The British, who created this breed, believe that the pointers are reference, classic, almost perfect dogs. They are physically strong, and at the same time elegant, they are excellent hunters with the manners of true gentlemen.
Poynter - a breed of dogs, originally bred for hunting, in modern conditions has shown itself to be an excellent companion, joyfully accompanying its owner's family on distant, and not very, travels.
A bit of history
There is no single version of the origin of this classic hunting breed today, but there are a huge number of theories and hypotheses. Officially, the English Pointer is recognized as an island British hunting dog, but all breeders and breeders emphasize that it contains all the best characteristics of French, Spanish and Italian ancestors.
According to one version, the ancestors of modern pointers came to England at the beginning of the VIII century from other European countries, such as Spain and Italy. British hunters, seeing the stance that the dog is taking, pointing to the prey, called this breed a pointer - indicating. Modern researchers believe that the breed of Pointer dogs, the photo of which can be seen in this article, was obtained by crossing Foxhounds and Greyhounds, Setters and Italian Pointers, Bulldogs and Newfoundlands. At the beginning of the 19th century, after breeders added lightness and elegance by crossing with Italian and French cops, its formation was completed. As a result of such fantastic mixes, a Pointer appeared - a breed of dogs with a unique appearance and excellent hunting characteristics. Her representatives are attentive and smart, fast and hardy. The wonderful scent and excellent eyesight allow them to notice game, not only on water, but also on the ground.
Pointers in Russia
In the middle of the XIX century, the first representatives of this breed appeared in our country. Russian hunters who followed the English fashion trends, adopted the style of gun hunting with a gundog. The breed of dogs English Pointer quickly took root in our country, as people who were enthusiastic began to deal with it. Representatives of the Russian intelligentsia, such as L. Tolstoy and I. Turgenev, F. Chaliapin and K. Korovin, as well as many others, if they themselves did not keep dogs of this breed, they did not refuse to hunt with trained foreign pointers.
After the 1917 revolution, the number of hunters holding such dogs decreased markedly, but the enthusiasts remained and engaged in breeding work. Only in the 60s of the XX century the English pointer became again popular. The description of the breed has not changed since then. In Europe, Russia and America, its representatives are widespread, but it should be noted that the standards, even in European cynological federations, have significant differences.
The main characteristics of the breed
As a result of centuries-old efforts of British breeders, a pointer was bred - a breed of dogs that is considered one of the best among hunting. Excellent vision and search skills, the finest instinct and attentiveness, an instant reaction to the smell of prey - not all of its positive characteristics. Noticing the prey, the dog stands in the “rack”: it freezes in place, stretching into a “string” from the tip of the nose to the tail, while indicating the location of the game.
At home, the Pointers are unpretentious, clean and tidy. Their stiff and short hair does not require special care, it is enough to regularly comb out your pet with a special brush. Since dogs are non-conflict, they easily get along with other domestic animals, with the exception of birds, which are considered only prey and, accordingly, prey on it.
Appearance
Modern representatives of this breed have a taut and proportional body. A large head is located on a long, muscular and rounded neck . The English Pointer has a wide skull, slightly squeezed between thin, low-set ears. The muzzle of these dogs can be either straight or slightly upturned, but in no case dull or hunchbacked. The upper jaw is slightly longer than the lower. The eyes are quite large, expressive, lively and smart. The most preferred eye color is brown, dark shades. The nose is large enough, usually brown, but may be reddish. Lips are normally developed and not sagging much.
Body type
The Pointer breed, whose photo of the representative you see, has a well-developed and muscular shoulder girdle, a “lean” and elastic belly, and a slightly concave back. The legs of such dogs are muscular, with clearly defined tendons. The tail, thick at the base, gets thinner closer to the tip.
Poynter is a breed of dog, characterized by a variety of colors. The suit is yellow, coffee, black, with tan and without them. In addition, there are not only monophonic, but also two- and three-color colors. A rather valuable sign is the presence on the body of the dog, and especially on the head, of spots of the correct form, symmetrically located relative to each other.
Character
Obedient and steady, but at the same time independent, wayward and very self-confident - this is an English pointer. The photo below demonstrates how sociable and lively representatives of this breed are with other dogs.
Pointers have no security qualities and it will not work to use them as watch dogs. Of course, the dog will be able to warn about the penetration of a stranger into the house, but he will not attack an aggressive person. Dogs of this breed will be happy to hunt, chat with you or keep you company on a family walk. Pointers are active dogs, activities with which must be given at least two hours a day.
Socialization
With the owner and members of his family, loyal and gentle pointers always build close relationships. Dogs are attentive and obedient, therefore, even in everyday life they gladly carry out the owner's commands. These dogs love children and are able to endure research activities on their part for quite some time. In addition, these are quite large animals, so the child will not be able to inflict serious injuries on them. To unfamiliar people and guests, the English pointer is restrained, one might say, cold.
With friends of the owners, often in the house - friendly, but without familiarity. Pointers do not tolerate long loneliness and tend to be close to people, so from early childhood puppies of this breed are taught not to be afraid of separation from the owner.
Poynter: breed standard
The official standard for representatives of this breed was approved on November 11, 1975.
Poynter - a dog intended for hunting and should look and behave accordingly. A dog close to ideal should, at first glance, look strong, flexible, and obedient. Both posture and head positioning should be graceful and proud. The general symmetry of the physique and form are more important than the dimensions that the pointer is endowed with. The breed description recommends the following optimal parameters for these dogs:
- The growth of bitches is from 58 to 66 cm, males - 63-71 cm.
- Weight can vary from 20 to 34 kg.
- Monochrome is recognized: fawn, red, coffee and black, as well as two-tone color options. If the dog has a two-tone color, then large spots or spots of black, coffee, red, and yellow piebald flowers may be located on a white background .
The rest of the characteristics indicated in this document are well known to the breeders of this breed, but if you decide to purchase a puppy pointer, then do not be lazy and carefully study the standard.
Owner reviews
It is impossible to say that the English pointer is a very popular dog, but this breed has a lot of fans. Most hunters, according to their own confessions, after the pointers did not start hunting dogs of other breeds, but again chose this English gundog. All owners emphasize the mind, quick wit, observation of representatives of this breed, not only in hunting conditions, but also in everyday city life. There are negative reviews about the pointers, but all of them were left by people who did not correlate their own capabilities with the needs of such dogs. For representatives of this breed, the necessary ones are: communication with the owner and high locomotor activity. Poynter, locked up alone in the apartment, walking for 10-15 minutes a day, risks not only physical but also mental health. Let us remind once again that dogs of this breed need 2-3 hours of active movement in the air every day with the owner. If you can’t provide such activity, then you should consider acquiring a less active dog.