The English Pointer: temperament, price, health, and breeders

The English Pointer developed in the United Kingdom from Iberian pointing dogs, notably Portuguese pointers, then from contributions of French pointers and English foxhounds. Selected to locate and point game with great speed and a high nose, it established itself as one of the most renowned pointing dogs in the world. Its popularity in sport hunting was built over the course of the 19th century and the English breed club was founded in 1891.

The English Pointer is a large dog with an athletic, harmonious and medioline silhouette. Its body is lean and powerful without heaviness, with a well let-down chest, a short and strong loin, a medium-length tail carried in line with the back and a noble head with a slightly concave muzzle. Its coat is short, fine, harsh to the touch, smooth and shiny, and the most common coat colors combine white with lemon, orange, liver or black.

Gentle, loyal and delicate in family life, the English Pointer combines true sensitivity with a strong hunting instinct. He is close to his owner, generally sociable with children and other animals, not very aggressive and rather reserved with strangers. His balance nevertheless depends on sufficient physical exercise and an active living environment.

On a daily basis, the English Pointer is a lively, supple and hardy dog that needs to run and explore to remain serene. It enjoys long outings, scent activities and open environments, whereas a life that is too sedentary or confined can encourage boredom and frustration. At home, it is often calm and attentive once its need for exercise is satisfied.

Its training is generally accessible thanks to its great intelligence, its docility and its desire to cooperate. It must start early, with consistent, calm and positive methods, working as a priority on recall, self-control and the management of the chasing instinct. A well-socialized Pointer Anglais that is regularly stimulated learns quickly and remains pleasant to handle.

The purchase price varies depending on the quality of the bloodline, the reputation of the kennel, the tests carried out on the breeding dogs and whether it is oriented toward hunting or companionship. Beyond the acquisition price, you must anticipate a maintenance budget consistent with a large active dog.

The English Pointer is overall a robust breed, capable of remaining in good health until an advanced age when its care, weight and activity are well managed. Like many large athletic dogs, it nevertheless deserves targeted vigilance regarding the musculoskeletal system, the eyes and the ears.

The diet of the English Pointer must be adapted to its large size, its energy expenditure and its daily activity level. A complete, good-quality food, well-balanced and consistent, helps support its muscle mass, its recovery and the health of its joints.

The English Pointer is considered one of the most accomplished specialists among pointing dogs. Its characteristic posture, tense and motionless when it indicates the scent of game, has largely contributed to its reputation. Despite its high-level sporting qualities, it can also become a very affectionate family companion if its lifestyle respects its need for exercise.