Ever heard about pointer dogs? If you are not so familiar with this class of dogs, then be sure to check this out.
The dog world is filled with various pointing breeds. Many of them are versatile hunters, which serve as pointers too.
The versatile ones, however, are given more preference by owners because of their intelligence and trainability. When these pointing dogs are not out on a hunt, they are simply beloved pets and stay with their loving families.
What is a pointer dog good for?
As the name suggests, a pointer dog is a sporting or hunting breed that stops and then “points” at whatever small game that a hunter may have missed seeing. Especially during bird hunting, bird dogs stay immobile with their heads and tails in line with their bodies. A bird dog may also raise its paw.
It is believed that the earliest bird hunters came from Spain. But why are these dogs called bird dogs? The reason behind that is that their preys are mostly birds: either quails or grouse.
Some pointers are bred not only to point but also to retrieve game. Others like the English Pointers have only been raised to point. Lively, loyal, affectionate, and obedient, these dogs tend to be on the larger side. Aside from being good sporting dogs, many of them have proven themselves to be excellent family pets. Read along for more information about different types of pointer dog breeds.
What are pointers used for in hunting?
What exactly do these dogs do? What sets these pointers apart from other dog breeds that you know?
Also called bird dogs, pointing dogs have long existed and have aided hunters out in the field. Today, these breeds still exist. Although most of them have become family dogs and stayed even in apartments, their strong hunting instinct has always remained.
You probably know that the Labrador Retriever, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers are typical gun dogs. If you own any flushing dog like a Chesapeake Bay Retriever or Spaniel, you know that they would flush out prey.
Unlike those flushing dogs or retrievers, these pointers simply guide hunters in search of birds. Pointers would “stop” and “point” their prey using their noses or muzzle and that sends a signal to hunters about the location of the potential game allowing them to advance into gun range.
Is a pointer dog a good family dog?
As said, many pointer dogs have been raised not just as aides in the fields but also to become good family pets. They are able to live calmly and happily in their respective family homes or apartment and have proved to be the best pets for their fur parents.
There is however a striking difference between pointers raised for show and those raised for work. The former is more patient and calm, especially when they are around children, making them excellent choices as family pets, while the latter is quite the opposite being too active, stubborn, strong-willed, and has stronger hunting instincts.
What is the largest pointer dog breed?
Of the pointing dog breeds, the Gordon Setter is said to be the largest having an average weight of around 45–80 pounds and a height of 23–27 inches to its shoulder. Learn more about this breed as you read along.
What is the best pointing dog breed?
Here are some of the best pointing dog breeds; most of them are versatile. Read each carefully their history, characteristics, exercise and training requirements, plus the common canine diseases that can probably hit them in the future.
1. German Shorthaired Pointer
When the German breeders wanted an all-around gun dog, they combined Spanish pointers with German bird dogs around 1700 and 1800 and came up with a perfect hunting dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer. Full of stamina, speedy, and sleek, the German Shorthaired Pointer is genuinely a versatile dog.
Weighing 45–70 pounds and standing 21–25 inches to its shoulder, the German Shorthaired Pointer breed is a medium-large dog. The German Shorthaired Pointer is known for its almond-shaped dark eyes, floppy ears, and large brown nose.
These intelligent dogs are not only recognized for their extra keen sense of smell but their unmatched courage to take on even larger animals such as deer. They are also an excellent choice for waterfowl hunting for their ability to retrieve.
The German Shorthaired Pointer can be easily recognized for its unique color combinations and markings. Their coat colors come in chocolate, liver, or brown. Interestingly, liver-colored German Shorthaired Pointers can never have black noses as their noses would always match their coats’ colors.
Playful, active, and smart, these dogs are easy to get along with and are willing to please. They can be ideal for families with kids because they can be kind and friendly towards kids but never leave them to play with your dog unsupervised because as with any other dog, they can be rambunctious at times.
Regarding strangers, German Shorthaired Pointers can be polite and will not bark excessively. Instead, these dogs will alert their dog owners about strange noises or visitors.
Because they were bred primarily as hunting dogs, they are full of energy throughout their lives, so they will need lots of exercise and activities to unleash that. Add to it their high prey drive so may sure you leash your dogs when taking them for walks or keep them in a fenced yard.
Training your German Shorthaired Pointers is easy as they are quick learners. You need to be patient in training them and reward them for good behavior.
When it comes to grooming, these dogs require simply regular brushing. As they are mild shedders, brushing should be more frequent during the shedding season.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a relatively healthy breed and can live for 12–14 years. Among the health issues which this breed may encounter include gastric dilation volvulus, heart problems, eye problems, and hip dysplasia.
2. German Longhaired Pointer
Of the continental pointing breeds, the German Longhaired Pointer is said to be the oldest. This pointing dog is called the Deutsch-Langhaar (German Longhair) and is said to have descended from the scent hound known as Bracken, water dog, hawk dog, and bird dog.
Weighing 60-71 pounds and standing 23-28 inches, this medium-large breed is a perfect gun dog for it does not only search and point but track and retrieve game also. Hardworking, intelligent, and calm, this dog can uniquely switch from being a relaxed house pet to a tenacious hunting dog.
German Longhaired Pointers make ideal family dogs because they are a very sweet and affectionate breed. They can be great with children and are friendly with other dogs. As with cats and other smaller animals, they can chase them because of their strong hunting instincts.
Since these hunting dogs have high energy, they fit well in active households where they can get the required mental and physical exercises. You can take them for walks, hiking, and swimming, and engage them in agility training.
Training your German Longhaired Pointers is relatively easy as they are very smart and eager to please. They can also be perfect hunting companions for avid bird hunters.
Since they are moderate shedders, they can be a better choice for those with allergies. The standard coat colors for this breed are white and brown and come in mixed colors too. Maintaining their coats is relatively easy as they need to be brushed weekly to keep them from tangles and mats.
Being a robust breed, German Longhaired Pointers can live for 12-14 years. There are some conditions that are identified as common to this breed, and these include hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, gastric torsion, and cardiomyopathy.
3. German Wirehaired Pointer
When the German breeders thought of producing 1800s an all-around hunting companion that would fit in different terrains, they bred the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon along with other pointing breeds. With these various experimentations, they were able to come up with the German Wirehaired Pointer.
Also called Deutsch-Drahthaar, the German Wirehaired Pointer is one of the most famous breeds in Germany. After it was brought to North America in 1920, it was finally recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1959.
Medium in size, this dog stands 22-26 inches to its shoulder and has an average weight of 50-70 pounds. This breed shares similar physical characteristics with the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon and German Shorthaired Pointer.
If you wish to take home a dog that would follow you wherever you go and is so needy of human companionship and attention, then this breed is what you are looking for. They are also fun-loving, intelligent, energetic, and adventure-seekers.
They make great family dogs and are also good with children. You should note, however, that you should never leave smaller kids alone with them as they can accidentally knock those kids down, especially when the play gets rough.
As they were originally bred to hunt, they still have strong hunting instincts, so they tend to chase smaller pets, including cats. For that same reason, never take them for walks outside without putting them on a leash.
Like other hunting breeds, they are full of energy and will need to be exercised daily on a regular basis. Walking is not enough for them as they also need mental stimulation so, you can engage them in other activities such as obedience and agility training.
Training German Wirehaired Pointers can come in handy with the use of positive reinforcement methods. Because they love to please their owners and family, training them can be easy.
Their weather-resistant coarse and wiry coats come in shades like white, liver, and sometimes, black. Despite its scraggly look at times, caring for their coats is easy. To help remove loose hair and dirt, brushing and combing should be done weekly.
Overall, German Wirehaired Pointers are relatively healthy, with an average lifespan of 14-16 years. There are some breed-predisposed conditions for which owners should watch out, such as hip dysplasia, Von Willebrand’s disease, cataracts, and entropion.
4. English Setter
Known to have existed for 400-500 years, the English Setter, or “Setter” is said to have descended from the Springer Spaniel, Large Water Spaniel, and Spanish Pointer dog. These great hunting companions in the earliest years would lie down to indicate nearby birds or wild turkeys, but with the advent of guns, their hunting style evolved as they would stand upright and then lean forward, thus becoming pointing dogs.
It has been said that the English Setter is an old breed, yet never an ancient one. Weighing 45-80 pounds and standing 23-27 inches to its shoulder, this medium-sized breed was only recognized by the AKC in 1878.
Do you know that they come in two types? Yes, you read that right. One is the Llewellin setter, which is smaller in size and utilized as a hunting dog while the other is Laverack which is bigger in size but is more of a family dog although it may still be utilized for hunting.
Along with its good looks and calm temperament, the English Setter is considered a good therapy dog. They can be great for families with kids and even those with other dogs and cats. They love to follow their owners and stay by their side.
Not only is the English Setter a loyal and loving dog, but it is also very smart, so training them is relatively easy. They can easily pick up basic commands like stay, sit, and come. Positive reinforcement also works wonders with other canines, so be sure to employ this when training your pup.
Unlike other hunting breeds, they can be great for owners who are not having a very active lifestyle. They can even live in apartments so long as they get daily walks, hikes, or running. They will surely love to ride with you in the car or simply run alongside you while riding your bike.
Because they are quite clingy and they value much time with their owners, Englis Setters should not be left alone for long periods else they will suffer from separation anxiety. And you sure know what happens to a dog that suffers from separation anxiety — they tend to chew and bark excessively.
Brushing their fancy, spotted coats once a week is recommended. Use a metal comb with a long tooth or a soft, bristle brush to remove dirt and avoid mats and tangles.
If given the proper care, English Setters can live for 12-15 years. Just like other canine counterparts, they can be prone to suffer also from other health conditions such as deafness, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, allergies, thyroid disease, epilepsy, some cancers, and hypothyroidism.
5. English Pointer
These bird dogs’ exact origin isn’t well-defined as evidence points to various places — ancient Greece and the Middle Ages in Italy, France, and Spain. The English Pointer dogs only had a recorded history beginning in 1719 and were said to hunt along with Greyhounds.
These medium-sized dogs weigh around 40-75 pounds and stand about 23-28 inches to their shoulder. They are called just “Pointers” because of their obvious abilities aside from their intelligence, bold personality, and outstanding hunting dogs. Imagine Pointer pups can already point as early as eight (8) weeks!
The English Pointer is also known for its independence and hard-working nature, making it ideal for owners with active lifestyles and outdoor lovers. Your English Pointer will gladly tag along whenever you go for long walks, hikes, jogs, rollerblading, and bicycle riding. Ideally, their daily exercise should be 1-2 hours.
Training is best started while your English Pointer pups are still of tender age, where they can start with basic socialization skills. Their strong hunting instinct can be a cause of destruction during training, so owners should be consistent when training them and positive reinforcement should be employed.
Getting along with other dogs may not be a problem especially if they were raised together. The English Pointer is fine with cats also, but when it comes to smaller animals like rabbits and birds, expect your canine buddy to hunt these animals.
Because they are light shedders, English Pointer dogs are low maintenance in terms of grooming. To keep their coats shiny, light brushing is recommended once or twice weekly.
The English Pointer is one tough dog that can live for 12-17 years on average. There are however some breed-predisposed ailments that you should look into before taking home a pup and these include cataracts, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, bloat, allergies, and other skin conditions.
6. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Developed in the late 1800s, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon’s exact origin is not so clear — whether it came from France or Germany. But one thing is sure: these versatile hunting dogs can point and retrieve all game species — whether in the water, marshes, or land.
Weighing 35-70 pounds and standing 20-24 inches to its shoulder, this medium-length canine can also hunt across varied climates and terrain. No wonder these are among the most beloved dog breed in France.
Eager to please, loyal, easy-going, and friendly, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffons can always be up for anything. As they can be so easy to love, they will be equally delighted to pass on the same feeling towards anyone they meet, including children and fellow dogs.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons would love to be in active families who would offer them lots of exercises to burn off their extra energy. That means that walking alone will never be enough. Whether you go on running or hiking, you sure have a companion in every activity you perform, including agility sports.
Despite having bushy eyebrows, a beard, and a mustache, this breed is just a “wash and go”. Their double coats are low-shedding and pretty low maintenance, thus needing only weekly brushing.
Not only are Wirehaired Pointing Griffons versatile gun dogs, but they also are highly trainable. Consistency when training and positive reinforcement are twin requirements for successfully training these dogs.
Like other pointer breeds, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are relatively healthy and can live for 12-15 years. These dogs are likewise not spared from experiencing certain health conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, entropion, deafness, Willebrand’s disease, and hypothyroidism.
7. Brittany Spaniel (Britanny)
Hailing from Brittany, a province in northwest France in the mid-1800s, this pointing breed is a cross between English Setters and Spaniels. Hence the name Brittany Spaniel or “Epagneul Breton“.
Britanny Spaniels are not just excellent in the field but also in show rings, making this breed a top-pointing dog. But since these dogs are more of a pointer than a Spaniel, the AKC shortened its name to just Brittany, although, in other parts of the world, many prefer to use its full name.
Weighing around 30-40 pounds and standing 17.5-20.5 inches to its shoulder, their medium-sized bodies were tied up to a mischievous past. Poachers have used them in illegally hunting games such as pheasants.
Enthusiastic, smart, and sweet, who wouldn’t fall in love with a lovely Brittany? They are simply irresistible and will surely love you back. That is why these dogs are also known as one of the best therapy dogs.
Whatever activity you are engaged in, the obedient Brittany will be at its happiest if you allow them to participate. Apart from dog hunting activities, they are also good at just being family companions.
Because they have high intelligence, stamina, and boundless energy, they need to use that energy in activities and sports such as tracking, flyball, and agility. They can enjoy hiking, walking, and running (of course, on a leash) beside their beloved owners.
But as clingy as they can get, Brittany dogs can also be so emotional that you must be extra careful when training them. Always remember that: as with other dog breeds, positive reinforcement always does wonders during training.
The Brittany Spaniel fits well in families with children, but younger kids should not be left alone to play with this dog as they can knock them down whenever the play gets rough. These dogs are also good with other canines and cats so long as you introduce them as early as their puppy stage.
They are low-maintenance dogs in terms of grooming requirements and are hypoallergenic. Because shedding is regular for these dogs, brushing their coats at least once weekly is necessary to minimize it. Should you plan to take your canine buddies for a walk in the woods, always brush their coats beforehand to keep burns from sticking.
Like most dogs, they can also live longer, on average, for 12-14 years. Among the common health conditions associated with this breed are hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism.
8. Weimaraner
Known for their resilience, tracking ability, and exceptional speed, the Weimaraner came about in the late 19th century. Nobles first bred these dogs in the Weimar court in Germany — hence, this breed’s name.
Weighing 55–90 pounds and standing 23–27 inches to its shoulder, the Weimaraner is a large and sturdy dog. But they are said to be gentle giants as they love to be by their owners’ sides.
Great with families, these dogs can be very clingy and may develop separation anxiety. To keep that from happening, encourage independence and introduce them to early kennel training. Here is one thing, however, that you need to know: these dogs are sensitive, so you need to be gentle with them while being consistent with your commands.
Weimaraners are said to have brains like humans because these dogs are very smart. Aside from being smart, they also have a lot of energy, so they need lots of daily exercises, play, and activities.
Caring for their beautiful fur is easy. To maintain the Weimaraner’s silvery coat shine, wipe it with a chamois cloth. To minimize shedding and remove dirt from their coats, make it a habit to brush their coats regularly.
Before taking home this pointing dog, you should know the various conditions, which may affect your dog, and these can include: hip dysplasia, torsion or bloat, von Willebrand’s disease, hypothyroidism, entropion, distichiasis, factor XI deficiency, progressive retinal atrophy, and some auto-immune diseases. Overall, give Weimaraners the proper care and exercise so they can live longer for 10–13 years.
9. Gordon Setter
Hailing from Scotland around 1500-1600s, the Gordon Setter was bred as a bird dog to hunt upland birds, pheasants, and quails. Originally, this breed’s name was ‘black and tan setter”. However, later in the 19th century, its name was changed to its current name following their breeding by the fourth Duke of Gordon.
Weighing 45–80 pounds and standing 23–27 inches to its shoulder, the Gordon Setter is the largest among all the setter breeds. Despite this breed’s arrival in the United States in the 1840s, it was only in 1978 that it got recognized by the AKC.
This breed is loved for being joyful, sweet, and happy. Gordon Setter’s great mood and positive aura are contagious.
If you are into sports, practice an extraordinarily active lifestyle, and want a lively companion, this is the right dog for you. Whether you simply want to take a stroll, go out for a hike, or hunt, you sure have a great companion.
They will excitedly go for agility training, high-energy runs, and games that will surely help in unleashing their energy. At night, these loving dogs will happily cuddle up next to their beloved owners. Leaving them alone for long periods is not a good idea at all because they can easily get bored and develop separation anxiety.
While they are not high-maintenance dogs in terms of grooming, their care is also above average. To keep their coats sleek, fresh-looking, and free from mats and tangles, brushing and combing their coats is needed weekly.
Like most dogs, Gordon Setters have a high life expectancy of 12-13 years. They are likewise not spared from the possibility of contracting some of the most common canine conditions, such as progressive retinal atrophy, bloat, elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and hypothyroidism.
10. Italian Spinone
Believed to have existed as early as 200 A.D., the Spinone descended from Northwest Italy’s Piedmont Region. Since then, they were already known for their hunting style and skills, thick coats, and sturdy frames.
During World War II, this breed nearly came to extinction. Luckily, breeders have brought these dogs back. It was only in the year 2000 that this was recognized as a breed by the AKC.
Weighing around 60–85 pounds and standing 22-27 inches, the Italian Spinone is such a large pointing dog. But are you aware that these dogs are called by different names? The Italian Wirehaired Pointer, Italian Coarse-haired Pointer, Italian Griffon, and Spinone Italiano were among this breed’s other names.
These versatile dogs are also intelligent, friendly, and athletic. They are very affectionate and will be sure to cuddle with you on the couch. The Italian Spinone can get along with all its family members.
Not only is the Italian Spinone warm to its family members but also to young kids, smaller dogs, cats with whom they grew up, and even strangers. As with other canines, early socialization works wonders. Give them treats or play with a ball, and you will surely win their hearts.
As the Italian Spinone is a sporting dog, they need to burn some energy, and you can do that by taking them for a walk to the park or making them your jogging buddy in the mornings. They can also join you on evening walks just within your fenced yard.
Playing fetch may not be enough for this dog, so you need to provide them with interactive toys to keep them from getting bored. The Italian Spinone is a strong-willed pup, so positive reinforcement works best when training this breed.
Weekly brushing is vital to keeping their coats in tip-top condition. As this is a bearded dog, extra care is needed because, more often than not, food and water can get stuck into their beards.
Bloat, cerebral ataxia, hypothyroidism, allergies, epilepsy, entropion, elbow dysplasia, and hip dysplasia are some of the most common canine health issues which may affect your Italian Spinone. If properly cared for, however, these dogs can live for 10-12 years.
11. Small Münsterländer
Also called Kleiner Münsterländer in Germany, where it originated, this dog is a cross between a German Spaniel and a Large Münsterländer (Grosser Münsterländer). Although the first documentation of this breed came only in 1870, artifacts recovered show their existence as early as the 18th or 19th century.
Obviously small in size, as the name suggests, this dog weighs 40-60 pounds and stands 19-22 inches to its shoulder. In terms of hunting, this dog is versatile and is natural at tasks like retrieving.
Like other pointing breeds, they have a solid pointing instinct; and their love for water is evident. They also have the superb ability to track.
Friendliness is one characteristic also admired by many on the Small Münsterländer, making them fit for the family, even those with kids and other canines. Because it has a high predatory instinct, it may chase smaller animals.
Training these pointing dogs is relatively easy due to their intelligence and steady character. They love to be with outdoor-oriented owners and would gladly participate in obedience, hunting, retrieving, and agility trails.
Their weather-resistant long, dense coats do not need much attention when grooming. As they are seasonal shedders, that means special care has to be given to their coats by early fall and late spring, but on other days, occasional brushing is necessary to keep their coats in tip-top condition.
The Small Münsterländer has a recorded lifespan of 12-14 years, which is longer and similar to other breeds. When it comes to health issues, hip dysplasia and some cataracts are some of the most common among them.
12. Vizsla (Hungarian Pointer)
Of the many hunting dog breeds, the Vizsla is said to be the world’s oldest, tracing back its existence from 10th-century art and 14th-century literature. A descendant of the Turkish Yellow Dog and TransylvanianHound, as well as the Pointer and German Shorthaired Pointer, this bird dog was not only trained to hunt hares but also to point and retrieve game.
Right after World War II, a significant decline in their population almost resulted in their extinction. It was only in 1960 when the Vizsla was recognized by the AKC as a breed, following their arrival ten (10) years before the United States.
Known to follow a scent, this scent hound was utilized even in the retrieval operations after the 9-11 attacks. To date, Vizslas have worked as aides in search-and-rescue operations, drug detection, and guide dogs.
Weighing 45–65 pounds and standing 21–24 inches to its shoulder, the Vizsla is a large dog with impressive hunting prowess. This dog is also admired for its ability to hunt even in extreme weather.
Aside from being a trusted and devoted hunting buddy, Vizlas are affectionate with their owners and become very attached to them. In fact, they crave attention and thus would follow you in every corner of your home for fear of being separated from you.
When you own a Vizsla, forget about privacy! Even when these doggos are napping, they will rest their heads on your lap or foot. Expect your dog to be too chatty, and when they share their opinions, they moan, whine, or make other noises.
If you are looking for a lap dog or a couch potato, the Vizsla is obviously not for you. Vizslas are born to exercise a lot because of their high energy. With that, they can be a little too much for first-timers. With socialization and proper training, everything can come in handy. These dogs can be up for any activity: on a long jog, tracking, hunting, swimming, or going on agility courses.
In terms of grooming, these red-haired Vizslas are low-maintenance. Use a rubber grooming brush to brush their short and sleek coats occasionally.
Progressive retinal atrophy, cancer like lymphosarcoma, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, and epilepsy are some common health problems, which are associated with this breed. Despite that, they still can live for 10-14 years given that they are well-cared for.
13. Irish Red and White Setter
It was in 1570 when the term, “setter” was first used to describe a particular type of hunting dog, although the Irish Setters we know today already existed in the 17th-18th centuries. They were originally in red and white patterns, hence the name, and the Irish Red and White Setters are considered to date as a completely separate breed from their cousins. From this same dog breed also came the red ones which are a lot more popular.
Standing 22.55-26 inches to its shoulder and weighing 35-60 pounds, their medium-sized bodies and athletic build make them perfect for bird hunting. They appear to be stockier and a bit shorter than the Irish Setters.
So what is this breed’s hunting style? Hunters will start noticing these dogs becoming stiff and motionless, pointing to the target. Whenever these dogs are at a significant distance, hunters can easily spot them as they are able to see their flashing red coats over their white coats vividly.
Over the years, beginning in the 19th century, breeders have carefully selected from the same breed those with red coats and focused more on producing them. Thus, with careful breeding, they produced more of the Irish Red varieties. This move, however, has made the Irish Red and White Setters a vulnerable breed having nearly disappeared.
As a pointing breed, the Irish Red and White Setter has high energy and needs a lot of exercise; otherwise, they will get bored, and living with a bored and destructive dog can be a handful. Not only are physical exercises important for this breed, but also mental stimulation.
Friendly, fun-loving, and with a strong zest for life, the Irish Red and White Setter is not just a reliable hunting buddy but an ideal family dog, even for those with kids. They are sure to get along well with children who are big enough to match their energy and rambunctious play.
Training them can be a bit challenging because they are high-spirited. Owners should see to it that their training is kept short and interesting. Of course, you can never go wrong with positive reinforcement, as these dogs love to be praised and are eager to please.
Grooming them comes in handy as brushing and combing are only once a week to remove tangled hairs. Be sure to use a slicker comb and a soft brush. Sometimes, rough edges can be unavoidable, and you need to have your dog’s hair trimmed.
Because they are not so many in number, potential owners should be extra careful when selecting the best dogs for them. The Irish Red and White Setters are known potentially suffer from progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, von Willebrand’s disease, immune disorders, hypothyroidism, and posterior polar cataracts. Nevertheless, these dogs are generally healthy and can live for 11-15 years.
14. Pudelpointer
In 1881, the German breeders thought of producing an intelligent dog driven to hunt ambitiously. With that, they crossed bred the English Pointer and German Hunting Poodle or “Pudel”, hence the name Pudelpointer.
Instead of focusing on a single hunting style and type, the Pudelpointer specialized in both land and water hunting. And true enough, this dog gained recognition as a versatile breed, especially in hunting.
These medium-sized Pudelpointers, with an average weight of 45–70 pounds and a height of 22–26 inches, are best owned by hunters and hunting enthusiasts. Yes, they need to be raised by hunters, or else having one is considered a mismatch.
To iterate, these adventurous and active dogs can happily thrive in an outdoorsy family of hunters. They can get along well with kids and other dogs so long as they were socialized and trained in their puppy years. As with other pets such as birds, rabbits, or cats, the Pudelpointer might mistake them for prey because of their significantly high prey drive.
Remarkably smart and trainable, positive reinforcement is best employed when training the Pudelpointer. They love to be praised and rewarded with treats for good behavior.
After a long day of performing various activities and hunting, this dog will be happy to lounge with you in the house. The Pudelpointer will always consider himself part of the family and show that they love and trust you. Never leave them alone for long periods so they won’t get destructive.
As with other pointer dog breeds, the Pudelpointer should have a regular exercise (both indoors and outdoors). These exercises and activities can include walking several times daily, playing hide-and-seek, retrieving balls, and agility training.
This pointing dog sheds seasonally, making it a better choice for those with allergies. Its brown coat is simply low-maintenance in terms of care because its hair repels water with just a quick shake. So to help them look their best, you must comb their coats weekly.
Cryptorchidism, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, ear infections, and eye issues are some of the most common health conditions which can potentially affect your Pudelpointer. But just like all other pointer dogs, if they are well-cared for, they can live longer for 13-15 years.
Conclusion
There you have it, a list of pointer dog breeds. Have you picked the right dog for you?
While they may need a lot of exercises, so long as you are able to provide for all their needs, then you can be a perfect match for each other. Be sure to check your local breeders or perhaps adopt one from your local shelters and give a dog a new chance at life.
Related topic: All about setter dogs
*photo by Wirestock – depositphotos