Pointer Dog

The origin of the pointer, a type of hunting dog, is uncertain. The consensus is that it was derived from Spanish pointer, which is said to have been brought to England in 1713. Others believe that the Italian pointer or the French pointer was a major contributor to the breed. Whatever the pointer’s ancestry, its development was entirely British. It was developed from hounds that showed a tendency to pause before concealed game rather than flushing and chasing it. In the 1700s the pointer was crossed with foxhounds and other breeds, among the most likely being the greyhound.

The pointer has a long, rectangular head, hanging ears, and a long tail. Its coat is short, and glossy and may be liver, lemon, black, or orange, either solid or mixed with white. The breed stands from 58.5 to 71 cm (23 to 28 in) high at shoulder and weighs from 20.5 to 34 kg (45 to 75 lb). Most pointers are registered with the Field Dog Stud Book, a hunting and field trial oriented registry, rather than with the American Kennel Club.


The pointer is a large sporting dog possibly originating in Europe but refined to its modern from by English breeders. It was the first breed developed to point game.