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Need to Know
- Dog suitable for experienced owners
- Extra training required
- Generally healthy breed
- Enjoys vigorous walks
- Some drool
- Requires regular grooming
- Quiet dog
- Welcomes everyone happily
- Generally friendly with other dogs
- Gets along with other pets with training
- Great family dog
- Needs a large yard, in suburban or rural areas
- Can be left alone occasionally with training
- AKC Registered Breed
Personality
The English Pointer dog is a bundle of energy and intelligence, making them the perfect partner for anyone who loves outdoor adventures and playtime. Their zest for life and boundless enthusiasm means they’re always up for a play session or a long run, and they’ll keep you on your toes with their lively spirit. They have a loving and trustworthy personality and a high sense of alertness, making them good watchdogs.
Early Pointers were bred from a mix of Greyhounds, Foxhounds, Bloodhounds, and old-setting Spaniels. After the War of Spanish Succession in 1713, British officers brought heavy-boned Spanish Pointers back to England, which were then crossed with Italian Pointers to create the modern breed. English Pointer dogs came to America in the late 19th century, celebrated for their exceptional skill and charm, taking place among America’s cherished canine companions.
The ideal owner of an English Pointer is an active, outdoorsy individual who thrives on high energy and enjoys engaging in regular exercise and play. This person should be enthusiastic about spending time outdoors, whether running, hiking, or participating in field activities, and be ready to embrace the Pointer’s spirited nature.
At heart, the English Pointer is an active and energetic dog that requires plenty of daily exercise, including ample time for free-running. A fit adult English Pointer needs significant exercise and will always be eager for more.
The English Pointer is a country dog who needs a spacious home and lots of room to run and play in the great outdoors.
English Pointers have low grooming needs thanks to their sleek and short coat. They need regular brushing to keep their coat shiny and smooth and the occasional bath to keep them fresh. For the finishing touches, some ear cleaning, nail trimming, and teeth brushing will keep your English Pointer looking and feeling fabulous.
The English Pointer breed is an intelligent and eager-to-please dog that thrives when given the chance to showcase its talents. Training sessions or scent work activities where they can demonstrate their skills are ideal. They need a reliable recall command due to their strong chase instinct. English Pointers may need to be kept on a leash or in secure, enclosed areas to ensure their safety while running outdoors.
English Pointers make excellent family dogs for active, outdoorsy families who can give them the necessary exercise.
The cost of an English Pointer from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.
Learn more about feeding and caring for your English Pointer on Purina.
Did You Know?
- You can trace the history of Pointers through art. Early Pointers are depicted on the walls of 3,000-year-old Egyptian tombs and French and English paintings from the 17th to 19th centuries.
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