Height: 23-28 inches
Weight: 45-75 lbs.
Life Span: 12-14 yrs.
Breed Group: Sporting Dogs
Overview
Pointers are hard-driving hunting dogs known for their stamina, courage,
and single-minded impulse to find birds and are bred primarily for field
work. Pointers bred for show may be calmer than those bred for hunting,
but both still require a lot of exercise and space.
They are reserved but get along well with children and animals. Although
they can be stubborn, they do respond to firm and patient obedience training.
They may bark occasionally when a stranger comes to the door, but they are
by no means guard dogs or watchdogs.
Appearance
The coat is short, dense, and smooth with a sheen. Coat color is liver,
lemon, black, or orange, usually in combination with white.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
The pointer needs only a quick weekly brushing. The pointer's enormous energy
must be channeled into productive work, such as agility trials or other
dog sports. It needs a lot of exercise -- long jogs and romps in secured
areas.
Origins
The pointer probably originated in the Middle Ages in England, where it
was used to find hare and then freeze in a point (an immovable stance to
indicate location of game) for the hunter.
Special Alerts
The pointer is not suitable for city or apartment living.
Breed-related health concerns: entropion, cataracts, progressive
retinal atrophy, deafness, umbilical hernia.
Reference: AKC - American Kennel Club |
