English Pointer
Other name: The Pointer
Calm within their family group, the English Pointer is extremely energetic when working. They are hunting dogs, famous especially for their speed. They’re always sprinting when hunting, but are able to freeze like a statue. They make very good companion dogs: they’re very gentle, balanced and easy to train; they are sometimes a little shy with strangers. They devote true adoration to their owner.
Life expectancy |
The English Pointer has a life expectancy of between 12 and 14 years |
Temperament |
|
Size |
Medium
|
Adult size |
Female
Between 24 and 26 in
Male
Between 25 and 27 in
|
Adult weight |
Female
Between 44 and 66 lb
Male
Between 44 and 66 lb
|
Coat colour
Generally two-coloured, the coat can be lemon and white, orange and white, liver and white or black and white. They can also be single-colour or tricolour. |
Black White Brown |
Type of coat
The hair is very short. Both fine and quite hard to the touch, the hair is perfectly smooth, straight and shiny. |
Very short |
Eye colour
From hazel to brown, the colour of the eyes varies according to their coat. |
Brown
|
Purchase price |
The English Pointer costs between £560 and £800 |
Although this dog can make a very good companion dog, pay attention to the very high bloodlines selected for the job. An English Pointer with very strong unsolicited instincts can be very complicated to manage on a daily basis.
More details about the English Pointer
English Pointer: Origins and history
The Pointer is one of the most famous, widespread breeds in the world, but their origins remain uncertain. According to some authors, the English Pointer derives from the Italian Pointer, however, according to others, they come rather from the Braque de Burgos or the Portuguese Pointer. It is likely that the Pointer originated in France and that they went to England where their breeding continued and was perfected. The crossing with a Foxhound seems plausible.
FCI classification of the English Pointer
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Group 7 - Pointing Dogs
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Section 2 : British and Irish Pointers and Setters
English Pointer: Characteristics
English Pointer: Behaviour
Training a English Pointer
The Pointer is certainly one of the most docile hunting dogs. They have a very rare obedience so are very pleasant to work with.
Of course, training, as for all dogs, must begin early and respect the principles of positive education to create and strengthen a real relationship of trust between the dog and master.
English Pointer: Lifestyle
Breed compatibility English Pointer
English Pointer: Purchase price
The price of an English Pointer varies according to the origin, age and sex. A pedigree Pointer costs up to around £800.
Regarding the average budget to meet the needs of a dog of this size, it costs around £35 a month.
English Pointer: Shedding
Average
This dog loses his hair in a moderate way. Losses increase, however, during the two annual moulting periods, where brushing must be more frequent.
English Pointer: Grooming
This hardy dog does not need grooming. Only a few regular brushings are useful and especially upon return from great walks in the forest or hunting sessions.
Also, beware of their droopy ears, which are important to inspect and clean regularly to prevent infection.
Their fine coat sometimes does not protect them from brambles and other debris: their skin must also be given special attention.
English Pointer: Health
The life expectancy is estimated at around 13 years.
They are a very robust dog that suffers from no particular problem. However, the English Pointer is so impulsive during hunting that they sometimes get hurt.
This dog does not fear the heat, their perseverance and passion allow them to work without problem in any condition.
Their coat allows them to be very resistant to the weather.
This dog is far too active, enduring, lively and athletic to gain weight. They must keep a slender, athletic form.
- Ectropion / Entropion
- Dislocation of the lacrimal gland
- Epilepsy
- Hip dysplasia
- Cutaneous allergies