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Pointer Puppies
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English Pointer, Pointer
The Pointer originated in England, where it was used to find hare and then freeze in a point (an immovable position to indicate location of game for the hunter). The ancestors of Pointer include hounds, spaniels, and setters. The Pointer is highly regarded for its stamina and courage. It is a powerful dog standing 23 to 27 inches and weighing up to 75 pounds. Pointers are reserved with strangers, but usually get along with children and household animals.
The exact place of origin of the Pointer is not known, but most authorities agree that it was developed in Spain, France and Belgium about three hundred years ago.  But it was the English who developed the Pointer we know today. The first Pointers were used to locate and point hares, after which Greyhounds were brought in for the chase and the kill. At the start of the 18th century the Pointer became the gun dog of England.
Generally recognized as the best bird-finding dog in the world, the Pointer is intelligent, affectionate and loyal to his owner, but reserved with strangers. This is a fast, big running dog, well suited to the hunter on horseback. He is untiring and obedient in the field and has an exceptional nose. When hunting, it sniffs the air, head held high, and explores the territory systematically, until its fine nose detects hidden prey. It then rapidly slows to a halt, pointing like an arrow at the spot, allowing the hunters to approach, flush the game and shoot. It is a canine specialist - finding and indicating the presence of the game, but not flushing, killing or retrieving it.
Pointer Breed Outline
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Country of Origin: | Great Britain |
FCI Classification:
| Group 7 - Pointing Dogs; British and Irish Pointers and Setters, Pointer (with working trial) |
| Utilization: |
Pointing dog |
| AKC Classification: |
Sporting Group |
| Personality: | Intelligent, energetic, athletic and very loyal to their owners. They require a lot of personal attention and truly suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for more than 4 hours. Pointers are wary of strangers and make good watchdogs. |
| Size Category: | Large |
| Height: | 24-27 inches at shoulders |
| Colors: |
Usual colors are lemon and white, orange and white, liver and white, and black and white. Self (solid) colors and tricolors are also correct. |
| Other Names: | English Pointer |
| Average Litter Size: | 5 |
| Life Span: | 9-15 years |
| Grooming Requirements: |
Basic grooming needs weekly brushing and regular ear cleaning. |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Social skills: |
Pointers are peaceful dogs and get along with other animals, birds and dogs very well, but can chase cats. |
| Suitability for Children: | The Pointer has a stable temperament and is dependable with children of all ages. |
| Exercise Needs: | High. Pointers are not apartment dogs and they need a lot of room to vent their energy. A fenced yard where they can run freely will be an ideal living environment |
| Train Ability: | Pointers are versatile and highly trainable dogs. They have been used for conformation (show ring), obedience, field trials, agility, search and rescue, bomb detection, and as therapy dogs. They can be stubborn sometimes and slow to house break, but training must be approached in a gentle way. |
| Health & Behavior Issues: | This is a relatively healthy breed. The most common ailments include hip dysplasia, arthritis, and cataracts. |
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