History of the English Pointer

Like many breeds, the history of the Pointer is not entirely clear. Pointers were bred to work with hunters. In the past they were sometimes used in combination with a retriever, to point out game for the hunter. Pointers were also used as falconer's dogs. As early as the 17th century, sportsmen used Pointers to locate hares and then employed Greyhounds to chase them. There are records of Pointers in England as far back as 1650. According to one source, the Pointer came to be in the 16th and 17th centuries when pointing breeds including the Spanish Pointer were brought from the European mainland to England.

At least four breeds were instrumental in Pointer crosses: Greyhounds, Foxhounds, Bloodhounds, and Bull Terriers. Each of these were established breeds with unique qualities that the Pointer could use to do its job.

Pointers were brought to the United States where the breed flourished in the abundant open hunting land. In the late 1800s, the Setter was considered to be the bird hunting dog and Pointers were not even permitted to compete in field trials with Setters. Around 1910, the Pointer began to compete in the trials and soon began to best the Setter. The Pointer has dominated the pointing breed field trials since that time.

One of the earliest dogs to exert influence on the breed in the U.S. was a dog who was imported from England in 1876 named Sensation. He is now well known as the dog on the emblem of the Westminster Kennel Club.

Elhew Kennels, a modern American kennel that was established in 1936 and known for breeding large quantities of Pointers,  produced a popular and successful line of gun dogs. Elhew pointers were well-known competitors at field trials for several decades.

In the southern U.S., where the pointer is abundant and overwhelmingly the choice for hunters, they are simply referred to as the "bird dog". The bobwhite quail is the primary game bird in the southern U.S. and is considered classic English Pointer game as the bobwhite will hold well for a pointing dog. Pointers also work game birds such as the pheasant, grouse and woodcock.

Temperament - English Pointer

Personality

Pointers are even-tempered, congenial dogs that are happy living indoors as part of a family. They are affectionate and loyal, with a very low to nonexistent aggression level and personality that allows them to happily co-exist with other dogs and often cats. Pointers are typically not territorial, although their size and bark can intimidate people that come to the door. Pointers are very good with children, though close attention should be paid when playing with younger children. They are naturally pack animals and will be most happy when they are in the presence of the rest of the family.

Activity Requirements

While Pointers were bred to be a hunting dog, they are perfectly content given adequate exercise in a non-hunting home. A securely fenced yard is highly recommended to keep a Pointer safe since they are bred to hunt a good distance from their owner. A well-exercised Pointer is a wonderful family member.

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