High-energy, friendly and endlessly loyal to their human family, Pointers make excellent running buddies for active owners. Their sleek and shiny coat is low maintenance, but they do benefit from consistent grooming.
Personality and temperament
As a highly-driven working dog, Pointers are intelligent, agile and quick witted when outdoors, but relaxed and more laid back (also a little cheeky) once their day is done. They make affectionate and loyal family pets, though their high energy personality might be a bit too much for small children and they have a very strong prey drive so keep the hamsters away! They have been bred to be faithful companions and as such, they are their happiest when they’re with their humans. Pointers make alert and focused watch dogs, letting you know if there’s something unusual going on… or just your neighbour taking the bins out. Again.
Size and appearance
Pointers are athletic and lean with a muscular body that’s ready to go at a moment’s notice. This is a breed built for action. Males can weigh up to 34kg and reach up to around 69cm, making them a medium to large breed. They have a long neck and straight back, a somewhat ‘chiselled’ head and deep chest giving them an elegant gait. Their smooth, aerodynamic coat comes in a variety of liver, lemon, black or orange markings and is relatively low maintenance. While they do shed, it’s not as noticeable as other more fluffy breeds.
History
The name ‘Pointer’ has traditionally been used to describe any dog that ‘points’ (with its snout) when hunting alongside its owner. Different kinds of pointing dogs date back to the 1600s in Europe, with Spanish Pointers believed to have been used to strengthen the English Pointer breed in the 1700s. The Pointer we know and love today most probably came about in England by mixing several sporting dog breeds. The breed crossed the Atlantic with colonists and was documented during the American Civil War. They arrived in Australia and New Zealand around the same time becoming valued working dogs for hunting game, but now they are mainly loved as house pets and furry companions.
Health conditions that can affect this breed
These athletic dogs are generally pretty healthy, however they can be prone to some common conditions, including:
- Hip dysplasia (where the joints don’t form properly)
- Bloat (GDV) (life-threatening stomach twisting)
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)
- Allergies
- Epilepsy
- Eye disorders
- Deafness (less common but possible)
Regular vet check-ups and care can help manage these conditions and keep your Pointer healthy.
Food and exercise
Being such an active breed, these speedy pooches benefit from a nutrient-dense diet that supports healthy joints and lean muscles. Strict portion control and regular feeding routines can help avoid extra weight on their slim build as it can stress their bones.
There’s a reason this active breed makes great running mates – they need around 60-90 minutes a day of high-octane exercise. They love brisk walks, jogging, swimming, fetch and agility courses. Scent work, like tracking, can also help keep these intelligent pooches from getting too bored.
Grooming and maintenance
The short, sleek coat of a Pointer is low maintenance; however it still sheds year-round. Weekly brushing will keep lose fur from covering your furniture and your clothes. Even though these pooches have very short coats they can still trigger allergies in their human family so are not considered hypoallergenic.
- Bathe: every 4-6 weeks
- Professional groom: not essential but helpful every 8-12 weeks
How to groom your Pointer
- Fur: brush weekly with a rubber curry or grooming mitt
- Nails: trim every 3-4 weeks
- Ears: clean weekly
- Eyes: wipe gently if needed
Training and space requirements
Pointers love learning, their big, beautiful brains pick up skills quickly and they even enjoy showing off with new tricks. As they are high-energy dogs with a super strong prey drive, stick to short, consistent sessions with lots of praise and treats.
Due to their love of exercise, Pointers need room to run around and to get rid of some energy with the odd zoomie or two. A secure backyard is ideal. While they can adapt to smaller spaces, they’d need to live with someone who is dedicated to providing enough opportunities for exercise, training and mental simulation. These smart dogs can get bored very easily.
Best suited for…
Full of love and energy, Pointers make great housemates for active families and those looking for a cheeky pooch to join them for a workout or two. They love kiddos and other large dogs, just keep your small pets away from them, otherwise they’ll be chased!
