Page 257 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

GUNDOGS

Pointer LITERARY POINTER

In the 19th century some Englishmen gave their
HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Variety of colors Pointers Spanish names in recognition of the
21–25in 45–75lb 12–13 years Spanish influence on the breed. One fictional
(53–64cm) (20–34kg) example is Ponto, mentioned in The Pickwick
Papers by Charles Dickens. The dog features
in a tall tale told by the rascally Mr. Jingle;
Friendly and intelligent, this athletic dog needs plenty allegedly, during a day’s shooting, Ponto stopped
of physical and mental activity if kept as a pet still, refusing to move, while staring at a notice
saying that the gamekeeper would shoot all
dogs in that area.
Pointers are a type of hunting dog falcons. From the 18th century, when it
Pointers are
named for the stance they assume when they became popular to shoot birds on the wing, intelligent dogs—
find game: standing still, with one foot they were used to locate game birds, especially but reading may
raised and their nose pointing in the in upland areas. The breed has excellent be beyond even
direction of the game. These breeds air-scenting abilities, which help make it an their abilities!
developed in various European countries at effective pointer; it is less good at retrieving,
the same time. In Britain ancestors of the although it is sometimes used for this
Pointer appeared around 1650. These early purpose, too. The Pointer is noted for its
dogs may have resulted from crosses including speed and endurance, and is still used today in
the English Foxhound (see p.158), the hunting and field trials in the US and the UK.
Greyhound (see p.126), as well as Pointers are gentle, loyal, and obedient.
an old type of “setting They are affectionate family companions ILLUSTRATION
spaniel.” Later, crosses with and reliable with children, although they FROM AN 1837
EDITION OF
the Spanish hunting dogs can be a little too boisterous with toddlers. THE PICKWICK
PAPERS
and with setter breeds were The breed has retained its hunting stamina,
made to improve the breed’s so these dogs need plenty of vigorous
pointing skill exercise every day.
and trainability.
Very well-defined stop
At first Pointers were
used to “point” hare for
Greyhounds to pursue,
Drop ears lie
or used for hunting with close to head

PUPPY

Long, slightly Well developed,
arched neck
soft flews

Muscular
hindquarters
Fine, hard,
short coat

Orange and white

Orange spotting
on straight forelegs
Long, slightly
sloping pasterns

Oval feet with
arched toes

255