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
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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.
Temperament
Behaviour of the English Pointer
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Compatibility
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.
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.
Shedding
This dog loses his hair in a moderate way. Losses increase, however, during the two annual moulting periods, where brushing must be more frequent.
Nutrition of the English Pointer
The English Pointer is not a difficult dog to feed, they can be content with industrial rations (biscuits) or traditional (B.A.R.F or cooked meals).
The most important thing here is to consider the age, weight and daily activity of the dog so as not to under or over feed them.
A single meal a day can be enough, preferably in the evening to, on the one hand, avoid the stomach from flipping, and on the other hand to promote a better digestion.
If they’re a working dog, specific compositions for them exist, do not hesitate to discuss with a veterinarian to ensure that the dog has the best possible diet.
Health of the English Pointer
Life expectancy
The life expectancy is estimated at around 13 years.
Strong / robust
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.
Withstand heat
This dog does not fear the heat, their perseverance and passion allow them to work without problem in any condition.
Withstand cold
Their coat allows them to be very resistant to the weather.
Tendency to put on weight
This dog is far too active, enduring, lively and athletic to gain weight. They must keep a slender, athletic form.
Common illnesses
- Ectropion / Entropion
- Dislocation of the lacrimal gland
- Epilepsy
- Hip dysplasia
- Cutaneous allergies