The English Pointer is an ancient hunting breed from Great Britain. Here in the profile, you’ll learn everything about the history, character, and care of the breed.

History of the English Pointer

The English Pointer is a classic pointing dog, whose ancestors originate from Spain and France. The English crossed these hunting dogs with Foxhounds and Greyhounds. Although there are now many pointing breeds, such as the German Wirehaired Pointer, the Weimaraner, or the Small Münsterländer, the English pointing dog is considered the purest inheritor of the pointing trait. British breeders have been breeding the breed in its current form since 1835. English pointers were introduced to the United States in the 1860s and were among the first nine registered breeds by the American Kennel Club. These nine breeds, known as “charter breeds,” were highly esteemed and sought after, as noted in a list compiled by the AKC in 1878.

The breed belongs to FCI Group 7 “Pointing Dogs” in Section 1.1 Continental Pointing Dogs. In the United States, only about 50 to 120 English Pointer puppies are born each year.

Temperament and Character

The English Pointer is an intelligent and good-natured dog, primarily known for its excellent hunting abilities. The alert and well-balanced dog possesses excellent inherent pointing traits. When scenting game, they usually freeze motionless with a raised front paw, indicating with their nose the direction where the prey is located. These skilled and enduring dogs have a keen sense of smell and navigate easily in areas where other hunting dogs would work slowly. In some situations, the sensitive hunting dogs may react anxiously. For this reason, they need a strong leader they can trust. Additionally, they are suspicious of strangers and will bark when someone enters their territory.

Appearance of the English Pointer

The English Pointer is an elegant and robust dog of medium size. The body is athletic and symmetrical. The elegant head has a pronounced stop and a strong muzzle with well-defined lips, reminiscent of a Boxer. Their close-fitting coat is short and smooth with a pronounced sheen. Numerous colors are permitted, with lemon with white, orange with white, liver and white, or black and white being the most common. Solid-colored and tricolored specimens are also allowed.

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Training the Puppy

A demanding hunting dog like the Pointer requires a dedicated and experienced owner. Training the trainable dog is usually easy because they enjoy following their owner. Ideally, the dog receives expert, hunting-related training. The most important thing is to start training the dog in puppyhood and combine it with impeccable socialization. Attending a dog training school is beneficial not only for inexperienced dog owners. Those who want to turn a born hunting dog into a well-behaved city dog must be consistent and empathetic. You cannot train away their hunting instinct, but you can control it.

Activities with the English Pointer

As the Pointer is primarily a hunting dog, it should be handled by someone who works with it professionally. During the hunt, it is exceptionally fast and only needs a short time to search a large area for potential prey. It’s enjoyable to watch the enthusiastic hunter at work, moving swiftly and gracefully. As a family dog, it requires correspondingly stimulating alternative activities. The breed can easily keep up with activities such as horseback riding, jogging, cycling, or hiking. British four-legged friends love to play and eagerly retrieve sticks and toys. To fulfill their innate intelligence and need for movement, besides long walks, engagement in dog sports is recommended.

Health and Care

Thanks to its short and smooth coat, the Pointer requires little grooming. It suffices to occasionally brush the dog and remove dirt. The diet of the athletic dog should be adjusted to its physical activity level. When not hunting, the English companion can quickly gain fat, which should be prevented. The dogs are not particularly prone to illness and often reach an age of around 14 years. Since the dogs enjoy movement, you should ensure they do not overexert themselves and become chilled in winter.

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Is the English Pointer Suitable for Me?

The English Pointer is an ideal dog for individuals seeking a reliable hunting dog or an enduring family companion. These gentle dogs act independently and do not possess unconditional discipline. They are particularly suitable for nature lovers who enjoy hiking and seek a sporty partner. Before buying, you should be aware that you are acquiring a thoroughbred hunting dog that will never abandon its hunting instinct. Walks in wildlife-rich areas can be very demanding for inexperienced owners. Therefore, having ample experience in handling hunting dogs is advantageous.

Since breeders prefer to sell their Pointer puppies to hunters and foresters, it is not easy to obtain a puppy as a family pet. A purebred and healthy puppy with papers from the breeder costs around $1000. You can also find representatives of the breed or mixed breeds looking for a new home in animal shelters.

Interesting and Worth Knowing

During World War II, the English Pointer Judy was stationed on a Royal Navy warship and warned the crew of incoming aircraft. During the Battle of Singapore in 1942, the ship sank, and the dog nearly drowned. The surviving crew stranded with Judy on a deserted island, where they fought for survival on a 200-mile march. The dog searched for fresh water, defended her crew against crocodiles, and safely accompanied them to Sumatra. Upon arrival, they were all captured, and Judy was the only dog the Japanese officially registered as a prisoner of war. Back in England in 1946, the bitch was awarded a Dickin Medal. She eventually died at the proud age of 14 and was commemorated with a stone monument in Tanzania.

Another particularly famous representative of the breed is the dog Sensation, featured on the logo of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Do you own an English Pointer or are you considering getting one? Tell me in the comments what you think makes them so special!