Pointer

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Pointer

Pointer Characteristics

Size:
Grooming Needs:
Exercise Needs:
Good With Dogs:
Watchdog Ability:

Pointer Breed Information

Breed Group: Sporting

Weight: Male: 55-75; Female: 45-65 lbs

Height: Male: 25-28; Female: 23-26 inches

Color(s): liver, lemon, black, orange, either solid or mixed with white

Overview

This breed is very active and full of energy making him ideal for an owner that loves the outdoors. Very affectionate and intelligent, the Pointer makes an excellent hunting companion. Hunting instincts are usually always present in this breed.

Character

Friendly and energetic, this breed can also become very timid if not properly socialized at a young age. The Pointer can also prove difficult to train. As this breed has hunting instincts, it is not recommended for homes with small and passive animals.

Temperament

A very even-tempered and alert dog that generally loves to be around people. This dog makes a wonderful companion, but is not recommended for the average home. The Pointer does best in a field environment, but will also do well in a regular home providing he has an experienced handler and sufficient exercise.

Care

Firm bristle brushing occasionally will suffice for this very easy to groom breed. The Pointer generally only needs to be bathed once every six months as they are fairly clean. Average shedding, a wipe with a dry towel or a rubber brush will remove much of the loose hair.

Coat

The Pointer has a very short coat, which makes grooming a breeze. The coat should remain short, dense and smooth. The coat should also have a shiny appearance.

Training

The Pointer has a short attention span and should always have variety. Can be very willful and easily distracted so firm training is a must. Obedience classes at an early age are recommended.

Activity

The Pointer does best in a field environment and loves the outdoors. A very tireless breed, this dog requires extensive exercise or he can become destructive. Acreage is best.

Ask a Question Pointer Questions & Answers

QUESTION: I just adopted an 8 month old male pointer puppy. For the time being while I'm at work I am crating him, coming home at lunch to walk him and take him to our mini "puppy park" to run after work...will that suffice for adequate exercise until the weekends? Also, he hasn't tried to harm my kitty, but he does growl and "spring" at them...is this just being a puppy and he'll grow out of it or am I to keep them separated for life? Thanks!!! Jennifer

Anonymous - 1/9/2012 10:13:34 AM

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QUESTION: I adopted a 4 year old pointer. Is it easy to teach him to go without a leash?

Anonymous - 10/5/2011 4:24:31 PM

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I think it should be easy, I'd follow the basic "come" command at close range with a dog whistle-and if you choose you could use a remote collar to later allow the dog to be able to run off-leash using the dog whisle(collar if necessary) to call the dog back. -my pointer really needs to run quite a bit off leash daily.

Anonymous - 12/23/2011 5:33:14 PM

QUESTION: Do english pointer puppies develop more spots as they age?

Anonymous - 9/18/2011 8:09:05 AM

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QUESTION: Is the pointer the right dog for kids? do they bark alot? are they noisy or dangerous? thanks

Anonymous - 9/12/2011 7:04:11 AM

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QUESTION: We were told our dog is a mix of pointer and lab. While his coat is white with big golden spots like a pointer, his lower legs inside where the fur is sparse and his bellie show black spots. Do pointers have that characteristic on their skin?

Anonymous - 7/30/2011 6:25:47 PM

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QUESTION: I'm trying to convince my parents to get a pointer, how might I convince them to decide that a pointer is the right dog for us? Is there anything about this breed that might attract my parents? Thanks so much!

Anonymous - 7/20/2011 10:30:32 PM

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QUESTION: I want to adopt a Pointer - do they shed?

Anonymous - 3/27/2011 1:24:27 PM

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Yes Pointer's do shed, but daily grooming w/ a brush and periodic bathing will keep that at a min.

oreille - 5/3/2011 5:28:20 PM

QUESTION: I have a 6 week old German pointer who is a bit sooky and is becoming a bit aggressive towards me. He was a present from my partner but he seems to be have turned on me, he loves playing with everyone else but for some reason he doesn't seem to like me. What can i do? He's growling at me and goes to bite. I can't even pick him up for a cuddle anymore because of it.

Anonymous - 1/3/2011 3:01:44 AM

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Get with a positive reinforcement trainer ASAP! Find one at www.apdt.com. Do NOT use traditional (aversive) training. Pain makes the fear/reactivity/aggression WORSE. This behavior will certainly be a worse problem if you do nothing and will most likely end with a dead dog..

Anonymous - 2/18/2011 2:31:21 PM

QUESTION: I have a pointer, great dog, but he is skinny. I took him to the vet and they said he was fine. Any suggestions on how to beef up my dog?

Anonymous - 12/7/2010 8:04:28 AM

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How old is your pointer?

Anonymous - 1/4/2011 9:56:40 PM

QUESTION: will 6 week puppy survive outdoors in the 15 Celsius temperature?

Anonymous - 11/17/2010 2:37:33 PM

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yes that is close to 60 farenheight thats not that cold

Anonymous - 5/28/2011 1:11:55 AM

QUESTION: Thank you anonymous but I think Engolish pointers are short-haired, aren't they? This one has a long silky coat, like a setter, but white with many black spots!

Anonymous - 9/21/2010 8:48:20 PM

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Great Munsterlander

Anonymous - 11/14/2010 10:55:37 PM

QUESTION: My neighbor has a beautiful black and white spotted dog that she calls a Great (something..!) Pointer. Can anyone fill in the blank for me? Thanks.

Anonymous - 9/17/2010 3:28:04 PM

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Great DANE

Anonymous - 5/10/2011 10:40:56 AM

german shorthaired pointer

Anonymous - 1/27/2011 4:07:53 PM

Great Dane

Anonymous - 10/22/2010 9:18:58 AM

English?

Anonymous - 9/21/2010 10:29:39 AM

If you are looking for Pointer puppies for sale from reputable Pointer breeders or to adopt a Pointer from a Pointer rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Pointer puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Pointer puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.