English Pointer

The Pointer is the classic bird dog — an athletic English gundog bred to find game and freeze on point, one foreleg raised, marking the bird for the gun.

History

It was developed in England to range wide and fast across open country and then hold a staunch, statue-still point, and that instinct is strong enough to appear in young puppies. Speed, nose and style in the field were the whole aim of its breeding.

Temperament

The breed is known for being even-tempered and affectionate at home while transforming into a driven, tireless hunter in the field. It is friendly and biddable, but its energy needs a genuine outlet.

Care and training

It needs a great deal of exercise — this is a dog built to run — and it takes well to reward-based training. The short coat is easy to keep.

Health

Known tendencies include hip dysplasia, inherited eye conditions and deafness in some dogs, along with skin allergies. These are patterns for the breed rather than a verdict on one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.