Pointer

Pointer dogs are tall, strong, and elegant animals known for their excellent sense of smell. They are often shown in art and history in their distinctive pose, where they stand with their tails up and their heads and front legs raised, signaling to their owners. Their sleek coats shine beautifully and are easy to care for, though their love for outdoor play may require frequent bathing. There are three main types of Pointer breeds: English Pointers, Italian Pointers (Bracco Italianos), and Spanish Pointers. The English Pointer is a medium-sized, athletic dog with a white coat featuring liver or lemon spots. The Bracco Italiano and Spanish Pointers, also called Perdiguero de Burgos, have coats that are either chestnut or white. All three breeds are loving, smart, and possess strong instincts.

Quick Info

Size
Large
Colours
Black, black and white, lemon, lemon and white, liver, liver and white, orange, orange and white. Pointers can also have black, liver, and self-colored points and ticked markings
Lifespan
12 to 17 years
Height
23 to 28 inches
Type
Pointer
Hypoallergenic
no
Weight
45 to 75 pounds
Family

Personality

Today, Pointers are mainly known as friendly pets. They are sweet, loving, and eager to be part of the family. When introduced correctly, they get along well with other dogs and cats, forming strong connections with their owners. They enjoy adventures, whether it’s a trip to the lake or a hike in the woods. Smart and sensitive, they don’t see many people as strangers, treating everyone they encounter as a friend. While they can be good watchdogs and will bark when someone comes to the door, they are not excessively loud.

History

The Pointer dog breed is named for its original role in hunting, where it would signal the location of game. The Italian Pointer is a very old breed that comes from dogs used in ancient Rome. These dogs were known for their flexibility, which helped them survive many changes over the years. The Spanish Pointer is probably nearly as ancient as the Bracco Italiano, but it has evolved differently to fit the land and weather of Spain. The English Pointer was created in the 1600s to serve the upper class.

Ideal Owner

When training Pointer dogs, having patience is essential. These dogs are intelligent, graceful, active, and full of energy, so their owners must meet their needs. They are not bothered by the weather, so be ready to be outdoors regardless of conditions. Homes without young kids or with older children are ideal for them.

Exercise Needs

Energetic Pointer dogs will always be drawn to free running. Their human partners should get quality running shoes to keep pace!

Space Requirements

Though they enjoy snuggling at their owner's feet, these dogs need plenty of exercise and should be allowed outside. Pointers are energetic and active, thriving on long walks and vigorous playtime each day. Having a safely fenced yard is a great solution for both the dog and the family.

Training

The Pointer breed is a clever and lively dog that aims to make its owners happy. Due to their background, they excel in scent activities and should be trained to come back when called, as they can easily lose focus and love to run freely in the forest.

Grooming

These nose experts require very little grooming. Pointers only need a brush when they are shedding, but it's important to check their coats often for any skin issues.

Suitability for Family Life

If you and your family enjoy putting on hiking boots, splashing in mud, and being outside for long periods, Pointer dogs would be a great choice for a family pet.

Did You know?

Pointers are among the oldest breeds of dogs known today. Evidence of them can be seen in ancient Egyptian tombs that date back 3,000 years, as well as in paintings from France and England created between the 17th and 19th centuries. The breed's name comes from their behavior; when they detect something for their owners, they stand still and “point” with their bodies. The Perdiguero de Burgos, also called the Spanish Pointer, is especially famous for its stamina. Bracco Italianos are recognized for their distinctive way of pointing when they catch a scent, often freezing in place and directing their nose toward it, usually with an eager and focused look. English Pointers were highly valued by both royalty and the upper class.

Similar Breeds

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Need to Know

Suitable for owners with some experience
Extra training required
Generally healthy breed
Enjoys vigorous walks
Large dog
Some drool
Requires grooming once a week
Quiet dog