Learn More About English Pointer

Summary

The English Pointer is a breed of dog known for its stunning posture and elegant physique. They have a distinct, noble appearance with a lean and muscular body structure that reflects their incredible speed and endurance. Your eponymous “Show” or "Pointing" pose, in which they point at the game with an outstretched foreleg and a rigid posture, is world-famous. They belong to FCI Group 7, the group of pointing dogs. A distinction is often made between performance and show lines, with performance lines often being slimmer and more athletic and showing stronger hunting instincts, while show lines are bred more for aesthetic appearance.

Character

English Pointers are known for their friendly and even-tempered nature, which makes them good companion dogs. They are very people-oriented and build a close bond with their family. As active and energetic dogs, they need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. They love to play and romp around and are also very successful at various dog sports such as agility or flyball. However, with enough exercise, they can also be very calm and relaxed companions. In terms of the different lines, the English Pointer from the performance line often shows a stronger hunting instinct and more endurance, while the dogs from the show line tend to be calmer and show less hunting instinct. Nevertheless, all English Pointers should be well secured when not responding fenced areas, as their hunting instinct may lead them to pursue an interesting smell. They can learn to stay alone if they are trained to do so from an early age, but they are social and should not be left alone for long periods of time. When it comes to their alertness, English Pointers are not your typical watchdogs. They tend to be rather friendly and open towards strangers. However, they can keep a watchful eye on their territory and warn their family of potential threats. Their friendly and open nature makes them good family dogs and they can also get along well with other dogs and pets if properly socialized. Despite their hunting history, English Pointers are typically very good-natured and friendly dogs that go well with people of all ages. They are intelligent and capable of learning, which makes training easier. However, they are also known to be a bit stubborn at times, which requires patient and consistent training. They are very playful and love spending time outdoors, making them great companions for active people.

What to Expect

The Pointer is the ultimate expression of canine power and grace. The name of the breed is its job description: Pointers are pointers for game birds, and have been for centuries. The energetic Pointer makes an excellent companion for runners.

Care

English Pointers are suitable both as city dogs and for country life, provided they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. They are very family oriented and generally get along well with children. They also get along well with other dogs and can live with cats and other pets if properly socialized.

Training & Education

English Pointers are intelligent and willing to learn dogs that respond well to positive training. They are very active and are well suited to various dog sports such as agility or flyball. Because they were originally bred for hunting, they have a natural instinct to run and forage, which can be channeled into appropriate activities such as tracking or retrieving. It is important not to over-busy the English Pointer. Although they are active dogs, they also need periods of rest. Furthermore, English Pointers can become "ball junkies" Therefore, ball games should not take over and instead a balanced mix of different activities should be offered. Topics such as impulse control and frustration tolerance should not be neglected in education. English Pointers can sometimes be a bit stubborn, so consistent but loving training is important. It is also important to socialize the dog early and introduce him to a variety of people, animals and environments to promote a well-balanced and confident dog.

Nutrition & Grooming

English Pointers are active dogs that require a balanced diet to meet their energy needs. A mix of high-quality dry and wet food is ideal. When choosing food, you should pay attention to a sufficient supply of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. For puppies, it is particularly important to choose a food that is specifically designed for growth. Caring for the English Pointer is relatively straightforward. Their short coat has no undercoat and sheds very little. They cope well with the climate in Germany, but should be protected with a dog blanket in extremely cold temperatures.