English Pointer Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Traits & Care

The English Pointer is a hardworking dog breed that was bred for exactly the purpose it sounds like it was: to point. The breed has been developed to instill the instinct for Pointers to point at game birds, making it easier for hunters to find and flush out the birds.

These high-energy dogs make wonderful companions for things beyond hunting, though!

Whether you’re a hunter or just an active person, the English Pointer can be the ideal companion for you. These sweet dogs love to cuddle on the couch, but they’ll also keep you company on all of your adventures. They excel at sports of all kinds and are excellent running companions.

If you’re willing to provide your dog with daily moderate to high-intensity activities, then you’ll find yourself with a fantastic companion for a long time.

English Pointer Characteristics

English Pointer Puppies

Although social and intelligent, the English Pointer is a dog that is comfortable with independence as well. When your English Pointer is still a pup, you will need to engage with them to build trust and a strong bond, as well as provide proper socialization. If your dog is too independent, then they may become more difficult to train or less welcoming of strangers. You can expect an extremely active puppy that is eager to learn, and forming a close bond with your pup will only enhance their desire to learn and please you.

When purchasing an English Pointer from a breeder, opt for a reputable breeder who performs all health testing recommended by English Pointer breed clubs on their dogs prior to breeding. These are generally healthy dogs, but poorly bred English Pointers may have physical and behavioral problems.

English Pointer Breed Origin & History

As the name indicates, the English Pointer originated in England around 400–500 years ago. Prior to the introduction and widespread availability of guns, pointing breeds were used by hunters in packs with coursing hounds. In the 1700s, guns became accessible, and shooting became a popular form of hunting.

This led to the English Pointer becoming a hunting companion, and many hunters even today consider the breed to be the epitome of a gundog.

Temperament & Intelligence of the English Pointer 🧠

The English Pointer is a highly intelligent breed that is eager to please and excited to learn. They’re especially excited by activities that allow them to burn energy and use their hunting instincts. You can expect a highly trainable dog in the English Pointer, but socialization and trust-building are essential to successfully training your dog and earning their unending loyalty.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Yes, English Pointers can be great family dogs. They are best suited for families with older children, though. They may not be patient with young children, so adult supervision should always be used when your children and dog are together.

They tend to be social and relatively welcoming of strangers, which makes them a suitable option for homes where friends frequently visit.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

When it comes to other dogs, the English Pointer is an ideal option. These hunting dogs were bred to work with other dogs, so they have a natural willingness to be with other dogs. However, they're hunting dogs, which means they may view small animals as prey.

Because they were bred to point and not capture, this may be less of an issue than it is with other types of hunting dogs, but there is still a risk of injury to small animals.

Things to Know When Owning an English Pointer:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

This is an active breed, so you must ensure your dog’s food is high in quality and provides adequate nutrition to fuel their active lifestyle. Choose a high-quality dog food that meets WSAVA recommendations. If your dog is a working dog, then they may benefit from a high-calorie sport dog food. If you’re unsure if your dog is receiving enough nutrition or you’re concerned about their body weight, talk to your vet for guidance.

Exercise 🐕

Daily exercise is a must for the English Pointer. These dogs are unlikely to be appeased by a walk around the block, though. Be prepared for a dog that expects daily runs and other high-energy activities. They’re excellent companions for hiking, jogging, bikejoring, Cani-Cross, and canine sports. Provide your English pointer with enrichment activities to help work their brain. A bored English Pointer is likely to get into trouble.

Training 🎾

This is a highly trainable breed, but you will still need to commit to consistency in your training routine. Building trust with your dog will increase their willingness to learn, but this breed is typically very willing and interested in learning. Opt for positive reinforcement training techniques, and finding activities that appeal to your dog’s hunting instincts can encourage them to engage and learn more efficiently.

Grooming ✂️

The English Pointer has a slick, short coat that requires minimal maintenance. If your dog hunts or spends a lot of time in woods or fields, make sure to check their coat, including between their toes and around their ears, for burrs, seeds, and other debris. Provide your dog with a bath when needed and keep their toenails short to prevent breakage.

Health and Conditions ❤️ 🏥

Male vs. Female

Like many dog breeds, male English Pointers tend to be larger than females. Males can exceed 70 pounds, while females are more likely to be closer to 50 pounds. Females often mature faster than males and may be faster learners, but males do tend to catch up to females once they reach physical maturity. Males may be more stubborn than females, while females may be more independent than males.

3 Little-Known Facts About the English Pointer

1. Pointers Have Been Around for a Long Time

Pointers of all breeds can trace their lineage to ancient pointing breeds. Dogs that have been identified as early pointers have been identified on the walls of ancient Egyptian tombs, making Pointers at least 3,000 years old! Paintings and sculptures dating back to before the 17th century also show Pointers working.

2. They Existed Before Guns

Although they’re gundogs, Pointers existed long before guns. Hunters would take packs of Pointers and coursing dogs, like Greyhounds and Whippets, out for hunts. The Pointers would help to locate the prey and the coursing dogs would subsequently chase the prey down.

3. They Have Strong Instincts

Like many breeds developed specifically for function, the English Pointer has strong instincts that may guide its behavior, even if they’ve never been trained to hunt. Because of this, they excel at a variety of trials and activities. They are also excellent competitors in obedience competitions.

Final Thoughts

The English Pointer is a beautifully athletic dog that is both lovely and functional. They make excellent hunting companions, as well as strong competitors in a variety of events and activities. Because of their high exercise requirements, the English Pointer is not suitable for every household.

These dogs need moderate to high levels of exercise every day to maintain their health and burn off energy. Without enough exercise and enrichment, you may end up with a dog that is highly anxious, stressed, noisy, or destructive.

Featured Image Credit: Jelena Safronova, Shutterstock