The English Pointer is a real aristocrat. This dog is elegant, graceful, has a balanced character; he is friendly and peaceful. Dogs of this breed are great for active people who believe that "movement is life!". They will become indispensable assistants on the hunt. They will accompany you wherever you wish. Pointers will quickly find a common language with other animals. They will become protectors and patrons of small children, and for adults - loyal and loyal friends.
English Pointers are one of the most popular hunting dogs in the world. Translated from English, "pointer" means "arrow, indication." And this is not at all accidental. After all, dogs of this breed are famous precisely because of their stance, which indicates the direction of the position of the bird on the hunt. Purposeful breeding of these dogs began to be engaged in the 18th century. Although it is assumed that such dogs appeared much earlier. Probably the ancestors of modern English pointers were the old Spanish pointers perro-depuita ("dog in the rack"), which were brought to England. Pointers acquired their modern look thanks to English breeders who achieved ideal proportions and characteristics by crossing dogs such as Foxhounds, Greyhounds, Bulldogs, Italian and French Pointers. These dogs are extremely popular these days, especially among hunters. Magnificent flair and speed made them indispensable assistants on the hunt. The Pointer Standard was adopted in 1897 by the Dog Fanciers Club. In 1900, the breed was officially recognized by the British Cynological Association.
The English Pointer is a fairly large dog with strong bones and well-developed muscles. The head is in proportion to the body with a long skull. The transition from forehead to muzzle is well defined. The muzzle is long. The nose is large, the color can be dark or light, depending on the color. The ears are hanging, located at eye level, thin with pointed ends. The eyes are large, rounded, brown or dark brown. The neck is long and muscular. The back is strong, slightly sloping. The tail is of medium length, thick at the base, tapering towards the end. The limbs are long, straight, parallel to each other, with well-developed muscles. Paws are rounded with long closed fingers. The coat is short, straight, thick and shiny, lying close. Color can be solid black, fawn or coffee; piebald lemon white and orange white or tricolor (white, black, brown). White spots on the muzzle, chest and tips of the paws are allowed.
There are virtually no flaws in the character of this breed of dogs. They know exactly where and how they need to behave. In the house, these dogs are quite calm, in relation to close people they are affectionate and friendly, while hunting they are attentive. They get along well with other pets, despite their hunting nature. Pointers clearly understand when it's time to hunt. However, it is better not to keep birds in the vicinity. Do not tempt your pet so that you do not have to punish him later; after all, if you regularly hunt with him, you cannot punish the dog so that he does not have dissonance, due to a discrepancy with two conflicting attitudes. Also remember that in many ways the character of your four-legged friend depends on you, because it is formed thanks to you. By nature, Pointers are fast, agile, intelligent, good-natured and cheerful. In order for the puppy to show all the best sides of his character in the future, make sure that from childhood he feels protected and confident.
In order not to encounter the most common diseases characteristic of dogs of this breed, it is necessary to carefully study the puppy's pedigree before purchasing it. The health of many dogs depends on genetics. Pointers are hardy, with good health, a good immune system, however, they have a lot of hereditary diseases. The list contains diseases that have been seen in dogs of this breed throughout its existence. This does not mean that your pet is doomed to these diseases. Dogs of this breed may have:
Also, the English Pointer is prone to various skin diseases, so do not forget to vaccinate your pet in a timely manner, bathe him with special products, and treat his skin from all kinds of parasites using safe products.
The English Pointer needs to live in warmth. These dogs have a short coat that will not protect them from the cold, especially in winter. Therefore, it is better to keep pointers in an apartment or in a private house. Of course, the second option is the most successful, because these dogs need to move a lot and spend time outdoors. English Pointers are very calm in the house, subject to the necessary physical exertion.
These dogs are, first of all, hunters by nature, so you need to spend a lot of time with them on walks in the forest. If it is not possible to hunt, provide your pet with sports activities that imitate this action, which is so exciting for dogs of this breed. Pointers are a pleasure to care for. They do not need daily brushing and frequent bathing. Although, if possible, brushing dogs, even with short hair, should be done as often as possible, because this procedure improves blood circulation, and also affects the appearance of the coat. Remember to keep your pet's eyes and ears clean. Eyes are best washed regularly with a decoction of chamomile. Inspect paw pads for cracking; grease them with vegetable oil. Teach your puppy to all hygiene procedures from childhood. In order for the puppy to allow you to examine yourself, treat him with a treat.
Education and training are very important moments in your life and in the life of your pet. English Pointers are smart and quick-witted dogs, with an innate hunting instinct, but in case of improper upbringing, they can become shy and naughty. To prevent this from happening, in no case do not offend the dog, you must be patient and persistent. Early socialization is very important - you must introduce the puppy to the world around him and its inhabitants. A hunting dog, first of all, must be self-confident. If the puppy is afraid of something, do not feel sorry for him, otherwise your gesture will be regarded as praise for the correct behavior. Serious training is best to start when your pointer is a little older, but in the meantime, learn with him such basic commands as: “Come!”, “Sit”, “No”, “Next”. However, a puppy should be taken to the forest from an early age, so that he gets used to the forest, to its sounds, and the environment. Pointers are dogs that specialize in birds. They even have their own strategy, which does not need to be taught to the puppy. Having sensed a bird, pointers make a characteristic stance indicating the direction of the game; after that, they wait for the owner's command to scare the bird away. Then the pointer can bring the prey into the hands of the owner. The main thing for you is to accustom the pointer to obedience and unquestioning submission, and this is not at all difficult if your pet has a feeling of love and trust for you.
