Pointer (dog breed)

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Pointer
English Pointer orange-white.jpg
Orange and white Pointer
Other namesEnglish Pointer
Origin England
Traits
Height Dogs 64–69 cm (25–27 in)
Bitches 61–66 cm (24–26 in)
Weight Dogs 25–34 kg (55–75 lb)
Bitches 20–29 kg (45–65 lb)
Coat Short, hard and smooth
Colour Lemon & white, orange & white, liver & white and black & white; tri-colour and self-colour are known.
Life span 13–14 years
Kennel club standards
The Kennel Club standard
FCI standard
Dog ( domestic dog )

The Pointer, sometimes called the English Pointer, is a medium-sized breed of pointing dog developed in England. Pointers are used to find game for hunters, and are considered by gundog enthusiasts to be one of the finest breeds of its type; however, unlike most other pointing breeds, its purpose is to point, not retrieve game.

Contents

The popular belief is that the Pointer descends from the Old Spanish Pointer that was brought to England from Spain with returning soldiers at the beginning of the 18th century. Once in England, they were crossed with local dog breeds to improve the breed's hunting abilities.

Etymology

The Pointer takes its name from the stance it adopts when it detects the scent of game, "pointing" at the hidden game as a visible signal to the hunter that it has found something and where it is; the breed is sometimes called the English Pointer to differentiate it from other pointing dog breeds. [1] [2] [3] The term "bird dog" is usually used to describe all pointing dogs and setters, but in the United States the term is often used to describe the Pointer breed, particularly south of the Mason–Dixon line. [3]

History

Two Pointers in a landscape, 1805. Two Pointers in a Landscape.jpg
Two Pointers in a landscape, 1805.

There has been much debate among dog historians about the ancestry of the Pointer. [4] [5] [6] The most commonly held position is that the breed descends from Old Spanish Pointers that were imported into England. [4] [5] [6] [7] The popular belief is that Spanish Pointers were first introduced to England in 1713 by soldiers returning from Spain after the Peace of Utrecht. [4] [5] [6] [7] In his Cynographia Britannica, published in 1800, Sydenham Edwards states that the "Spanish Pointer was introduced to this country [England] by a Portugal Merchant, at a very modern period, and was first used by a reduced Baron, of the name of Bichell, who lived in Norfolk, and could shoot flying". [8]

Other early sources suggest Portuguese Pointers, Italian Braccos or French pointers were the foundation of the English breed. [4] [5] In 1902, Victorian era sportsman William Arkwright produced the book The pointer and his predecessors often considered one of the best early histories of the Pointer for which he expended considerable time and money searching continental archives. [5] [9] [10] In the book he notes that he did not find any truly convincing evidence of Spanish Pointers being the foundation stock of the Pointer but still concludes on the basis of all evidence that it is the most likely history. [5] [9] [10] It is noteworthy that in those days dog breeds did not exist as they are known in more modern times, and that a more general pointing type of dog (typically a short haired, hound-like, air-scenting dog with regional variations of appearance that was used for indicating the location of game birds) was known in all of these countries. [4] [5]

A second less commonly held belief is a form of Pointer that was present in England, much earlier than the introduction of the Spanish Pointer, and that they were used from medieval times to indicate the location of hares which were subsequently coursed by greyhounds or caught by hawks; it is held that these dogs were subsequently heavily influenced by the introduction of imported European pointer blood. [4] [7]

The earliest recorded mentions of Pointers in England date from the early 18th century. [5] John Gay mentions Pointers being used to hunt partridge in his 1713 poem Rural sports, and Peter Tillemans produced a painting of the Duke of Kingston-upon-Hull's kennel of pointers in 1725. [5] [11]

A compendium of sources state that in England early Pointers were crossed with other breeds to impart certain desirable traits, including setters, bloodhounds and foxhounds, with some mention of Bull Terriers and bulldogs. [4] [5] [6] [12] Early Pointers were comparatively heavy, ponderous dogs able to hold a steady point whilst the hunter readied his gun. With the steady improvement of firearms throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, faster and more agile dogs were sought so Greyhounds were increasingly introduced to add speed. [4] [5] The introduction of Greyhound blood resulted in the modern Pointer being a much finer dog with a comparatively tucked-up loin, tighter lips and low-set tail, more akin to that of the Greyhound than European pointer breeds. [5]

The Pointer's breed standard was formally adopted in 1936 and has subsequently remained largely unchanged. [10]

Description

English Pointer.jpg
Black and white Pointer
English-pointer-164115.jpg
Liver and white Pointer

Appearance

The Pointer is a medium-sized, athletic breed that is built for both endurance and speed. [7] [12] They typically stand between 53 and 71 centimetres (21 and 28 in) with bitches being shorter than dogs. [7] [12] The breed standard of The Kennel Club states that dogs should stand 64 to 69 centimetres (25 to 27 in) and bitches 61 to 66 centimetres (24 to 26 in). [13] The breed usually weighs between 20 and 34 kilograms (45 and 75 lb), with dogs weighing 25 to 34 kilograms (55 to 75 lb) and bitches 20 to 29 kilograms (45 to 65 lb). [7] [14] The Pointer has a very distinctive head with a slightly dished face and elevated nose, a raised brow, and wide nostrils, their ears are hanging and lie close to the face, are high set, medium-sized, and slightly pointed. [7] [6] [10] The breed standard describes them as having a long, muscular, slightly arched neck; long, sloping shoulders that are well laid back; a chest wide enough for plenty of heart; straight and firm forelegs with good bone; muscular hindquarters; oval shaped feet; and a medium-length tail that is thick at the root. [6] [13] Their coat is short haired, fine, hard, smooth and evenly distributed; they are usually bi-coloured, white with lemon, orange, liver or black coloured patches, whilst rare tri-coloured and self-coloured dogs are also known. [4] [6] [10] The Pointer's short and fine coat makes the breed well suited to working on grouse moors during the summer months but makes them particularly susceptible to feeling cold during wet and cold weather. [2] [3]

When compared to images of pointers from the 19th century the modern breed is a much finer dog, reflecting inclusion of greyhound blood. [5] As with many British gundog breeds, stark differences have emerged between Pointers bred for the purpose of field work and those bred for conformation shows which accent certain features of the breed, such as narrower chests, exaggerated facial features, straighter shoulders, a less natural movement and less muscle than those bred for use as gundogs. [2] [5]

Character

The Pointer is an adaptable, obedient, even-tempered breed; field lines in particular can be extremely active. [4] [6] [10] Compared to other gundog breeds, the Pointer is more aloof and reserved with a lower need for human companionship, perhaps reflecting the blood of the reserved greyhound in its ancestry. [5] [14]

Popularity and use in field sports

Pointers quail hunting Dogs Quail Hunting2.jpg
Pointers quail hunting

When hunting, the Pointer quarters in front of the hunter systematically with its head high scenting the air upwind, when a dog detects hidden game it halts suddenly with its nose pointing to the game so the hunter can prepare to shoot, when ready the hunter commands the pointer to flush the game to be shot. [3] [4] [10]

Many writers consider the Pointer to be the ultimate pointing dog breed because of its sensitive nose, big stylish movements and flashy pointing stance. [1] [2] [5] [15] The Pointer is the most popular pointing dog breed used by sporting estates in the United Kingdom and commercial shooting preserves in the United States, they are also the most popular and successful pointing breed used in pointing dog trials in both countries. [2] [3]

When compared to many of the continental European pointing dog breeds, a classically trained Pointer is usually only used to point and flush walked up game before it is shot, and if required specialist retrievers are used to retrieve the game once shot; the European breeds which are often termed "hunt-point-retrievers" or "versatile gundogs" point game and retrieve it once shot. [1] [5] Additionally, compared to the European pointing breeds the Pointer is typically faster when working and quarters further in search for game. [3]

The Pointer is also used by falconers and austringers in falconry to locate the game to be flushed for the falcon or hawk to dispatch. [16]

Health

The Pointer is considered a generally healthy breed with a life expectancy of 13–14 years, The Kennel Club does not recommend any genetic or screening tests be conducted for the breed. [14] [17] Known inherited conditions that have been found in the breed include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patella luxation, hereditary sensory neuropathy, spinal muscle atrophy, X-linked cerebellar ataxia and deafness. [14] The breed has minor predispositions to hypothyroidism, demodicosis, cataracts, retinal dysplasia and corneal dystrophy. [14]

See also

Related Research Articles

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The Gordon Setter is a large breed of dog, a member of the setter family that also includes both the better-known Irish Setter and the English Setter. Setter breeds are classified as members of either the Sporting or Gundog Group depending on the national kennel club or council. The original purpose of the breed was to hunt gamebirds. Their quarry in the United Kingdom, may be partridge or grouse, pheasant, ptarmigan, blackgame, snipe or woodcock: whilst overseas bird dogs are worked on quail, willow grouse, sand grouse, guinea fowl, sagehen, francolin and any other bird that will sit to a dog—that is to say, will attempt to avoid a potential predator by concealment rather than by taking to the wing at the first sign of danger. It is this combination of a bird that will sit fast in front of a dog that will remain on point that makes bird dog work possible.

English Setter Dog breed

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Labrador Retriever Dog breed

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Vizsla Dog breed

The Vizsla is a dog breed from Hungary and belongs to the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) group 7, the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) group 1, and the American Kennel Club. Its name means "searcher" or "tracker" in Hungarian. The Hungarian or Magyar Vizsla or Smooth-Haired Vizsla are sporting dogs and loyal companions. The Vizsla's medium size is one of the breed's most appealing characteristics. As a hunter of fowl and upland game, the Vizsla has held a prominent position among sporting dogs – that of household companion and family dog.

American Water Spaniel Dog breed

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Flat-coated Retriever Dog breed

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Retriever Dog type

A retriever is a type of gun dog that retrieves game for a hunter. Generally gun dogs are divided into three major classifications: retrievers, flushing spaniels, and pointing breeds. Retrievers were bred primarily to retrieve birds or other prey and return them to the hunter without damage; retrievers are distinguished in that nonslip retrieval is their primary function. As a result, retriever breeds are bred for soft mouths and a great willingness to please, learn, and obey. A soft mouth refers to the willingness of the dog to carry game in its mouth without biting into it. "Hard mouth" is a serious fault in a hunting dog and is very difficult to correct. A hard-mouthed dog renders game unpresentable or at worst inedible.

Gun dog Hunting dog type

Gun dogs, or bird dogs, are types of hunting dogs developed to assist hunters in finding and retrieving game, usually quail, dove, or duck. Gun dogs are divided into three primary types: retrievers, flushing dogs, and pointing breeds.

Pointing dog Hunting dog

Pointing dogs, sometimes called bird dogs, are a type of gundog typically used in finding game. Gundogs are traditionally divided into three classes: retrievers, flushing dogs, and pointing breeds. The name pointer comes from the dog's instinct to point, by stopping and aiming its muzzle towards game. This demonstrates to the hunter the location of their quarry and allows them to move into gun range. Pointers were selectively bred from dogs who had abundant pointing and backing instinct. They typically start to acquire their hunting instincts at about 2 months of age.

English Cocker Spaniel Dog breed

The English Cocker Spaniel is a breed of gun dog. It is noteworthy for producing one of the most varied numbers of pups in a litter among all dog breeds. The English Cocker Spaniel is an active, good-natured, sporting dog standing well up at the withers and compactly built. There are "field" or "working" cockers and "house" cockers. It is one of several varieties of spaniel and is the foundation of its American cousin, the American Cocker Spaniel. The English Cocker is closer to the working-dog form of the Field Spaniel and the English Springer Spaniel.

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Irish Red and White Setter Dog breed

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Brittany (dog) Dog breed

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American Foxhound American dog breed used for hunting by scent

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Field trial

A field trial is a competitive event at which dogs compete against one another for placements. There are field trials for retrievers, pointing dogs and flushing dogs. Field trials are usually organized by kennel clubs or other gun dog organizations. Field trials are generally considered more competitive than hunt tests in that success at a field trial requires a higher level of training than simply qualifying to the standard that a hunt test requires. For example, in Retriever Field Trials, dogs retrieve over longer distances with a more complex path than a Retriever Hunt Test would generally provide. Field trial dogs are trained to a much higher degree of training in order to be competitive in the sport. Their purpose is also different, as they compete for 1st-4th, Reserve Judges' Award of Merit and Judges' Award of Merit, while hunting tests are judged on whether the standard is met or not.

Gun-dog training

Gun dogs are used to hunt all sorts of game. Some are used in the pursuit of big game, although the majority of working gun dogs are used to hunt upland game birds.

Braque Français Dog breed

The Braques français are hunting dogs, from a very old type of gun dog used for pointing the location of game birds for a hunter. There are two breeds of Braque français, both from the south of France, the Braque français, type Gascogne and the Braque français, type Pyrénées They are popular hunting dogs in France, but are seldom seen elsewhere.

Wirehaired Vizsla Dog breed

The Wirehaired Vizsla, is a dog breed originating in Hungary. Wirehaired Vizslas are known as excellent hunting dogs, and also have a level personality making them suited for families. The Wirehaired Vizsla is a versatile, natural hunter endowed with an excellent nose and an above average trainability. Although they are lively, gentle mannered, demonstrably affectionate and sensitive, they are also fearless and possessed of a well-developed protective instinct. The breed has a firmness on point, is an excellent retriever, and has the determination to remain on the scent even when swimming. The overall appearance embodies the qualities of a multi-purpose pointing dog, endurance, working ability and an easily satisfied nature. This is a dog of power and drive in the field, yet is a tractable and affectionate companion in the home.

Golden Retriever Dog breed

The Golden Retriever is a medium-large gun dog that was bred to retrieve shot waterfowl, such as ducks and upland game birds, during hunting and shooting parties. The name "retriever" refers to the breed's ability to retrieve shot game undamaged due to their soft mouth. Golden retrievers have an instinctive love of water, and are easy to train to basic or advanced obedience standards. They are a long-coated breed, with a dense inner coat that provides them with adequate warmth in the outdoors, and an outer coat that lies flat against their bodies and repels water. Golden retrievers are well suited to residency in suburban or country environments. They shed copiously, particularly at the change of seasons, and require fairly regular grooming. The Golden Retriever was originally bred in Scotland in the mid-19th century.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Blüchel, Kurt G. (2005). Game and hunting. Königswinter: Tandem Verlag GmbH. pp. 400–410. ISBN   3-8331-1263-8.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Douglas, James (2007). The complete gundog training manual. Shrewsbury: Swan Hill Press. p. 35. ISBN   978-1-904057-05-5.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Fergus, Charles (2002). Gun dog breeds: a guide to spaniels, retrievers and pointing dogs. Guilford, Connecticut: The Lyons Press. pp. 105–110 & 129–135. ISBN   1-58574-618-5.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Morris, Desmond (2001). Dogs: the ultimate dictionary of over 1,000 dog breeds. North Pomfret, VT: Trafalgar Square Publishing. pp. 252–253. ISBN   1-57076-219-8.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Hancock, David (2013). Gundogs: their past, their performance and their prospects. Ramsbury, Marlborough: The Crowood Press Ltd. pp. 75–79 & 203. ISBN   978-1-84797-492-1.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Fiorone, Fiorenzo (1973). The encyclopedia of dogs: the canine breeds. New York: Thomas Y. Cromwell Company. pp. 314–321. ISBN   0-690-00056-1.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Fogle, Bruce (2009). The encyclopedia of the dog. New York: DK Publishing. p. 216. ISBN   978-0-7566-6004-8.
  8. ↑ Edwards, Sydenham (1800). Cynographia Britannica. London: C. Whittingham.
  9. 1 2 Arkwright, William (1902). The pointer and his predecessors: an illustrated history of the pointing dog and the earliest times. London: A. L. Humphreys. pp. 20–23.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Jones, Arthur F.; Hamilton, Ferelith (1971). The world encyclopedia of dogs. New York: Galahad Books. pp. 210–213. ISBN   0-88365-302-8.
  11. ↑ Gay, John (1713), Rural sports, London: J Tonson
  12. 1 2 3 Alderton, David (2008). The encyclopedia of dogs. Bath: Parragon Books Ltd. p. 237. ISBN   978-1-4454-0853-8.
  13. 1 2 "Pointer breed standard". The Kennel Club . The Kennel Club Limited. March 1994. Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 Bell, Jerold; Cavanagh, Kathleen; Tilley, Larry; Smith, Francis W. K. (2012). Veterinary medical guide to dog and cat breeds. Jackson WY: Teton NewMedia. pp. 366–368. ISBN   978-1-4822-4141-9.
  15. ↑ Moxon, P. R. A. (1970). Gundogs: training and field trials. London: Hutchinson Publishing Group. pp. 23–24. ISBN   0-09-121670-2.
  16. ↑ Walker, Adrian (1999). The Encyclopedia of Falconry. Lanham, Maryland: The Derydale Press. pp. 25–26. ISBN   1-56416-174-9.
  17. ↑ "Pointer breed information page". The Kennel Club . The Kennel Club Limited. 2020. Retrieved 11 November 2020.
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