English Pointer
Other names: 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.
Key facts about the 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 breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 7 - Pointing Dogs
Section
Section 2 : British and Irish Pointers and Setters
Physical characteristics of the English Pointer
Adult size
Female : Between 24 and 26 in
Male : Between 25 and 27 in
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.
Type of coat
The hair is very short.
Both fine and quite hard to the touch, the hair is perfectly smooth, straight and shiny.
Eye colour
From hazel to brown, the colour of the eyes varies according to their coat.
Description
The English Pointer is a medium-sized dog with a square shaped torso; each part offers both great power and extreme ease in movements. The head has convergent skull-face axes; the length of the skull is equal to that of the muzzle. The muzzle is square, with a raised nose; the stop is very marked. The eyes are big and round. The ears droop down; are supple, thin, almost triangular and flat. The neck is elegant, arched, sharp, long and slight. The limbs are well developed and muscular, perfectly level. The tail is wide at the base and thins towards the end, which is very fine.
Good to know
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.