General Information |
Group(s):
Pointer-Setter, Sporting |
Height: 24-27 inches |
Weight: 50-70 pounds ideally |
Longevity: low teens |
Colors: orange and white, lemon and white, liver and white or black and white, self colors and tris are also acceptable |
Coat type: very fine, short, hard, lays flat with distinct gloss |
Recognized Registries: FCI, CKC, TKC, UKC, AKC, NCA, and others |
Overall Appearance: Strong and not lightly built but with strong graceful lines and powerful symmertry. Lithe and agile. |
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Personaility - Behavior - Training |
Energy Level: moderate to high |
General Nature: |
gentle, easy going, noble, intelligent |
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with Children: Generally very good but requires proper socialization, well behaved children and supervision |
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with other pets: Varies, they are bred to hunt birds after all |
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with dogs: Generally good but some variability |
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Socialization requirements: moderate; can be inclined to protectiveness and/or shyness if not properly reared |
Ideal home characteristics: One that appreciates the exercise requirements and need for mental stimulation. This breed is still very close to its working roots and prefers having a job. |
Temperament Notes: Not easily flustered or stressed, strong focus when working, intelligent and sensitive |
Training requirement: moderate: heavy socialization and basic manners |
Trainer notes: The Pointer, for all its regal bearing, is often a playful, and very sensitive dog. Training must always be approached with an attitude of encouraging and motivating the dog. Otherwise a Pointer with a great deal of knowledge and skill can still be immobilized by a lack of confidence and/or distractions. A wonderful training partner that works diligently to include you in every victory, they are expressive and typically very willing to offer you their complete attention. |
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Background Information |
Year range of first recognition: mid1200s |
Country of Origin: England (however documentation from its early history appear elsewhere in Europe) |
Original Function: pointing game |
History: Developed as a fast hunting dog, the development of the point, allowed hunters to be less vigilant. The early Pointer was likely used for retrieving as well. Today they are more specialized. |
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Adoption Information |
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Deviations from Standard: too large |
Health Notes: hip dysplasia, eye problems, bloat, entropion, autoimmune issues, hypothyroidism, Von Willebrand's Disease |
Health Testing: vWD, OFA, CERF, thyroid panel, |
Questions to ask Breeder:
http://www.digitaldog.com/breeder_questions.html - The Breeder Questions as listed here provided with explanations and answers you will want to be looking for!
How long have you had Pointers?
Why do you have Pointers (show, performance, hunting, etc.)?
What do you consider to be the most important single characteristic of a Pointer?
What health issues have you seen in the breed?
What criteria do you set for your breeding stock?
Do you plan to keep a puppy from this litter?
How often do you have puppies?
Do you have a written contract and puppy guarantee?
At what age do you send your pups to their homes?
How would you describe the ideal Pointer?
How would you describe the ideal Pointer home?
Are your puppies whelped in your home?
What advice would you offer someone in raising and training a Pointer?
How do you assist or help Pointers in need of rescue? |
Web Sites: http://www.illinoisbirddogrescue.org/ - Pointer (and other similar breed) Rescue with national connections based in Illinois |
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Other Resources |
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