English Pointer
The aristocrat of pointing dogs, bred purely for finding and pointing birds
Breed Origins
The Pointer, often called the English Pointer to distinguish from other pointing breeds, traces its origins to 17th century England. The breed was developed from Spanish Pointers brought to England around 1713, following the War of Spanish Succession. English breeders refined these heavier Spanish dogs by crossing them with Foxhounds, Greyhounds, and Bloodhounds to create a faster, more athletic hunting companion.
By the mid-1700s, the English Pointer had evolved into the breed we recognize today—a lean, powerful athlete built for speed and endurance. The breed was specifically developed for bird hunting before the advent of wing shooting, originally used with nets and falcons. As shotguns became the primary hunting tool in the 18th century, the Pointer's exceptional ability to locate and freeze on birds made it the premier upland hunting dog.
The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1884, making it one of the original AKC breeds. The Pointer has maintained its position as the ultimate bird dog, valued for its unmatched speed, range, and pointing instinct.
Development as a Hunting Dog
The Pointer was bred with a singular purpose: finding and pointing game birds. Unlike versatile breeds developed to perform multiple tasks, the Pointer was refined over centuries to be the ultimate specialist in locating birds. English sportsmen prioritized speed, range, and an intense, stylish point over retrieving ability.
The breed's development emphasized several key traits: a wide-ranging search pattern to cover vast acreage, exceptional scenting ability to locate birds from great distances, and an intense, rock-solid point that holds until the hunter arrives. The characteristic "Pointer pose"—with one foreleg raised and body rigid—became the iconic image of bird hunting.
American field trial enthusiasts further refined the breed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, developing dogs with even greater range and speed suited to the expansive bird fields of the American South. Today's Pointer is considered by many field trialers to be the pinnacle of bird dog performance.
Historical Timeline
First pointing dogs appear in English sporting art
Spanish Pointers brought to England after the war
Westminster Kennel Club's first Best in Show was a Pointer
AKC recognition as founding breed
Physical Characteristics
Size
Males: 25-28 inches at shoulder, 55-75 lbs. Females: 23-26 inches, 45-65 lbs. Built for speed with a lean, muscular frame.
Coat
Short, dense, smooth coat that lies close to the body. The coat is low-maintenance and provides adequate protection in moderate weather while allowing the dog to run without overheating.
Colors
Liver, lemon, black, or orange—either solid or in combination with white. Most commonly seen in liver and white or lemon and white patterns with ticking or large patches.
Build
Athletic and racy, designed for speed and endurance. Long head with pronounced stop, large nostrils for scenting, and dark, intelligent eyes. Deep chest for lung capacity and long, straight legs.
Breed Standard Highlights
- Head: Long and aristocratic with a well-defined stop; skull and muzzle of equal length
- Expression: Alert and intelligent with soft, round eyes in shades that harmonize with coat color
- Body: Well-balanced with strong back, muscular loins, and slightly arched over the loin
- Tail: Carried level with back, tapered and held straight when on point
- Movement: Smooth, powerful gait covering ground efficiently with drive from hindquarters
The Classic Point
The Pointer's iconic stance—frozen in place with one foreleg raised, body tense, tail extended, nose locked on game—is considered the gold standard for bird dogs. This pose is so characteristic that it became the symbol for many hunting organizations and appears in countless works of sporting art.
Personality
The English Pointer possesses a noble, dignified temperament combined with boundless energy and enthusiasm for work. In the field, Pointers are intense and driven, capable of running for hours in pursuit of birds. At home, they transform into affectionate, even-tempered companions who form deep bonds with their families.
These dogs are known for their intelligence and sensitivity. They respond poorly to harsh training methods but thrive with patient, consistent guidance. A well-bred Pointer is neither aggressive nor timid—they possess quiet confidence and good manners that made them favorites in aristocratic English households.
Pointers have a strong prey drive but are generally friendly with other dogs. Their hunting instinct is so deeply ingrained that puppies often point instinctively from just a few weeks of age.
Family Compatibility
Pointers make wonderful family dogs for active households that can meet their substantial exercise needs. They are patient and gentle with children, forming protective bonds with family members. Their even temperament makes them trustworthy around kids of all ages.
However, this is emphatically not an apartment dog. Pointers need significant daily exercise and do best with a large, fenced yard. Without adequate physical and mental stimulation, they can become destructive or develop behavioral issues.
Excellent—patient, gentle, and protective
Generally good, especially when raised together
Needs space and a yard; not suited for apartments
Training Approach
Pointers are intelligent and eager to please, but they are also independent thinkers bred to work at a distance from their handlers. Training requires patience, consistency, and an understanding of the breed's sensitive nature. Harsh corrections can shut down a Pointer, while positive reinforcement brings out their best.
Early socialization is crucial. Expose puppies to various people, places, and situations to develop confidence. Basic obedience should start young, with particular emphasis on recall—essential for a breed that can cover miles when hunting.
The Pointer's intense prey drive means reliable recall training is paramount. Many owners use e-collars as a safety tool once the dog understands the command, as Pointers can become so focused on scent that they may not hear verbal commands at distance.
Field Training
Field training a Pointer is an exercise in refinement rather than teaching—the pointing instinct is largely innate. Most well-bred Pointers will point naturally; training focuses on developing their range, steadiness, and responsiveness to handler commands.
Introduction to Birds (8-16 weeks)
Introduce to bird scent early using planted quail or pigeons. Let instinct develop without pressure.
Developing Range (4-12 months)
Allow the dog to run and hunt freely while establishing basic obedience and recall.
Steadiness Training (12-24 months)
Teach steady to wing and shot. This is where Pointers excel—holding point through flush and gunfire.
Finished Work (2+ years)
Polish handling, backing, and response to whistle/hand signals at range.
Common Health Issues
The English Pointer is generally a healthy, hardy breed with relatively few genetic health problems compared to many purebred dogs. Their working heritage has kept the gene pool relatively healthy.
Hip Dysplasia
Moderate occurrence in the breed. OFA or PennHIP evaluation recommended for breeding dogs.
Hypothyroidism
Can occur in middle-aged dogs. Manageable with daily medication once diagnosed.
Entropion
Eyelid condition where the lid rolls inward. Surgical correction is usually successful.
Cataracts
Can develop with age. Annual eye exams recommended.
Lifespan & Genetics
The English Pointer has an impressive lifespan for a dog of its size, typically living 12-17 years. Many Pointers remain active hunters well into their senior years.
Recommended Health Tests
- • Hip evaluation (OFA or PennHIP)
- • Ophthalmologist evaluation (CERF)
- • Thyroid evaluation
- • Cardiac exam (optional but recommended)
Field Injuries
Active hunting Pointers are prone to field injuries including cuts, punctures from thorns or barbed wire, and torn footpads. Their thin skin and lean build offer less protection than heavier-coated breeds. Regular post-hunt checks and first aid knowledge are essential for hunting dog owners.
Hunting Style
The English Pointer is the ultimate specialist—a bird-finding machine bred for one purpose: locating and pointing upland game birds. In the field, Pointers are known for their exceptional range, often hunting at distances of several hundred yards from their handler.
Their hunting style is characterized by speed and ground coverage. A Pointer in full stride is a spectacular sight, racing across fields with a bold, ground-devouring gallop. When they catch scent, they instantly transition from high-speed run to a frozen, intense point.
Pointers work with their head high, using wind currents to locate birds from great distances. This "high-headed" style allows them to cover more ground efficiently and locate birds before getting too close. They excel in open terrain where their range and speed can be fully utilized.
Best Game & Terrain
Primary Game Birds
Ideal Terrain
- • Open prairies and grasslands
- • Agricultural fields (stubble, harvested crops)
- • Pine plantations with open understory
- • Southern quail plantations
- • Desert scrub for scaled quail
Field Trial Excellence
The Pointer dominates American field trials, particularly in all-age stakes where range and independence are valued. The National Championship, held annually in Grand Junction, Tennessee, has been won by Pointers more than any other breed.
Not Ideal For
Dense cover requiring close work, water retrieves (though some will retrieve), or hunters who prefer a dog that stays within gun range. Also less suited for cold-weather hunting due to thin coat.
Exercise Needs
The English Pointer has extremely high exercise requirements—this is not negotiable. These dogs were bred to run for hours and need significant daily physical activity to remain healthy and well-behaved.
Exercise Level
Minimum 2 hours daily of vigorous exercise
• Running off-leash in safe areas (essential)
• Long hikes or jogs with their owner
• Swimming (excellent low-impact exercise)
• Field training and bird hunting
• Lure coursing or other organized activities
Warning: An under-exercised Pointer will find ways to burn energy—often destructively. These dogs can become escape artists, diggers, and chronic barkers without adequate outlets.
Grooming & Nutrition
Grooming Requirements
The Pointer's short, smooth coat is extremely low-maintenance:
- • Weekly brushing with a hound glove or rubber curry
- • Baths only when dirty (usually every few months)
- • Regular nail trimming (active dogs may wear nails naturally)
- • Ear cleaning as needed, especially after hunting
- • Dental care through brushing or dental chews
Nutrition
Active Pointers have high caloric needs, especially during hunting season:
- • High-quality dog food with 25-30% protein
- • 2-4 cups daily depending on activity level
- • Increase calories significantly during hunting season
- • Some owners switch to performance formulas in season
- • Monitor weight—Pointers should be lean, with visible ribs
Finding a Breeder
When selecting a Pointer breeder, prioritize those who actively hunt or compete with their dogs. The breed exists in two distinct types: field-bred dogs selected for hunting performance and show-bred dogs selected for conformation. For a hunting companion, seek field-bred stock.
The American Pointer Club maintains a breeder referral list and can connect you with reputable breeders. Field trial kennels often produce excellent hunting dogs, as do breeders focused on foot-hunting companions (as opposed to horseback field trial dogs).
Be prepared to wait for a well-bred puppy. Serious breeders typically have waiting lists and carefully match puppies to appropriate homes. A good breeder will ask as many questions of you as you ask of them.
What to Look For
- Health clearances on both parents (hips, eyes, thyroid)
- Proven hunting ability in parents and grandparents
- Field trial placements or hunting test titles
- Puppies raised with early bird introduction
- Breeder's willingness to take dog back if needed
Rescue Options
The American Pointer Club operates a rescue network for Pointers in need. Adult rescues can make excellent hunting companions, as their temperament and abilities are already evident. Organizations like PARL (Pointer and Setter Rescue) specialize in rehoming these breeds.
Expected Costs
Well-bred Pointer puppies from hunting lines typically range from $800-$1,500. Field trial prospects from proven bloodlines may cost $1,500-$3,000+. Be wary of extremely low prices, which may indicate puppy mills or health issues.
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