Originally prized for being great gun dogs, with their friendly, affectionate and loving nature Pointers make ideal family pets for active households. This is one dog that will happily run anywhere with you.
Pointers are terrific as either as working dogs or family pets. They are lithe and athletic and do well with a loving but firm family who has time to train them. They are friendly, affectionate and obedient dogs that tend to be gentle and patient with young children. They are clean animals and love to be around their family, making them an ideal indoor dog if they are exercised enough. Otherwise, yards are ideal for keeping them active. They are intelligent and eager to please, which makes training a breeze. Remember to teach them lots of tricks to keep them mentally stimulated.
Fun fact: They have webbed toes and a waterproof coat,
which helps them navigate muddy terrain and
makes them excellent swimmers.
They have bundles of energy and love going for long runs and playing games of fetch. Pointers make good pets for active households as they have great endurance and speed and will happily run alongside you. They will excel at dog sports. If raised with other pets, they will get along with them. The average lifespan of a Pointer is 14 years and overall they are a healthy breed. They require little grooming except for the occasional wash and light brush down weekly. Pointers shed moderately.
Scheduled six monthly health check visits with your vet are important to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. Common ailments include bone developmental issues and some eye problems. Overall however, the Pointer is a very healthy breed with few inherited problems. Together with your vet, you can determine and maintain a preventative health care program based on the individual needs of your canine companion.
Size
A Pointer is a large-sized breed weighing between 26-30kgs, with a height between 61-69cms.
Space
Pointers fair well in most spaces provided they receive enough exercise, but a yard is ideal.
Energy Levels
The equivalent of a marathon runner, they go and go and go. Daily runs and lots of games make for a happy dog.
Difficulty of Training
They are highly intelligent, making them easy to train.
Family suitability
They are great family pets, loyal companions and even make great watchdogs.
Compatibility with other Pets
Pointers are friendly to all other pets.
Need for Company
They are neither your shadow nor independent, but like lots of love and cuddles.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breed?
No
Coat and Grooming Needs
They require little attention, just a weekly brush to keep their coat healthy. They have a short smooth coat usually in lemon and white, orange and white, liver and white or black and white.
Shedding
They shed little hair.
Tendency to Bark
They are generally quiet dogs, so don’t expect long conversations.