English Pointer

The most famous of the pointing gundogs, the English Pointer is descended from Spanish and Portuguese pointers introduced to the British Isles in the 1600s, as well as a variety of common French and English foxhounds and setters. The blood of Talbot Hounds, St.Hubert Bloodhounds, English Greyhounds, and English Bullterriers also played a role in the development of this great bird dog.

During the 1800's, when the Dalmatian breed was being established in Britain, many crosses with the Pointer were made, leading some to suggest that the similar colouring encountered in some English Pointers is a direct result of these matings, although most fanciers dismiss these claims, pointing out that the colour was common in the breed long before the Dalmatian appeared. The popularity of this hard worker was immediate, due to its outstanding scenting abilities and serious nature. The English Pointer was instrumental in the creation of quite a few other dogs, from various hunters to many bully breeds. The breed was never expected to actually hunt the hares by itself but was rather used to find and point to the game, leaving it for the Greyhound

s to chase the prey down. Its friendly and relaxed personality made the breed a common companion in England and it eventually found acceptance in many countries around the globe, retaining its fair popularity to this day. The English Pointer was recognized in the early 20th century by the United Kennel Club and has remained a well-loved breed in America ever since. In the United States, it was given the nickname "The Cadillac Of Bird Dogs" for its superb hunting qualities and was always distinguished from the common, but unrecognized American Pointer breed, to which it is related.

The English Pointer is an even-tempered and loving family pet and can live quite comfortably in urban environments if provided with sufficient exercise. Its alert personality makes it an effective watchdog, although the breed generally isn't very territorial. This is a handsome, balanced and dignified breed, although some poorly bred specimens have uncharacteristic temperaments and can be overly shy and even vicious. Lightly built, muscled and agile, this is a very fast and athletic dog. The body is fairly square, with long legs and a deep chest. The head is elegantly chiseled, with the trademark "dish face" features and slightly pendant lips. The nose can be both black or flesh-colored. The tail is relatively short and is famously known as the "bee sting".

The coat is short, smooth and fine, coming in a variety of white-based bicolours, with black, brown and yellow markings being the only one accepted at Shows. The average height is around 25 inches.