English Pointer

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An English Pointer, often called simply a Pointer, is a breed of dog developed as a gun dog. It is one of several pointing breeds.

Contents

1 Appearance
2 Health
3 History
4 Temperament
5 Gallery
6 Miscellaneous
7 References
8 External links

Appearance

The standard colourings of the Pointer are liver, lemon, orange or black. These can be solid colours, or a combination of white with speckles (properly referred to as "ticking") and/or larger colored patches. Here are Pointer colors as described in the AKC breed standard: "Liver, lemon, black, orange; either in combination with white or solid-colored. A good Pointer cannot be a bad color. In the darker colors, the nose should be black or brown; in the lighter shades it may be lighter or flesh-colored."

Health

The average life span of a Pointer is 12 to 17 years.

Some known health problems that can occur in the breed include hip dysplasia, seizures, allergies.

History

Pointers were bred to work with hunters. In the past they were sometimes used in combination with a retriever, to point out the game for the hunter. Pointers were also used as falconer's dogs. As early as the 17th century, sportsmen used Pointers to locate hares and then Greyhounds to chase them.

The pointer came to be in the sixteenth and seventeenth century when pointing breeds including the Spanish pointer were brought from the European mainland to England. (Fergus, 2002). These dogs were bred with the local setting spaniels and foxhounds (Fergus, 2002). Pointers were brought to the United States where the breed flourished in the abundant open hunting land. At that time (late 1800's), the Setter was considered to be the bird hunting dog and pointers were not even permitted to compete in field trials with setters. Around 1910, however, the pointer began to beat the setter at its own game. The pointer has dominated the pointing breed field trials since that time. (Fergus, 2002).

One of the earliest dogs to exert influence on the breed in the US was a dog who imported from England in 1876 - "Sensation [link]." He is well known as the dog on the emblem of the Westminster Kennel Club.

One modern American kennel, established in 1936, and known for breeding large quantities of Pointers, Elhew Kennels [link] produced a popular and successful line of gundogs. Elhew pointers were well-known competitors at field trials for several decades.

In the southern United States, where the dog is so dominant it is often simple referred to as the "bird dog", Pointers are found in abundance. The bobwhite quail is the primary game bird there and is considered classic English Pointer game as the bobwhite will hold well for a pointing dog. Pointers also work game birds such as the pheasant, grouse, and woodcock with success as well.

Temperament

Pointers are even-tempered, congenial dogs happiest as part of the family. Their aggression level is very low to non-existent and they can happily co-exist with other dogs. Since they are a galloping breed, regular exercise is important for them, as it is for all sporting breeds.

Pointers are habitual "couch potatoes" who enjoy lounging on the family's chairs or sofas. This is a natural part of their desire to feel part of the pack.

Grooming English Pointers is not time-consuming. Their coat is very short and needs only a quick rub with a soft brush.

Gallery

Image:Lucy the Dog on the grass.JPG|A pointer rests on the grass. Image:Lucy.jpg|A domestic pointer rests in her home. Image:English pointer02.jpg|A portrait showing the breed's distinctive face Image:Portrait of Luce the dog.jpg|A pointer looks inquisitively across the yard.

Miscellaneous

The first Pointer was entered at the Westminster Kennel Club Show in 1877. Three Pointers have won "Best in Show" there, the first being Ch. Governor Moscow in 1925, second being Ch. Nancolleth Markable [link], and the most recent being Ch. Marjetta's National Acclaim in 1986.

References

Fergus, Charles. Gun Dog Breeds, A Guide to Spaniels, Retrievers, and Pointing Dogs, The Lyons Press, 2002. ISBN 1-58574-618-5

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