English Pointer
Also known as Pointer
- Height at the withers
- 61 to 69 cm
- Weight
- 20 to 34 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 120 minutes
- Origin
- Great Britain
- FCI group
- 7 · Pointing dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- a sporty owner: running, hiking, canicross
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a sedentary life: plan on 120 minutes of activity a day
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
An elegant and powerful pointing dog, the English Pointer wins people over with its athletic outline, its short, close coat and its spectacular point, head high and tail straight out. A fast, tireless and wide-ranging hunter, it is renowned for the keenness of its nose. Gentle and affectionate at home, it remains a dog of wide open spaces that needs to run every day.
History and origins
The Pointer appeared in England in the 17th century, probably from pointing dogs brought from Spain and Portugal, later refined with Foxhound and Greyhound blood. It was used to point game birds, first for falconers and then for hunters with guns. Fixed as a type by British breeders in the 19th century, it holds no. 1 in the FCI nomenclature. In France, it is especially popular with hunters and field trial enthusiasts, and it excels in wide-ranging events.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Entropion
- Hypothyroidism
- Deafness
- Sensory neuropathy (acral mutilation syndrome)
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care. Coat colors: white and lemon, white and orange, white and liver, white and black, solid color, tricolor.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Boundless, 5 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- High, 4 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
English Pointer FAQ
How big does the English Pointer get?
The English Pointer stands 61 to 69 cm at the withers and weighs 20 to 34 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the English Pointer shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the English Pointer live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the English Pointer need each day?
Allow about 120 minutes of activity a day: its energy is boundless. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the English Pointer good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the English Pointer live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and entropion.
