Dog Breed Types: The Pointers

Although there is a breed called the Pointer, there are dozens of other types of pointer dog breeds. Pointers are long, lean, athletically built dogs with long, floppy ears, a long nose and an exaggerated ability to point out game. Pointer-type dogs are often highly intelligent, weigh less than a German Shepherd and have deep chests.

All dogs can point when they detect prey, but pointers have this trait down to an exaggerated degree. The Pointer, also known as the English pointer, has this down to an art form. Even puppies of purebred Pointers can perform the point instinctively. Other well-known pointer types include the German shorthaired pointer and the German wirehaired pointer. Lesser known breeds include the Portuguese pointer, the Pudelpointer, the Old Danish Chicken Dog and the Canadian pointer.

What’s The Point?

When a person points something out to you, what do they do? They take one finger and turn it into a straight line to guide your sight to where a particular object is. People will often curl up the other fingers in order to emphasize the pointing finger.

Pointing dogs do something similar, although they use their entire bodies to point out objects. They point so that their human hunting companions know where to shoot. Without the dogs, many hunters would not be able to find game. Except for the English Pointer, these dogs lower their heads and tails to that it is level with the spine. They even raise their heads so it is also level with the spine. Pointer-type dogs often raise one foreleg so that it’s practically curled against the chest, but this isn’t necessary in all pointer-type breeds.

Temperament

Pointer-type dogs are not meant to go and actually make a kill. Those dogs that could point and then stay still long enough for a human to do the killing were highly prized and bred far more often. Over the years, pointer type dogs have become less aggressive as a result. But they are strong dogs that may not know their own strength, so always supervise a meeting or playdate between pointers and kids, pointers and other dogs and pointers with senior citizens.

Pointer dog breed types were bred to run about in the fields, woods and marshes all day looking for game. As a result, this is a dog that needs a lot of exercise, including at least two brisk half hour walks in the morning and evening. These are not dogs that are recommended for apartments, unless the person is home a lot and can take the dog outside several times a day.

Rescues

If considering bringing a pointer type dog into your life, please consider adopting one rather than buying one. There are many pointer-type dogs and pointer crosses at local animal shelters and many breed specific rescues across North America and Europe. Some hybrid or designer dog breeds use pointers in their mix, including the Lab Pointer and the Boxapoint. Many Dalmatian breeders now include English Pointers in order to breed out genetic defects. English Pointers are the closest in conformation and temperament to a Dalmatian.

References

“ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs.” Sheldon L. Gerstenfeld, VMD. Chronicle Books; 1999.

“Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds.” D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D. Barron’s; 2005.

“The Howell Book of Dogs.” Liz Palika. Howell Book House; 2007.

American Kennel Club


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