innate talents while embracing new skills with enthusiasm. Pointers have demonstrated exceptional aptitude not only in field activities but also in various other domains. They have excelled in service and therapy work providing invaluable support and companionship to those in need. Additionally, their remarkable abilities have been evident in search-and-rescue operations where their intelligence and determination shine through.

Nutrition

	To ensure the optimum health and well-being of a Pointer, it is essential to provide them with a high-quality dog food. This can either be a commercially manufactured dog food or a home-prepared diet with guidance and approval from a trusted veterinarian. The chosen diet should be appropriate for the dog's specific life stage, whether they are a puppy, adult or a senior. It's worth noting that Pointers can be prone to weight gain, so it is important to monitor their calorie intake and weight level. It is advisable to be mindful of portion sizes and avoid overfeeding to maintain a healthy body condition. Treats can be valuable for training purposes but it's crucial not to overindulge as excessive treat consumption can lead to obesity. Familiarize yourself with which human foods are safe for dogs and those that should be avoided to prevent any potential health risks. It's worth noting that Pointers can be prone to weight gain, so it is important to monitor their calorie intake and weight level. It is advisable to be mindful of portion sizes and avoid overfeeding to maintain a healthy body condition. Treats can be valuable for training purposes, but it's crucial not to overindulge as excessive treat consumption can lead to obesity. Familiarize yourself with which human foods are safe for dogs and those that should be avoided to prevent any potential health risks.

Historiography

The breed's name Pointer perfectly encapsulates its primary task they excel at pointing. This skill has been ingrained in them for centuries. In the past prior to the use of rifles British pointing dogs collaborated with coursing hounds to hunt hares. The Pointer's role was to locate and signal the presence of prey, while the hounds pursued the quarry. However, as wing-shooting gained popularity during the 1700s, the Pointer's role transitioned into that of an unwavering and resilient gundog. Today, when it comes to pointing and retrieving game birds Pointers are considered unrivaled by many. Devoted enthusiasts assert that no other dog performs these tasks with greater excellence.