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An English Pointer is an independent and strong-willed dog. Bred to point small games such as rabbits and birds, it's fun-loving and energetic. The English Pointer adopts its pointing stance upon catching the scent of its prey. Athletic, Muscular and Graceful, the Pointer is ever alert and ready. They have high energy levels and the endurance to match. Named after its ability to freeze and point out game with it amazing scenting ability.
Originally bred to spring game from the undergrowth, they are versatile field dogs. As such, they also excel in many areas such as show ring, obedience, and agility. While English Pointers were originally bred for hunting, they make loving members of active families.
History of the English Pointer
The English Pointer actually originated in Europe during the 1600s. Portuguese and Spanish huntsmen widely used them to alert them to the scent of prey. They also used them for raising game from the undergrowth, allowing greyhounds to move in for the kill.
The early English Pointers were much heavier, and hunters preferred them for their tendency to point. It's believed that English officers brought the Pointers back from the Netherlands in 1713. This is after participating in the Spanish Succession. At the time, the Netherlands was under Spanish control.
On arrival to the UK, breeders decided to refine the English Pointer dog bred. Their mission was to produce an athletic, lean dog. They hoped to breed the:
Scenting ability of the Bloodhound
Speed, elegance, and grace of the Greyhound
Well-developed rib cage and easy maintenance of the Foxhound.
They (UK breeders) crossbred the English Pointer with Foxhounds, Greyhounds, and Bloodhounds. The result was a dog with sensory awareness and stamina, making the English Pointer a versatile hunting companion.
They later crossbred with Setters to improve the temperament. At the time, Setters were ferocious. After successfully breeding the Pointers, they became a favorite for many aristocrats in England.
The most famous English Pointers are Juno and Pluto, owned by Colonel Thorton. It's said they held a point in a covey of partridges for an hour or more.
In the early 20th century, people began exporting English Pointers throughout Europe. This led to the replacement of the less developed bloodlines found in Europe at the time. Upon founding the American Kennel Club in 1844, the English Pointer was one of the first breeds to receive recognition in 1879.
Brought to the States in the late 1800s, this breed is primarily used for hunting upland birds, but can be adapted to hunt other game.
The bird of choice for most Pointer owners is the Bobwhite Quail, which is perfectly suited to the Pointers ability, because the Bobwhite would rather hold than flush. Other upland birds for which the Pointer is well suited is the Pheasant, Grouse and Woodcock.
Since it was permitted to complete in field trails in the early 1900s, the Pointer has dominated the pointing breed class. The American Field Field Trail Hall of Fame list 97 Pointers out of a total of 138 dogs.
One of the most notable American Kennels was formed by Robert Wehle in 1936. Robert Wehle named his kennel Elhew Kennels, which is his name spelled backwards. He formed the kennel at the age of 15 after receiving a female Pointer named Jem of Fern, as a gift from his dad. Whele breed Jem of Fern to a English Pointer named Frank of Sunnylawn, which produced the first Elhew prefixed dog named Elhew Midge. Elhew Kennels high standards and long range breeding program have made the Elhew pointers one of the most desirable Pointers available today and is a well known name at field trail events across America.
The American Pointer Club was founded in 1938. Today, the English Pointer is currently ranked 103 among breeds registered by the American Kennel Club.
English Pointer Appearance
The English Pointer stands 1 foot 11 inches to 2 feet, 4 inches at the shoulders, and weighs 45 to 75 pounds. As the Cadillac of dogs, the English Pointer has a chiseled appearance with the ears set on eye level. When the ears are naturally hanging, they reach below the lower jaw. At the tip, they should be somewhat pointed with little or no folding.
The eyes are dark, round, intense, and of ample size, while the neck is long, slightly arched, and muscular. Its back is solid and strong, with a slight rise from the top of the shoulders to the croup. The loins are powerful and slightly arched.
Straight and with oval bone, the forequarters are muscular with pasterns of moderate length. Its elbows are under the withers and well let down while the chest is deep and not wide. As such, it does not hinder the free movement of the forelegs.
Like the forelegs, the hindquarters are powerful and muscular. The thighs are well developed and long with well-bent stifles. An English Pointer's coat is dense, short but smooth with a sheen. It comes in liver, black, orange, lemon, or with a combination of solid color or white. If the English Pointer's coat is dark-colored, the nose should be brown or black. If its coat has a lighter shed, the nose should be flesh-colored or lighter.
When it comes to grooming, do it once a week. Use a soft bristle brush to remove loose hair and dirt. You should also check for skin infection, rashes and sores. Don't forget to inspect the ears regularly and have them cleaned with an ear cleaning solution and soft gauze. Nails need trimming as long ones cause discomfort as the dog runs or walks.
English Pointer Health and Training
Generally, the English Pointer is a healthy dog. But like other deep-chested dogs, they experience bloat. This is a life-threatening stomach condition for dogs. It affects dogs in the prime of their life. Also called a twisted stomach, this condition can lead to a life-threatening emergency. There are no home remedies.
Symptoms of bloat include:
Retching
Restlessness
Salivation
Enlargement of the dog's abdomen
Pain
The cause of this condition is unknown, but it typically develops when a dog consumes a large amount of water or meal. Besides bloat, the following conditions are common in the breed:
Cerebellar Ataxia
Demodicosis
Acral Sensory Neuropathy
Cataract
Epilepsy
Entropion
Neuromuscular Atrophy
Pannus
Portosystemic Shunt
Panosteitis
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Pemphigus Foliaceous
If buying an English Pointer, make sure the dog passes the following health tests:
Thyroid Evaluation
Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Hip Evaluation
The English Pointer has an even temperament and good sense, making it easy to train at home and in the field. As intelligent dogs, you can train an English Pointer to the highest standard. We recommend positive reinforcement.
You can give them a task to complete and reward them. Being very alert to sounds and scents, they can be easily distracted. For maintaining attention and focus on their handler, reward your English Pointer.
Unless your Pointer is hunting, you must tie him with a leash or keep him in a fenced yard. This is because its capable of scaling and jumping considerable heights if the English Pointer see anything that moves.
Around children and other family members, an English Pointer is protective. It will protect your child and even play along with them. If you plan on getting an English Pointer for your family, make sure to train him how to approach children. No matter how friendly an English Pointer is, it may hurt your child accidentally.
English Pointers are versatile hunting dogs that are super active and athletic. As such, they need plenty of exercises. So, if you're an active family that loves hiking and other outdoor activities, an English Pointer is a great companion for you.
Remember, always be positive towards your English Pointer and create a good environment for him to feel safe around you and your family.
