The English Pointer, A European Hunting Dog
The English pointer – or simply pointer – is one of the best and most recognized hunting dogs in the world.
Due to its noble character and extraordinary beauty, it has also regained great popularity as a companion dog. In this article we will talk about the English pointer, a European hunting dog.
A brief history of the English pointer
The creation and standardization of this dog breed is attributed to the British Isles. However, very little is known about the origins and early history of the English pointer, as it is a relatively old breed.
According to some researchers, this English dog may have originated from a cross between the Spanish pointer and different breeds of hunting dogs.
This is a hypothesis that has not been proven to date.
On the other hand, it is recognized that the breed was already registered and admired for its hunting instinct in seventeenth century England. Already at that time, its main function on the day of the hunt was to signal the prey while informing the hunter about its location.
In the etymological aspect, its name also derives from this extraordinary performance as a hunting dog. To point , in the Anglo-Saxon language, means precisely to point or indicate.
Its popularity as a companion dog began to increase in the early 20th century, although its population declined considerably during the world wars.
Currently, the English pointer continues to be a very popular breed as a pet and very successful in dog shows.
A breed with exceptional physical characteristics
The English pointer is a tall, sturdy dog that exhibits a strong body with delicate lines and remarkable elegance. In adulthood, males can measure between 63 and 69 centimeters, while females have a height of between 61 and 66 centimeters. The regular body weight for this breed varies between 25 and 30 pounds, depending on the physiognomy of each dog.
Its chest is deep and broad and the ribs are well arched. Despite having a well developed musculature, it is a light and very agile dog with an energetic behavior.
The head of the English pointer is proportional in size to its body and is neither very wide nor narrow.
The nose of the English pointer is usually dark in dogs with dark fur, and light in dogs with light colored fur.
Their eyes have a good, gentle expression and can be brown or hazel. The ears are of medium size, pointed and high set.
The fur of the English pointer is smooth, short, hard and close fitting to the body. According to the FCI (International Cynological Federation), fur can have different color combinations, including tricolor and single-color specimens. However, the most common pointer is two-colored in the following combinations:
- Black and white
- White and orange
- Liver and white
- Lemon and white
The personality of the English pointer
As a good hunter, the English pointer is an active and alert dog, with very well developed senses. His daily life should include a high dose of exercise to allow him to discharge his energy.
As for his character and personality, he is a very intelligent, sensitive and curious dog, who needs to stimulate his mind to be happy and to maintain a balanced behavior.
They are dogs with a low level of aggression and a good and gentle nature, even with children. However, they must be properly educated to learn to relate positively to other animals, people and their environment.
It should be remembered that the behavior of each dog basically depends on the environment and the education provided by its owner.
English pointers who live a sedentary, non-stimulating routine tend to exhibit symptoms of stress and boredom. As a result, they can develop some behavioral problems, such as becoming aggressive or destructive.
Due to its characteristics, the English pointer is more suitable for active people, who love physical activity and the outdoors, and who have time and space to dedicate to their best friend.
The health of the English pointer
The English pointer enjoys excellent health and excellent physical stamina. With due attention, you will be able to enjoy a privileged longevity ranging from 12 to 15 years. However, like all purebred dogs, it shows a genetic predisposition to some diseases.
Below, we will see the most common pathologies in the English pointer:
- Hip dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Entropy
- Deafness
- Atopic dermatitis
Finally, we must emphasize that all dogs must receive adequate preventive medicine to preserve their good health.
A balanced diet, physical activity and mental stimulation are other key points for the proper development of his physical and cognitive abilities.
