Pointer

Developed in Britain in the 17th–18th centuries from Spanish Pointers and other sporting dogs, the Pointer became the quintessential upland bird dog—quartering fields, locking on scent, and “pointing” birds for gunners. Refined for speed, endurance, and a keen nose, the breed excelled in field trials and remains a favourite with hunters and sport competitors worldwide. Today, Pointers balance life as tireless athletes and affectionate home companions.

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An elegant, medium-to-large gundog built for speed and stamina with a short, glossy coat.

• Weight: 55–75 lb (male), 45–65 lb (female)
• Height: 25–28 in (male), 23–26 in (female)
• Coat Type: Single, short, dense, smooth
• Coat Colors: Liver, lemon, black, or orange—solid or with white; ticking/tri-colour may occur
• Distinctive Physical Traits: Dry, chiseled head with pronounced stop; long muzzle; large open nostrils; deep chest; long tail carried level; classic “pointing” stance

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Low-maintenance but regular upkeep keeps skin and coat in top shape.

• Brushing: Weekly rubber curry or bristle brush to lift dander and shine coat
• Bathing: Every 4–8 weeks or after muddy hunts
• Ear Care: Clean/dry weekly (floppy ears + field work = moisture risk)
• Nails/Teeth: Trim nails every 3–4 weeks; brush teeth 2–3×/week
• Shedding: Light to moderate, slightly heavier in spring/fall

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A high-drive athlete that needs purposeful outlets every day.

• Daily Exercise: 60–90+ minutes (brisk hikes, off-leash runs in secure areas, field drills)
• Ideal Activities: Field work/steadiness drills, canicross, hiking, tracking, nose work, fetch
• Suitability: Best for active homes with access to trails/fields; apartments only with robust exercise and enrichment

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Eager, sensitive, and scent-driven—keep training positive and purposeful.

• Approach: Reward-based training with clear criteria and short, varied sessions
• Key Skills: Rock-solid recall around wildlife, loose-leash walking, steadiness to flush/shot, delivery to hand
• Socialization: Early, broad exposure to people/dogs/locations; cooperative care (vet/groom handling)
• Mental Work: Scent games, pattern drills, problem-solving retrieves on rest days

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Fuel the worker while keeping a lean, field-ready physique.

• Food Type: High-quality performance kibble or balanced fresh diet for active medium/large breeds
• Daily Quantity: ~2.5–4 cups/day split into two meals (adjust to workload/season)
• Diet Advice: Prioritize animal protein; add omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for skin/joints; avoid heavy exercise 60–90 min before/after meals

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Seek health-tested, temperament-sound dogs from transparent sources—or consider rescue.

• Breeders: Choose CKC-affiliated preservation breeders who work/test dogs in the field and provide hip/eye results and lifetime support
• Adoption: Sporting-dog rescues; field trial/pointing dog clubs often know of rehomings
• Canadian Resources: Canadian Kennel Club breeder listings; provincial pointing-dog and field-trial clubs (ON/AB/BC/QC) for training days and breeder referrals

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Generally robust; responsible screening is important.

• Common Issues: Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, PRA/cataracts (eye disease), hypothyroidism, ear infections (moisture), occasional bloat risk in deep-chested individuals
• Life Expectancy: 12–15 years
• Recommended Testing: Hips/elbows (OFA/FCI), ophthalmologist (CAER) exams; thyroid panel as advised

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Are Pointers good family dogs?
Yes—affectionate and gentle with proper exercise, training, and supervision around small children due to exuberance.

Do Pointers shed a lot?
Light to moderate. Weekly brushing keeps hair and dander down.

Are Pointers hypoallergenic?
No. They’re low-maintenance, not hypoallergenic.

How much exercise does a Pointer need?
Plan for 60–90+ minutes daily, ideally with off-leash running and scent work in safe areas.

Do Pointers bark a lot?
Typically moderate—more likely to “sing” with excitement. Meeting exercise/mental needs reduces nuisance vocalizing.

Pointer vs German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP)—what’s different?
Pointers are sleek, short-coated specialists for pointing; GSPs are “versatile” (pointing + retrieving/waterfowl). Temperaments vary by lines—meet breeders’ dogs.

Are Pointers good apartment dogs?
Only for highly active owners who provide daily vigorous exercise and enrichment.

Do Pointers get along with cats and small pets?
Prey drive varies—early introductions and management are essential; supervise around small animals.

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