what dogs are pointers

What are the different breeds of pointer dogs?

Types of Pointer Dogs

• Bohemian Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. The Bohemian is also called Cesky Fousek. ...
• Italian Griffon Pointer. ...
• German Shorthaired Pointer. ...
• Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer. ...
• English Pointer. ...
• Hungarian Pointer – Vizsla. ...
• Bracco Italiano. ...
• Old Spanish Pointer/Burgos pointing dog/Perdiguero de Burgos. ...
• Saint Germaine Pointer/Barque St. ...

What is the temperament of a pointer dog?

The character traits of the gentle dogs can be described as follows: English Pointers have an overall amiable, even temperament and are extremely loyal and devoted to their owners. They are obedient but not submissive. The English Pointer is first and foremost a hunting dog.

What is the best pointing dog breed?

The gorgeous German shorthaired pointer is the most popular bird dog in the American Kennel Club's registry, and its wirehaired and longhaired brethren are abundantly capable hunters. The English pointer, as mentioned, is perhaps the most celebrated pointing breed.

What breed of dog is pointer?

• Great with kids
• Superb hunters
• Highly intelligent
• Extremely active
• Versatile in the field
• Superior in field trials
• Low grooming needs
• Excellent for dog shows
• Not too many health issues

What breeds of dogs point?

The American Kennel Club places pointers into the "sporting class" of dogs. This group also includes spaniels, retrievers and setters. If you have noticed that your dog likes to point at things and does it frequently, his breed may be more naturally inclined to do this action.

Why are dogs called pointers?

The name pointer comes from the dog's instinct to point, by stopping and aiming its muzzle towards game. This demonstrates to the hunter the location of their quarry and allows them to move into gun range. Pointers were selectively bred from dogs who had abundant pointing and backing instinct.

How do you tell if your dog is a pointer?

The Pointer has a striking coat of liver (dark brown), black, orange, or lemon, with or without a white background. Some Pointers have light or heavy speckles — called ticking — on the white areas of their coat. Tricolor Pointers (white, plus two other colors) exist but aren't very common.

What is a pointer dog mixed with?

The Lab Pointer is a mixed breed dog — a cross between the Labrador Retriever and Pointer dog breeds. Energetic, loyal, and intelligent, these pups inherited some of the best qualities from both of their parents. Lab Pointers are also sometimes known as Pointerdors.

How many pointer breeds are there?

15 Pointer Dog Breeds – The Ultimate Guide to Pointer Dogs (Bird Dogs)English Setter.Irish Setter.Gordon Setter.English Pointer.Vizsla (Hungarian Pointer)German Short-haired Pointer.Brittany.Italian Spinone.More items...•

Are pointers loyal?

Pointers are dedicated and loyal dogs. They enjoy the company of children and generally get along with other pets. They can be reserved with strangers and should be thoroughly socialized. Pointers are protective of their homes.

Do pitbulls point?

Pitbulls often “point” when on the scent of prey, but it is not a trait enhanced through breeding, as it is in Pointing gundogs. Although all dogs can point, and their predatory instincts drive them to freeze when they are stalking or hunting something, it doesn't necessarily mean they have pointing genes in their DNA.

Are pointers easy to train?

Due to their high intelligence and history of being trained for hunting, Pointers are fairly easy to train, and can be quick learners.

What dog breeds lift their front paw?

The focused paw raise is common for hunting breeds like English Pointer, Beagle, English Spaniel, or Bloodhound. When the dog lifts their front leg, it means that they are fully focused on something and waiting for the perfect moment to start chasing the chosen object.

Do pointers make good pets?

A pointer from a working line, they may be too active and highly strung to make a good family pet. Some are strong willed and stubborn. Many pointers, however, are raised for show and dogs from these lines can make great family pets that are patient with children, good with other animals and calm within the home.

What type of breed is a pointer?

A pointer dog is a hunting or sporting dog breed that stops and points at small game that a hunter might not be able to see.

Are pointers related to hounds?

Among the breeds crossbred to create today's pointer were Foxhounds, Bloodhounds, Greyhounds, and setters—making it clear why they are often considered the quintessential hunting dog. As with many breeds, Pointers were favorites of aristocratic families before they were more widely embraced.

What is a pointer dog?

The English pointer is often referred to simply as a pointer . Although it has origins dating back to the 17th century, the breed took shape the following century. These dogs grew in popularity with the growth of the sport of shooting birds in flight in England.

What is the most popular pointer dog?

This dog is the most popular pointing pooch in the United States and is among the top 10 of the AKC's overall most popular breeds. GSPs are intelligent, eager to please, happy, and affectionate. They have webbed feet and a great love of water. The German wirehaired pointer is a close relative.

What are the characteristics of a pointer dog?

Breed Characteristics. Pointing breeds tend to be active, enthusiastic, intelligent, and eager to please. They often excel in tracking and nose work sports, and, invariably, they're skilled retrievers with a great love of water. A rigorous exercise routine is vital for these driven dogs.

What is an English pointer?

Nowadays, English pointers are known for being one of the most versatile, hard-working, and popular pointing breeds. They excel in field trials, but with their dynamism and ambition, they also do well in dog sports, including agility, canicross, and obedience. At home, English pointers are loving, loyal, and sweet-tempered.

What does it mean when a dog points?

If you're not familiar with the term "pointing," it describes a type of dog breed that tracks the scent of a prey item then instinctually freezes once it has located its quarry. The typical pointing position shows the dog's body stiffening, holding one paw up in the air, the tail points upwards, and the nose signals towards the scent.

What does it mean when a puppy is bored?

A bored pup tends to engage in destructive or mischievous behavior as an exciting activity when not given a regular, motivating exercise regimen. Here is more about the history and temperament of 10 popular pointing breeds. 01 of 10.

Where did the Italian pointer originate?

Also known as the Italian pointer, you can trace the bracco Italiano roots or "Italian hound" back to the 5th century. They are one of Europe's oldest pointers. In the early 20th century, a dedicated breeding program helped revive their numbers using two bracco varieties, one from Italy's Piedmont region and the other from the Lombardy region.

What is a pointer dog?

Pointing dogs, sometimes called bird dogs, have been around for nearly four centuries. And for most of that time they’ve been a go-to breed for hunters all around the world. As such, the pointer-types retain their hunting instincts developed in the past.

What dog breeds are known for their pointing?

Some of these dog breeds also work as retrievers and gun dogs, but are known for their pointing roles. 1. English Setter. Highlights: Sociable, Willfull, Even-tempered. Though the English setter is generally gentle and methodical, it does display a bit of a mischievous side from time to time.

What is an English pointer?

English Pointer. Highlights: Clean, Loyal, Even-Tempered. Sometimes shortened simply to “Pointer,” the English Pointer stands out from the setter trio with its short, dense coat. Even though this breed can be rather large, they can still make for well-behaved dogs indoors due to their congenial nature.

What is a German pointer?

The German Wirehaired Pointer is truly a multi-purpose bird dog with lots of skills. Though they’re similar to their popular cousin, the German Shorthaired Pointer, they’re a bit different physically. The GWP is slightly bigger and taller, with more muscles and agility.

What is the heaviest setter?

The heaviest of the setter breeds, the Gordon Setter is less known than its Irish and English cousins. But when it comes to energy and intelligence, this dog more than matches up to other pointing dogs.

What breed of dog is the Irish Setter?

The second up in the group of setters from the British Isles is the Irish Setter. Perhaps the most mild of the setter breeds, the Irish Setter would never make for a good watch dog.

How tall is a small munsterlander?

The first, obviously, is its size. Even though it is called “small,” the Small Munsterlander can still reach a height of about 21 inches.

What is a pointer dog?

The pointer dog is a powerful yet graceful dog breed, with a very clear job: to point. The hardworking, even-tempered breed has a centuries-long history of pointing game birds. High-energy pointers are capable of great speed and agility, making them a perfect companion for runners, cyclists, or anyone who is athletic.

Why is my pointer dog happiest?

The breed is happiest when they’re in the middle of the action and always wants to be wherever their family is . Thanks to its need to always be alert in the field, the pointer can also make for an adept watchdog.

What medal did Judy the English Pointer receive?

Judy the English Pointer receives a Dickin Medal. She was the only dog to be registered as a Second World War Prisoner of War. Topical Press Agency/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

When were pointers first introduced?

In 1878, pointers were one of the first nine breeds registered in America. Pointers were recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) when it was founded in 1884. Judy the English Pointer receives a Dickin Medal. She was the only dog to be registered as a Second World War Prisoner of War.

Why are pointers important?

Before the development of guns, the pointer’s role was just as important, as birds were netted rather than shot.

What is a pointer's shape?

The pointer’s shape is instantly recognizable; both its long head and finely pointed tail help do their job of pointing game for the hunter. A pointer will stand tall and still with one foot off the ground to point the hunter in the right direction.

Can a pointer be destructive?

When not given the opportunity to burn off some of their energy and never-ending endurance, a pointer will not be as calm and content in the home and could potentially become destructive, particularly if left alone for long periods of time. The pointer’s short coat keeps grooming simple.

What is a pointer dog?

standard. Dog ( domestic dog) The Pointer, sometimes called the English Pointer, is a medium-sized breed of pointing dog developed in England. Pointers are used to find game for hunters, and are considered by gundog enthusiasts to be one of the finest breeds of its type; however, unlike most other pointing breeds, its purpose is to point, ...

What breeds of dogs were crossed with pointers?

A compendium of sources state that in England early Pointers were crossed with other breeds to impart certain desirable traits, including setters, bloodhounds and foxhounds, with some mention of Bull Terriers and bulldogs.

What is the difference between a pointer and a gundog?

As with many British gundog breeds, stark differences have emerged between Pointers bred for the purpose of field work and those bred for conformation shows which accent certain features of the breed, such as narrower chests, exaggerated facial features, straighter shoulders, a less natural movement and less muscle than those bred for use as gundogs.

How long do pointers live?

Health. The Pointer is considered a generally healthy breed with a life expectancy of 13–14 years, The Kennel Club does not recommend any genetic or screening tests be conducted for the breed.

Why is the pointer the most popular dog?

Many writers consider the Pointer to be the ultimate pointing dog breed because of its sensitive nose, big stylish movements and flashy pointing stance. The Pointer is the most popular pointing dog breed used by sporting estates in the United Kingdom and commercial shooting preserves in the United States, they are also the most popular ...

Why is a pointer called a bird dog?

Etymology. The Pointer takes its name from the stance it adopts when it detects the scent of game, "pointing" at the hidden game as a visible signal to the hunter that it has found something and where it is; the breed is sometimes called the English Pointer to differentiate it from other pointing dog breeds. The term "bird dog" is usually used ...

When hunting, the Pointer quarters in front of the hunter systematically with its head high scenting the air?

When hunting, the Pointer quarters in front of the hunter systematically with its head high scenting the air upwind, when a dog detects hidden game it halts suddenly with its nose pointing to the game so the hunter can prepare to shoot, when ready the hunter commands the pointer to flush the game to be shot.

What is a pointer dog?

English pointers (or simply "pointers," as they are recognized by the AKC) are gun dogs named for the characteristic pose they assume when they catch the scent of game. They stand motionless with head lowered and the nose pointed toward the game; the tail held horizontally, in line with the head and back. One leg is raised and bent at the wrist. The direction the dog points guides the hunter to the game.

Why is the English Pointer considered a dog?

An independent, stubborn and strong-willed dog, the English Pointer is considered a dog best suited for the country because its need for exercise and boundless energy.

Why do dogs need exercise?

Even those who make good family pets still need lots of exercise, because they tend to have boundless energy. Without adequate exercise, they are likely to become unhappy and destructive. Obedience training from a young age is recommended since they can be strong willed.

How much does an English pointer weigh?

English pointers grow to about 23 to 28 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 45 to 75 pounds (20 to 33 kilograms).

What color is a pointer?

The pointer's coat is short and smooth. Most often it is white with patches of lemon, black, liver or orange; the coat can also be solid in one of these colors. Some pointers are tricolor.

When were pointers used?

Pointers were used in Europe as far back as the 1600s to locate hare, which were then chased by greyhounds. By the next century, pointers became the preferred dog of hunters and proved to be skilled at pointing and tracking. Pointers are known for being hard workers with great speed and endurance as well as exceptional scenting ability.

Is a pointer dog a watchdog?

They are not considered watchdogs, but will warn their guardians if strangers approach.

1. English Pointers

Typically, when people talk about Pointers, this is the breed they’re referring to. The reason they’re called “English” Pointers is because their ancestry dates back to England in the 17 th century (well, that, and because they bark with a British accent).

2. English Setter

These are svelte, lanky animals, with a long coat that’s speckled in what’s known as a “Belton” pattern. Their hair is silky and feathers at the tail and legs, and the coat they have as puppies is often a poor indicator of how they’ll look as adults.

3. Irish Setter

If English Setters originated in England, where do you think Irish Setters come from? If you said Japan, you need to work on your context clues. These dogs started off as regular English Setters, but by 1845, people began to recognize that the Setters from Ireland tended to have red or chestnut coats.

4. Irish Red and White Setter

These actually predate regular Irish Setters, but they weren’t really considered a distinct breed until the completely-red Setters became all the rage in the mid-19 th century.

5. Gordon Setter

We now round out our tour of the United Kingdom with a stop in Scotland, where these black-and-tan pooches originated in the 19 th century. These are the biggest of the Pointer breeds, weighing up to 80 pounds (so think twice before making fun of their kilts). Be careful when feeding them, though, as they can be vulnerable to bloat.

Overview

History

Etymology

Description

Popularity and use in field sports

Health

See also