The Pointer is a versatile field dog breed and superb family dog variety that has been developed over many hundred years to “point” birds and small prey like rabbits. They are exceptional in a variety of contexts, including agility, obedience, and the show ring.
They are suited to active households where they may be devoted family members since they are vivacious and fun-loving. Be cautious, though, apartment dwellers. These dogs require a lot of play areas and frequent exercise to manage their high levels of energy. Otherwise, they could engage in inappropriate behavior for their own amusement.
Origin and History of Pointer Dog
Any kind of hunting dog that pointed toward the prey it was pursuing was referred to as a “pointer.” Although like other breeds, their origin is uncertain, it is thought that they came from Spain. Although it is believed that English officers who had taken part in the War of the Spanish Succession in 1713 brought Spanish Pointers back from the Netherlands, which was then under Spanish rule, pointing-type dogs are documented to have arrived in England as early as 1650.
The Spanish Pointers were employed to develop the pointing instinct in the British canines. Despite being bigger, heavier, and slower than the modern-day Pointer, the Spanish Pointers had a distinct advantage over their modern-day counterparts. The Foxhound, Greyhound, Bloodhound, and maybe some later setters were crossed to create the current Pointer in England.
Hunters intended to breed for the Bloodhound’s constitution and scenting prowess, the Greyhound’s speed, elegance, and grace, and the Foxhound’s scenting prowess, ease of care, well-developed rib cage, and endurance. Later, to enhance the disposition, which was first regarded as fierce, they bred Pointers with several breeds of setters.
They obviously had success! In the end, they produced a perfect hunting hound that quickly won the hearts of many lords in England. Pluto and Juno, two of the most well-known British pointers, belonged to Colonel Thornton and are credited for holding a point on a flock of partridges for a little over an hour.
The Pointer most likely immigrated to America with the first colonists, but it wasn’t until the Civil War era that his existence was fully documented. The Westminster Kennel Club, which was established in 1877, has as its mascot Sensation, a magnificent lemon and white Pointer brought from England in 1876. If you’ve ever had the good fortune to go to a Westminster Kennel Club show, you’ve probably seen Sensation’s silhouette on the catalog cover.
The American Pointer Club was established in 1938, and the AKC recognized the Pointer in 1879. The American Kennel Club now ranks the Pointer as the 103rd most popular breed of dog in the world, despite its good looks and rarity.
Physical Characteristics of Pointer Dog
English pointers may reach heights of 23 to 28 inches and weights of 45 to 75 pounds (20 to 33 kilograms).
The snout is long, and the skull has a striking, chiseled look. The ears droop and are positioned somewhat high on the head. The physique is powerful, svelte, and elegant, with a long neck.
The pointer has a short, silky coat. The coat can be a solid shade of these hues, although it is most frequently white with patches of lemon, black, liver, or orange. Tricolored pointers do exist. About 12 to 14 years are lived by pointers.
Temperament of Pointer Dog
Although the Pointer has the appearance of an aristocrat, which he is, he is also playful and naughty from the beginning. Despite having birds on their brain all the time, he also enjoys spending time with his family, both adults, and youngsters. He even believes he is the family’s beating heart, and perhaps he is.
He spends hours playing with the kids, goes hunting with them, stands calmly while the smaller ones hold on to him for balance, and warns everyone when there are guests, strangers, or anything else out of the ordinary. While he is aggressive on the field, he is mild-mannered and a little timid at home, at least with strangers.
But a pointer isn’t your typical household dog. He’s the Ferrari of Sporting breeds—a finely built hunting machine. Plan to provide him with the necessary exercise each day. He may use all of his energy by going on a few long runs, having the chance to run beside his bike, and, of course, his favorite, going hunting or practicing for hunting.
Pointers are excellent participants in field trials, but they may also do well in agility, obedience, rally, tracking, and, of course, point. Pointers are very bright and learn rapidly when given strong, consistent directions and rewards for good conduct, but they may be resistant when it comes to training. Praise and sweets are effective forms of positive reinforcement, while harsh punishment will backfire.
The day you bring your puppy home, begin teaching him. He is capable of learning whatever you can teach him, even at the age of eight weeks. Waiting until he is six months old to start training him will result in a bigger, more stubborn dog. By the time he is 10 to 12 weeks old if at all feasible, enroll him in puppy kindergarten and encourage him to socialize constantly.
Although many doctors advise limiting contact to other dogs and crowded areas until puppy vaccinations, such as those for rabies, distemper, and arbovirus, have been finished, be aware that many puppy training schools need some vaccinations, such as kennel cough, to be current. Until puppy vaccinations are finished, you can start training your puppy at home and socializing him with family and friends in place of official instruction.
Health of Pointer Dog
Hip dysplasia, eye issues such as progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, and allergies have all been observed in Pointers. In middle age, several breeds, including the Pointer, might have hypothyroidism, a typical hormonal issue. Congenital deafness and heart disorders including aortic stenosis have both been linked to Pointers.
The Canine Health Information Center, a health database, includes The American Pointer Club as a member. Breeders must submit hip and thyroid reports from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and an eye clearance from the Canine Eye Registration Foundation before individual Pointers may be CHIC-certified (CERF).
Hip certification from the University of Pennsylvania (PennHIP) and Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) is also recognized. An OFA congenital cardiac (heart) examination and an OFA evaluation for congenital deafness based on the BAER (brain stem auditory evoked response) test are examples of optional CHIC test findings that may be presented.
Breeders take great care to only select the healthiest and most attractive dogs for breeding, but Mother Nature occasionally has other ideas, and a puppy still gets one of these disorders despite careful breeding techniques.
The majority of the time, dogs may still enjoy happy, healthy lives because of advancements in veterinary treatment. Ask the breeder about the ages and causes of death of the dogs in her lines if you’re buying a puppy.
Once you’ve welcomed a new puppy into your house, keep in mind that you have the power to shield him from one of the most prevalent health issues: obesity. One of the simplest methods to increase a Pointer’s lifespan is to maintain a suitable weight for him. Utilize your preventative skills to the fullest to assist guarantee a healthier dog for life.
Price of Pointer Dog in India
In India, pointer dogs are not very expensive. A Pointer Dog price in India costs between INR 30,000 and 50,000.
Maintenance Cost and All other expenses
Food cost
The average pointer weighs 50 pounds, but some can grow to 75 pounds. may grow to 75 pounds. Each month, you should budget between ₹2,000 and ₹4,000 for meals. We advise choosing a premium brand that has chicken, turkey, or salmon as the first component.
Foods with maize at or near the top of the list should be avoided as they might trigger weight gain. Your dog will start hunting for food sooner with these empty calories than with a high-quality brand.
Grooming cost
Grooming a pointer won’t take much time. You won’t need to get it cut because the hair doesn’t grow long; a thorough brushing once a week or so should be more than enough to keep it maintained. To assist prevent the advancement of dental illness, some individuals choose to get their nails professionally cut every few weeks, and it’s a good idea to have your teeth cleaned as frequently as you can. So, it costs ₹400 to ₹800.
Vet and Vaccination cost
A monthly flea and tick medicine, which typically costs ₹1,200 to ₹1,600, is something that many owners will buy. Heartworm, which may be a major issue for your pet, is typically treated with this drug.
Other costs
While it is simple to spend a lot of money on your dog’s toys, as it gets older, it will select a few favorites, so you won’t need to buy as many. Try a subscription service like the Bark Box if you enjoy constantly giving your pet new toys. These memberships, which frequently include entertaining activities and goodies, will come in the mail each month until you cancel them. It cost ₹400 t0 ₹4,000
Frequently Asked Question
Where is the Pointer dog from?
The medium-sized Pointer, often known as the English Pointer, is a breed of pointing dog that was created in England.
Are Pointer dogs friendly?
Some people have a stubborn and strong will. However, since many Pointers are raised for competition, dogs from these lines may make excellent family pets that are placid in the home, patient with children, and nice with other animals. Despite not being thought of as watchdogs, they will alert their guardians if any outsiders approach.
What kind of dog is Pointer?
A highly valued sports dog breed with hound, spaniel, and setter lineage is the Pointer. The stiff stance that the Pointer assumes as it moves toward the quarry it has identified is how it gets its name.
What does a Pointer dog look like?
The Pointer has an eye-catching coat that is either liver (dark brown), black, orange, or lemon in color and may or may not have a white base. On the white parts of their coat, some Pointers exhibit light or noticeable ticking. There are tricolor Pointers—white with two additional colors—but they are uncommon.
What are Pointer dogs used for?
Because they were developed primarily as hunting partners, Pointers are focused when they are in the field. They will rush hard and quickly to find birds, which is their only goal. A lot of Pointer owners take advantage of this competitive urge and enter their dogs in field competitions.
Are Pointer dogs aggressive?
Although Pointers are not particularly aggressive, they should be socialized and trained from a young age to become obedient family members.
Are Pointer dogs hypoallergenic?
GSPs are not dogs that are hypoallergenic. However, they make wonderful pets, and unless you have serious allergies, there is no good reason not to adopt one.
Are Pointer dogs smart?
Good-natured Pointers like playing with their families and going on family outings. They are focused and vivacious, yet they also exude a serene, assured quality. Pointers are intelligent animals that learn quickly.
Are Pointer dogs good pets?
The Pointer is a sociable and trainable friend in the field and at home thanks to his balanced temperament and attentive excellent sense. Pointers have many uses!
When do Pointer dogs stop growing?
While females may only grow to a height of 26 inches, males can reach a height of 28 inches. An English Pointer that is 8 weeks old weighs about 7 pounds. They are regarded as fully developed when they are 18 to 2 years old.
Can Pointer dogs swim?
Although Pointers are physically capable of swimming, the breed is not well-known for its swimming prowess. Although they are inherently powerful and athletic, a Pointer’s willingness to enter the water might vary according on their personalities and experiences.
Do Pointer dogs shed?
Due to their short hair, Pointers often only need a fast brushing or rubdown two or three times each week. These dogs are said to shed on average. They are just getting rid of their winter coat in the late spring since they won’t need it in the summer. In the fall, they lose their summer coat to create room for their winter one, which will keep them warmer in the chilly months.
Do Pointer dogs point naturally?
According to Diane Townsend, president of the American Pointer Club, “If he’s a Pointer, he’s taking up a scent and elevating one foot to indicate in the direction he scents prey.” Nothing in this breed comes more naturally than to point.
Do Pointer dogs bark a lot?
These dogs don’t bark a lot, though.
Do Pointer dogs have webbed feet?
German Shorthaired Pointers’ feet are “compact, close-knit, and round to spoon-shaped,” according to the AKC breed standard. Additionally, they can swim more easily in ponds and rivers where they may hunt because to their webbed toes. Even GSPs that don’t hunt typically adore the water!
Do Pointer dogs howl?
All of their vocalizations—whining, barking, snarling, and howling—are attempts to get our attention or convey demands or issues (their owners).
Are Pointer dogs well-behaved?
As with many breeds of dogs, Pointers are well-mannered and will fit in with families provided they receive the proper socialization as pups. They’ll need energetic owners who are willing to meet their high-energy needs.
Price of a Pointer dog in India?
Pointer pups are not very pricey in India. A Pointer puppy can be purchased for between INR 30,000 and 50,000.
Pointer dog is used for what type of hunting?
Pointers were employed for bird hunting even before the development of firearms. The hunter would send the dog out to find prey, and once it had located any birds, he would throw a net over the dog and any birds to trap them.
Is a Pointer dog a hound?
A highly valued sports dog breed with hound, spaniel, and setter lineage is the Pointer.
What breeds make a Pointer dog?
Pointers are renowned for being tireless workers with outstanding speed, stamina, and scenting skills. Although their precise ancestry is unknown, it is believed to have bloodhound, foxhound, and greyhound components.
What is a Pointer dog known for?
Because they were developed primarily as hunting partners, Pointers are focused when they are in the field. They will rush hard and quickly to find birds, which is their only goal. A lot of Pointer owners take advantage of this competitive urge and enter their dogs in field competitions.
Can Pointers be left alone?
Keep her inside with you and avoid habitually leaving her alone for extended periods of time if you want to improve the German Shorthaired Pointer’s ability to tolerate alone time. The GSP is probably not the dog for you if your lifestyle won’t permit it.
Are Pointer dogs cuddly?
Additionally, they are content to spend hours relaxing on the couch with you as long as their daily exercise requirements are satisfied. They are enormous cuddlers that won’t leave your side till they get a chance to pursue. They will point and retrieve whenever they have the chance since they are hunting dogs by nature.
Are Pointers good with cats?
When reared with other dogs, the English Pointer usually gets along well with them. If introduced to cats when they are puppies or are well-trained, they can get along very fine, but given their background as hunters, they can be motivated to chase smaller creatures.
Do Pointer dogs have a high prey drive?
In the beginning, German Shorthaired Pointers were intended to be all-purpose, sociable hunting dogs. GSPs are highly energized, have a strong prey drive, and are athletically gifted.
Are Pointers and labs related?
The Lab Pointer is a hybrid dog that combines the characteristics of the Labrador Retriever and the Pointer breeds. These puppies, who are enthusiastic, devoted, and bright, got some of the greatest traits from both of their parents. Pointer Dogs is another name for lab Pointers.
Are Pointer dogs difficult?
It’s impossible to envision the Pointer being a challenging family dog with a description like “loyal, industrious, [and] even-tempered”. Despite their passion for labor and hunting, they enjoy playing and exercising with their humans just as much.
Do Pointers pull on the lead?
German shorthair Pointers are extremely powerful, musculoskeletal dogs. Any working breed, including German Shorthaired Pointers, frequently pulls on the leash.
Are Pointers hard to train?
Pointers are quite simple to teach and have a history of being trained for hunting, making them rapid learners.
Conclusion
A pointer is a wonderful pet and a reliable house watchdog. Pointer Dog enjoy being close to family members and will play with kids for hours at a time. It’s neither prohibitively costly nor difficult to get from a breeder or a shelter. It has a long lifetime and only a few minor health issues, so you shouldn’t incur significant medical expenses.
We really hope you liked reading about the price of owning this dog and that you were able to get the information you required.
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