English Pointer – Characteristics, Facts, and Information about Pointers

English Pointer Overview

The English Pointer, often referred to as only “pointer”, is a true athlete. Pointers are bred to hunt. They absolutely love hunting, and will make a wonderful pet for anyone who loves chasing upland birds. Expect most Pointers to be extremely friendly, and possess incredibly high energy levels. You must be willing to work these dogs long and hard to burn off their steam, and avoid negative behaviors like inappropriate barking, digging, or chewing. From the short pointed tail to the long head, the Pointer a relatively big dog that is very easy to recognize.

Want to stop dog barking? See video of the best humane anti-barking tool on the market.

Today, we’re reviewing anything and everything about the English Pointer. We’ll go over facts, characteristics, and other information to help you learn more about Pointers, one of America’s most prized hunting dogs.

Pointer Stats

Height: 1’11 to 2’4

Weight: 40 to 75 pounds

Life Span: 12-15 years

Colors: Black, White, Lemon, Liver, Orange (with a variety of acceptable combinations and markings)

Litter Size: 4-10 puppies

Strengths: Stamina, Courage, Friendliness, Grooming Ease, Hunting Instinct

Weaknesses: High Exercise Requirements, Cold Weather Wimp

English Pointer History

While there is some debate around the origin of English Pointers, records suggest the presence of Pointers in England as early as 1650. While the breed was truly refined in England, it is believed the dog’s deepest roots are in Spain.

READ: 9 Tips to Pick the Perfect Hunting Puppy

Dog breeds believed to be somewhat responsible for today’s English Pointer are the Greyhound, Foxhound, Bloodhound, and Bull Terrier. The AKC recognized the pointer in 1884.

English Pointer Jobs

English pointers are capable of fulfilling a variety of roles, but as expected, they are most at home in the field with shotguns and birds. Here are a few of the positions where you’ll likely find a Pointer employed.

Pointers as Upland Bird Hunting Dogs

A Pointer will love nothing more than to chase pheasants or grouse all day long. Often called “the Cadillac of hunting dogs,” their energy level is top-notch. Thanks to great instincts, they are relatively easy to train. They’ll point well, run hard, and retrieve faithfully.

Pointers as Waterfowl Hunters

Waterfowl hunters considering a hunting dog may have better options than the Pointer. Some owners have great luck with pointers retrieving ducks out of a pond. Others say, despite hard training, their pointer just doesn’t take to waterfowl hunting well. Also, consider your climate. Pointers won’t handle cold weather as well as thicker-coated competitors like the lab. If you do want to use a Pointer to hunt waterfowl, get them in the water early and often.

Looking for a waterfowl dog? Check out: Labrador Retrievers: Characteristics, Facts, and Information about Labs.

Pointers as Family Companions

Pointers typically have friendly personalities and are great with kids. The whole family will love this dog breed. Kids will enjoy having a companion that won’t tire out before they do. As long as you are willing to give the dog plenty of room to run, play, and burn off energy, the Pointer will make a great companion for your family.

Pointers as Running Companions

If you’re a hard core runner, a Pointer will be eager to join you (and make you feel out of shape). This dog loves running, and is incredibly good at it. English Pointers are typically good with a variety of strangers, making for friendly encounters with other people on running trails.

Pointer Fun Facts

• Before guns, Pointers were still used to hunt birds. The hunter would throw a net over the dog and pointed spot to catch the bird.
• English Pointers were originally used to hunt rabbits in combination with greyhounds. After the Pointer pointed, a Greyhound would pursue the prey.
• Pointers were one of the first 8 breeds registered in the US.
• This breed can display hunting instinct as early as 2 months of age!

If you want a dog that’s good at pointing, it makes sense to get a dog with “pointer” in the name. The English Pointer is not only a great pointer, it’s a wonderful companion that loves being a part of the family. Especially if you’re an upland bird hunter, you have to give the English Pointer consideration.

Have you ever owned a Pointer? Tell us about it in the comments below!