Deriving their name from their ability to point out game to hunters, the English Pointer was specifically bred for its innate qualities. There are a variety of breeds used in hunting, but the English Pointer was known for finding game, stopping, and pointing it out by use of its muzzle. The hunter would then know where to shoot his target and the hunter and English Pointer would go about their day, happy with their bounty.
It is believed that during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the English Pointer was carefully and selectively bred from four other breeds. These are the Bull Terrier, the Foxhound, the Greyhound, and the Bloodhound. Today, the English Pointer is a wonderful breed that captivates all of the best qualities of its ancestral heritage.
Sleek, graceful, and athletic the English Pointer comes in a variety of colors. These color range from liver to orange and you can find English Pointers with a number of varying patterns on their coats. They may also be lemon (shades of yellow commonly used to describe dogs) as well as black and chocolate brown. The various patterns on their coats are known as ticking and may range from small spots to large areas.
Some of the inbred traits of these hunting or gun dogs also make them excellent pets. They are very good natured, docile, and pleasant pets and seek lots of attention as well as affection. The English Pointer is also very gentle and a good dog to choose if you have other pets or children. They are not overtly territorial therefore they make adjustments easily. They are also happiest when included in the family and allowed to live indoors.
Finally, it is important to realize that since the English Pointer is originally a hunting dog, they require plenty of vigorous exercise. They love to run, gallop, and enjoy the great outdoors. They are great pets provided you give them ample attention, plenty of exercise, and freedom to play vigorously. Problems will arise if you keep them confined without adequate exercise. If you are planning on owning an English Pointer, be prepared to encourage him or her with plenty of daily activities and you will be rewarded with a loyal and trustworthy companion.
Gabriel Adams
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/the-english-pointer-the-perfect-pet-139566.html
Who else thinks English Pointers are great?
A bit of sentimentality here, my pet (an English Pointer) of 13 years was put down recently because of an irrepairable spine injury.
I'll always remember him as being one of the best parts of my childhood. Like a brother to me since i was 3 years old.
But my point is… Pointers have to be damn near the perfect Dog, they serve their primary purpose of finding upland game (i never used my dog for this) but mainly, they are wonderful companions, possibly the most playful and exuberant breed i've encountered, right up until the last few days he acted like a very young dog. That allied with their gentle, sociable yet protective nature make them unrivalled in my humble opinion.
Yeah but i can agree with you brianthe snail, you have what i consider 'a proper dog'. Not like some of the silly little ones like poodles and what not.
Andie, i'm not sure. I don't think my parents want to be lumbered with a dog because i'll be leaving for university in two years time.
It was me that looked after the dog all the time so obviously it's pointless getting one until i have my own house.
I'm sure i will though, and it will be another Pointer.
The Pointer Sisters probably like them, too.
Sorry, couldn't resist.
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It is tempting to get all protective of my dog's name (as an Alaskan Malamute) … she is a star, with all the attributes you say (bar the finding of game … but then mine can drag me around on a scooter). But, as a dog owner I understand that we all love our dogs and think them amazing beasts. All down to the owners love I have no doubt.
Sorry to hear of your loss, but good to hear you have so many fond memories.
Edit: Must admit, my father and his new bit of stuff have a "toy" dog and I do find the whole concept of such a tad daft, but try (and often fail) to understand the reasoning. Also … while watching Crufts this year, I did tend to pull rather worried looking faces when I saw Poodles made to look like some kind of Elvis/Dog cross …. surely VERY unnatural for the poor things, that should (to my mind) have rasta-type fur.
Edit (again): The last dog my mum owned was a Border Collie … now there's a thinking dogs dog, the first was a mongrel, but both were stars. Which just goes to show all dogs are grand, if you love them they will love you.
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english pointer…great dog. i'm partial to bird dogs. i have an italian spinone. very good at his 'job', especially good at his job of being my constant companion. very laid back, but at the same time, a clown. i am so sorry you have lost such an important part of your life, but glad that you have those happy memories. are you planning on getting another pointer? i can't imagine myself with anythig other than a spinone. what was your dog's name? i hope yu get another one and have just as good a relationship with him.
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Not me, there's one in the park near here that ahtes me. I am a pacafist.
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(Nods) I grew up with German Shorthaired Pointers, and
what sweet dogs they were. Dad had them professionally
trained as pointers and we used to hunt pheasant, quail
and chukkar(sp?). They were loving family pets as well.
Our dog Heidi was trained by a man named Ranse Niles
along with twenty other German Shorthairs also named
Heidi, so that training time was maximally effective
because he got twenty Heidis all following the same
commands at once.
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Well, I actually have three German shorthaired Pointers, but I have to agree with you, Pointers, in general are wonderful dogs. I adore my three; Murphy, Merlin, and River.
None of our dogs work, even though they were originally bred as gundogs, rhather than for show, but they are all sweet natured, and even tempered, and make great family pets. I always feel that Pointers are still rather rare compared to Labs, Rotties, Dobies etc, and they always draw attention when we're out walking with them. And, yes, I know what you mean…..they never do grow up!! Our eldest is 13, followed by the next one who is 16 months old, and the youngest is just three months old!!!
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yes i have a female pointer who has just had seven pointer pups and they are so loyal and loving ideal companion . if in a while you feel like you need a new one contactr me at s.j.lunn@btinternet.com
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