Pointers were originally bred to point birds. Pointing refers to the dog alerting its owner of the location of prey. To do this, they stop, freeze, and aim their nose in the direction of a bird, letting their owner know where they could find the birds they were hunting. While the exact date pointers were first bred is unclear, they date back to at least the 16th and 17th centuries.

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Some of the different types of Pointers include German longhaired pointers, German wirehaired pointers, German longhaired pointers, and English pointers.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning Pointers

Pointer Size and Weight

Pointers are a mid- to large-sized dog breed. Males are typically between 25 and 28 inches tall and weigh between 55 and 75 pounds. Females are a little smaller than their male counterparts and are generally between 23 and 26 inches tall. Females weight between 45 and 65 pounds. At the age of 3 months, a female pointer puppy will weigh somewhere between 14 and 25 pounds, while a male puppy will weigh between 16 and 28 pounds. Pointers are fully grown by the time they are 16 months old.

Pointer Common Health Issues

Compared to other dog breeds, pointers are overall very healthy. However, there are still a few common health problems you’ll want to be on the lookout for if you adopt a pointer.

Since pointers generally have a longer life expectancy than many other breeds, it puts them at a higher risk of developing cancer when they get older. Taking your dog in for regular checkups at the veterinarian can allow it to be screened for any signs of cancer to catch it early. When caught early, there are more treatment options, and the prognosis for your dog will be much better.

Health and Entertainment for your Pointer

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Pointers also have a higher rate of hemangiosarcoma, a bleeding tumor that often forms in the spleen, but may develop in other organs in the body as well. When not caught, this tumor can break open, causing internal bleeding in the dog.

Bloat is another health concern to be on the lookout for. Dogs with narrow and deep chests, like the pointer’s, are more at risk for bloat. If a pointer bloats, their stomach gets twisted and fills with gas. This can be deadly very quickly, so keeping an eye out for any of the signs and seeking emergency treatment immediately will be critical. You may also be able to talk to your veterinarian about scheduling preventative surgery for your dog.

Some pointers may also suffer from hip or elbow dysplasia. This is an inherited disease that causes arthritis due to a pointer’s joints developing improperly. If you notice that your dog is limping or having trouble getting up from their bed, it could be a sign that they are experiencing pain. If you notice any of these symptoms, you’ll want to be sure to schedule an appointment with the vet.

Pointers have also been known to suffer from allergies, particularly skin allergies (atopy). Allergens, such as pollen, dust, or mold, can cause their skin to itch. Most of the time, the folds of their skin, their ears, their feet, and their stomachs are the areas that are impacted. A pointer who frequently rubs their face or licks their paws may have allergies. Another sign of allergies in pointers is regular ear infections.

In summary, here are some of the main health issues Pointers face:

• Cancer
• Hemangiosarcoma
• Bloat
• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Atopy (skin allergies)

Pointer Temperament

Pointers have a very even-tempered personality, which, along with their behavior, makes them a great family pet for many families. However, pointers are also very energetic and active. Because of these traits, it is essential to make sure that a pointer gets regular exercise and activity each day. Otherwise, they may find less desirable ways to get their energy out inside the house.

Another personality trait of a pointer is that they love interacting with their family. They will look for frequent attention and want to spend their time close to their human family members. They also love playing with and spending time with children, though because they can be very hyper, it will be best to closely supervise them around children, especially younger children.

How to Take Care of Pointers

If you are considering adopting a pointer dog or puppy, there are a few key things you’ll want to keep in mind as you plan for their care. A pointer’s personality, exercise and nutrition needs, and common health concerns, such as bloat, should all be considered before you add this dog breed into your family.

The Best Dog Food for Pointers

When selecting food for your pointer, it will be important to choose something that offers a good balance of carbohydrates, fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Ideally, you’ll select foods that offer a similar makeup to what pointers used to eat from their natural environment.

Foods that are good for pointers and pointer puppies include poultry, fish, brown rice, and avocado. These are foods that the ancestors of the pointer would have eaten in Spain. You will want to avoid foods such as soy, beef, beet pulp, or horse meat when planning your pointer’s diet.

Always select high-quality food options from reliable companies. Look for products that are made without artificial preservatives. You can also consider cooking your own food for your pointer. Either way, consulting with your veterinarian to make sure the nutritional needs of your dog are being met is advisable.

At A-Z Animals, we think the best dog food for Pointers is Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach, High Protein Dry Dog Food.

This high-protein salmon recipe soothes both skin and stomach. The real fish ingredients are a natural source of glucosamine for joints and omegas to nourish your Pointer’s sensitive skin and coat. Additionally, the wholesome grains are easy to digest and prebiotic fiber balances the gut bacteria to optimize digestion.

See if your dog enjoys Purina Pro Plan Skin and Stomach High Protein Dog Food, available on amazon.

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food With Probiotics for Dogs, Salmon & Rice Formula – 30 lb. Bag

• One (1) 30 lb. Bag – Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food With Probiotics for Dogs, Salmon & Rice Formula
• Oat meal is easily digestible and gentle on the digestive system. High protein formula, with real salmon as the first ingredient
• Fortified with guaranteed live probiotics for digestive and immune health. Used to be known as FOCUS Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Rice Formula
• Sunflower oil rich in omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Natural prebiotic fiber nourishes specific intestinal bacteria for digestive health
• Antioxidants for a healthy immune system. Fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids for joint health and mobility

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Pointer Maintenance and Grooming

Pointers are a relatively low-maintenance dog. You’ll want to brush their coat about once a week using a hound glove or a soft-bristled brush. This will keep their hair loose and remove any dirt that may have become trapped between the hair.

Another important task will be keeping your pointer’s ears clean. You can purchase an ear cleaning solution and use it along with some soft gauze to remove any dirt or debris from their ears. Additionally, be sure to regularly trim your dog’s nails so they don’t get so long that it becomes uncomfortable for them to walk. Be sure to brush your pointer’s teeth regularly to prevent any dental problems.

Pointer Training

Pointers are relatively easy to train. While you may notice that your pointer is stubborn, most will respond well to positive reinforcement, such as praise or treats. Be prepared to spend some time training your pointer. But once they have mastered some basic commands, you’ll find it is relatively easy to complete further training; they are very intelligent and are able to learn quite quickly. It is best to begin training a pointer when they are very young puppies.

Many pointers are even used as service animals or therapy dogs due to their pleasant personality and ability to be well-trained.

Pointer Exercise

Pointers are a very active breed. Providing sufficient exercise each day will be essential for their health and well-being. Each day, you’ll need to make sure that your dog gets a few hours of exercise. Exercising a pointer may include taking a walk, playing fetch or another game together, or letting them run around in a fenced backyard. Because of the amount of activity they need, pointers do better in a single-family home with a yard than a small apartment.

Pointer Puppies

When you adopt a new puppy, it will be important to begin training them right away. Even as young puppies, pointers are very intelligent and able to begin learning commands and expectations. Be sure to closely supervise your new puppy and puppy-proof your home to prevent any accidental injuries or damage to your important belongings.

Make sure your new puppy gets plenty of exercise and playtime. These dogs are very energetic, so they need lots of activity.

Pointers and Children

The pointer is a good dog to have around children, but not ideal for homes that have infants or toddlers. Pointers enjoy playing with kids, but could accidentally injure a baby or toddler by jumping onto them or knocking them with their wagging tail. It is important to note that you’ll always want to supervise children around a pointer, as you would with any other dog breed. Teach children how to appropriately play and interact with your dog to prevent accidental injuries to the dog or your child.

Dogs Similar to Pointers

Irish setters, Labrador retrievers, and English springer spaniels are three other dog breeds that are similar to pointers.

• Irish setters: Like pointers, Irish setters are also gun dogs, meaning they were bred to help hunt game, specifically birds. These dogs point to alert their owners to the birds they are trying to hunt. Both breeds are very energetic and loving. Pointers have a very dense coat that requires very little grooming, while Irish setters have curlier fur that will require much more attention.
• Labrador retrievers: Labrador retrievers are another type of pointing dog, like pointers. They are around the same height as a pointer (between 22 and 24 inches), but are normally a little heavier (Labrador retrievers weigh between 55 and 75 pounds, while pointers weight between 45 and 65 pounds. Both dogs are intelligent, playful, and easy to train. Pointers are typically more affectionate than Labrador retrievers.
• English springer spaniel: The English springer spaniel is yet another type of gun dog. They have a more feathery coat compared to the pointer’s denser coat. Because of this difference, English springer spaniels require much more grooming than pointers do. Both breeds enjoy interacting with people and other animals, and they can be very active and playful. They both make a good family pet and do well with other dogs. English springer spaniels are also cat-friendly, but pointers do not typically do well with cats.

Popular Names for Pointers

If you’re looking for the perfect name for your German longhaired pointer, German wirehaired pointer, German shorthaired pointer, or English pointer, here are a few popular names to consider:

• Murphy
• Chaos
• Rocky
• Bruno
• Smoky
• Sophie
• Honey
• Sugar
• Flora
• Penny

Famous Pointers

There are a few famous people you may recall who own (or owned) pointers:

• Bradley Cooper has a German shorthaired pointer named Samson.
• Clark Gable had a German shorthaired pointer.
• Judy was a famous pointer dog that helped the crew of the HMS Gnat and HMS Grasshopper (ships during WWII) by notifying them when she detected incoming aircraft.

Last update on 2022-07-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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