The English Pointer is an English gun dog, meaning that it has been bred for hunting, a dog with a history of 300 years. This athletic and graceful dog was primarily used to catch birds and rabbits. Its task in the game is to catch a scent and point the right direction to the hunter. It can also flush out birds. It is not expected to retrieve the game.
The first impression given by this dog is that of a compact-build, powerful and alert dog. Its head, feet and tail have characteristics that especially distinguish it from other breeds. Its head measures in width just about the same as the muzzle measures in length. Its feet are oval, well cushioned and they have arched toes. Larger at the root, the tail becomes tapered to a point. This dog has a long neck, deep muzzle and a black or brown nose associated with darker coats or flesh-colored nose, if the coat is lighter. It has round dark eyes and teeth that meet in a scissors bite. The ears are hanging and their end has a somewhat pointed shape. The short, dense coat can be colored in white with markings of liver, black, lemon or orange, and it can also be solid-colored or speckled. Tri-colored dogs can also be found.
Temperamentally, the English Pointer is a dog with high levels of energy and it is enthusiastic as a hunter. It is intelligent and loyal to its owners. It is a loving dog, affectionate with its adopting family, children and other pets included. It is also a dog that can easily adapt to new situations, but it can be reserved around new people.
It is recommended that the Pointer be encouraged to socialize from early ages. Just like other gun dogs (bird dogs), it needs lots of exercise, both mental and physical, in order to be happy and calm while staying indoors. If not given the chance to exercise enough, this dog will become high-strung and develop a destructive temper. This is why apartment life is not appropriate for it.
It is a great jogging companion and it will enjoy running beside its owner while he is cycling. In other words, it needs an owner who is just as active as it is. It also needs an owner that is mentally strong and not prone to being tense and nervous. The dog will feel the emotions of its owner and can become just as nervous as the human it accompanies is. Also, the human needs to become the alpha-male in the perception of this dog. If the owner is not just as strong-minded as the Pointer is, the dog will tend to take the role of the leader, which it should not normally be allowed to do. When hearing dubious noises, this dog will start barking. However, it is not a watchdog.
When it comes to its health, it is prone to hip dysplasia, just like other hunting dogs are. Also, it can be affected by skin conditions, thyroid problems and dwarfism. Its life expectancy is of 13 or 14 years.
The English Pointer is one of those dogs who fit best in active families, where its human companions are just as energetic as it is.
