This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, July 2013 issue.
What’s so special about Pointers? For one, they come in striking colors—bright white with varying amounts of markings in either black, orange, liver or lemon, or solid with possible white on feet, foreface, and chest. Color pattern helps tell them apart, but it’s the individual personalities of these lovable canine athletes that shine through and win your heart. There are many reasons to like Pointers—first of all, they are unabashedly beautiful to look at with that classic outline, all streamlined and sleek, exquisite head and kind expression.
They are true sporting dogs, built to have great stamina yet make beloved companions and pets, no pressure if you don’t “do” extra-curricular activities. They’re versatile, wash ‘n wear dogs with a lifespan of 11-14 years, or more. Living with a Pointer is easy. If you have kids they can tire each other out and be happy. They’re clean and sociable and eager to be part of the family. They will fit right in on the sofa beside you, no matter how small the space. In fact, they might even pile on top of one another to fit into that small space. You won’t have to look far to know where your Pointer is either, as it will most likely be where you are. I usually say, “I’ll be right back, I’m only going into the other room” but it doesn’t matter if it is for the first or fifth time, at least one will tag along to be sure not to miss anything. Others might stay in place but listen or watch to determine if further investigation is warranted.
As for hearing, it is remarkable—a Pointer snoozing or doing something of interest at the opposite end of the house can detect the stealthiest opening of a refrigerator door and arrive instantly. Pointers were introduced from Europe into England around 1650 where the breed has been perfected over the ensuing centuries. They grew in popularity in America after the Civil War ended in 1865 with a real concentration of imported stock arriving from the British Isles during the 1870s and 80s, and again in the 1920s and 30s. For a more detailed look into the breed’s history, please see the April 2012 ShowSight Pointer feature online. During the early to mid-part of the 20th century, a true divergence of Pointer type took place in the US due to many sportsmen breeding for field performance alone. This resulted in a smaller, faster, wider-ranging bird dog with a flagpole tail (straight up) that is often followed on horseback to keep track of it.
They are registered with the Field Dog Stud Book (FDSB) and vastly outnumber the traditional Pointers registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). From the outset, AKC-registered Pointers were classic personal gundogs bred to conform to the physical standard adopted from England in the 1880s with relatively few changes by the parent club(s) since. Our focus is entirely on these Pointers, often known as the “show” Pointer. That’s a nice label, but wait! There’s more! What can be more memorable than that primordial thrill the first time you see your Pointer suddenly stop, intently whiffing something divine on the wind and then freeze into a point as if in a trance? You can’t teach that! An increasing percentage of dedicated Pointer breeders and owners are nurturing the talents for which their dogs are most universally renowned through training and competition at AKC Hunt Tests and Field Trials.
Some refer to this work afield as their own form of “therapy” and you wonder just who is benefiting the most! It’s exciting to watch a flashy Pointer being put through its paces at any Performance venue. There are bound to be smiles from the gallery as it maneuvers the course with spirit and grace. If you’re willing, they’re willing, but humility and a healthy sense of humor are virtues when things don’t go as planned. Though Pointers were never considered contenders, now an impressive number can boast titles as long as your arm before and after their name thanks to their efforts and dedication their owners’ perseverance. More inspiring is that over a dozen Pointers have now earned Tracking titles and still others have become successful Search and Rescue dogs!
The versatility of this breed is endless. Many are able to mix and match varying disciplines without difficulty. Pointers are very loyal and want to please. Some might show a natural aptitude for a task, where others need more time and direction and plenty of that elusive quality known as patience to make it happen. For all their exuberance, Pointers have a soft and gentle nature and are really quite sensitive to harsh reprimands, regardless of the transgression. A little correction goes a long way and positive reinforcement works best. Pointers make a striking Junior Showmanship breed choice with their unembellished physique and easy demeanor. They have also been known to make appearances at elementary schools for show and tell sessions where they’ll patiently allow schoolchildren to pet, prod and play show dog with them. They can sense when tenderness is required. Some make incredible Therapy Dogs, with special certification training that includes working with autistic children, Alzheimer’s patients or nursing home residents.
That beautiful head with earnest expression and soft, brown eyes nosing gently under a hand and the innate ability to move closer without intruding are remarkable talents. Since it is hard to resist such an empathetic friend, moods tend to brighten. At home, Pointers can intuitively comfort a distressed family member (young or old) and willingly absorb tears shed into their embraced necks. Everything said, Pointers are robust and full of energy which needs to be released daily. Ready access to a fenced yard, regular trips to the park or a jog, or kids as mentioned earlier, are good ways to prevent the house from becoming their gymnasium.
Since Pointers weigh between 45-65 pounds, remember those bony elbows if considering a lap dog (and they do consider themselves lap dogs). Crates are a valued element in a Pointer household. They provide refuge (never for punishment) for rest and quiet for the dogs, as well as peace of mind for an owner who cannot be sure if it’s wise to leave them unattended while away. Case in point was the day our cat brought a live chipmunk into the house through the doggie door, turning the three Pointers in residence into Keystone Cops on a car chase. The chipmunk survived, but the corner cabinet was never the same.
