English Pointer

This information was contributed by : Gundog Central

Description

Athletic, Muscular and Graceful, the Pointer is ever alert and ready. They have high energy levels and the endurance to match. Named after its ability to freeze and point out game with it amazing scenting ability.

Their coats is short and clean. Does well in the warm southern states, but not suited well for extremely low temperatures.

Males: Height 22-26 inches
Weight 40-75 pounds.

Females: Height 21-25 inches
Weight 35-65 pounds.

Affectionate, Intelligent and Loyal, Pointers adapt well to non hunting homes. Good with children and most are non aggressive towards other dogs and even cats. This breed has high energy levels and requires plenty of exercise, especially if they are to be kept indoors. Socialization is a most at an early age as they have a tendency to be timid. Hunting lines often are pointing game as early as eight weeks old.

Life Expectancy of 13-14 years. Pointers have few genetic issues, but hip dysphasia, dwarfism, epilepsy, allergies, skin conditions and cherry eye can occur.

History

Believed to have originated in the sixteenth and seventeenth century from Europe. There are known records of the Pointer in England dating back to as early as 1650, when Pointers were used to find hare. Most sources indicate that the Pointer was developed by crossing these baseline breeds: Greyhound, Foxhound, Bloodhounds and Bull Terriers. A few other sources include the Italian Pointer, the Setter, Newfoundland and the Bulldog.

Brought to the States in the late 1800's, this breed is primarily used for hunting upland birds, but can be adapted to hunt other game.

The bird of choice for most Pointer owners is the Bobwhite Quail, which is perfectly suited to the Pointers ability, because the Bobwhite would rather hold than flush. Other upland birds for which the Pointer is well suited is the Pheasant, Grouse and Woodcock.

Since it was permitted to complete in field trails in the early 1900's, the Pointer has dominated the pointing breed class. The “American Field” Field Trail Hall of Fame list 97 Pointers out of a total of 138 dogs.

One of the most notable American Kennels was formed by Robert Wehle in 1936. Robert Wehle named his kennel "Elhew Kennels", which is his name spelled backwards. He formed the kennel at the age of 15 after receiving a female Pointer named "Jem of Fern", as a gift from his dad. Whele breed "Jem of Fern" to a English Pointer named "Frank of Sunnylawn", which produced the first Elhew prefixed dog named "Elhew Midge". Elhew Kennels high standards and long range breeding program have made the Elhew pointers one of the most desirable Pointers available today and is a well known name at field trail events across America.