Brief
History and Description:
Although there are many opinions as to where the pointer was developed,
most believe that the breed was developed about the 17th century when there
became a need to have a hunting dog that would find and point out game
until the hunter was able to get in position, get his flintlock gun ready
and shoot the game. It is believed that today's pointer is a mixture
of Foxhound, Greyhound, setter, bulldog, Newfoundland, Italian pointer
and Bloodhound. The pointer we know and love today, has been around
since about the 19th century.
Pointers come in Black, Liver, Orange or Lemon either solid or in combination with white. All colors can include "ticking" (little speckles), either light or heavy, on the white areas of the coat. There are also tri-colored Pointers, but they are very rare. Pointers generally range from 21"to 28" at the shoulders and weigh between 40 to 75 pounds. Females tend to be smaller than the males. Field pointers or pointers bred specifically for hunting abilities may vary in size and conformation.
Is
it True what they Say About Pointers?
by Jackie Lynn -- as told
to her mom.
I guess everyone has their idea about the perfect pet, and unfortunately some think that Pointers just don't measure up. My folks have been told a lot of things about Pointers. Here are a few, along with my own comments which I hope will clear up people's misunderstanding of us Pointers.
Pointers are high strung.-- On the contrary, we are very energetic. Some people construe our "bounciness" as being too hyper or too bonkers to control. The Pointer was bred to run ahead of the hunter and find game so we we really need our exercise. A nice fenced backyard is great, and the chance to get out and stretch these long legs of ours does wonders. If you were cooped up in small quarters for days on end you might act bonkers, too, wouldn't you? With our energy properly channeled, we are great hunting companions, enjoy field trial competitions, or agility competitions, or are great companions who like to run alongside our people who jog, cycle or horsebackride.
Pointers are not good house pets.-- BEEEEP! Wrong Answer! We are very intelligent and can easily be taught house manners. We love house life. Apartment living might not be for some of us, but there's nothing like laying back on the couch and watching TV with your family!
Pointers
are not "people" dogs.-- Now where did someone come up with that!
We love people! We are very friendly and love to please our people.
Remember we were bred to work alongside hunters. Why wouldn't we
like people? Of course, like any dog, it's hard to trust when we've
had very little human contact or that contact was almost always abusive
or cruel. Some people have told my folks that Pointers that are treated
like pets are not good hunting dogs. According to many of the top
birddog trainers, that couldn't be further from the truth. Now I'm
not saying that everyone needs to have their pointers accustomed to the
indoor life I enjoy, but we do thrive on human interaction and being a
part of family life.
For more information on Pointers, Check out these sites--