Breed Group
Pointers have been a firm favourite with hunters for centuries and not only are these handsome dogs highly skilled at the job they were bred to do, but they also boast having loyal and kind natures in a home environment too. They carry their heads proudly which gives Pointers a very aristocratic appearance which together with the way they gracefully move, their hard coats and unique slightly concave muzzles sets them apart from other native pointing breeds.
The history of the Pointer remains a little unclear although there are records of Pointers that date back to the 1600's. It is thought that various pointing breeds found across Europe were bought to England where they were crossed with chosen native breeds which included the Irish Setter, Greyhounds, Newfoundlands, Bloodhounds, Fox Hounds and Bull Terriers. However, there are those who believe they could be descendants of Spanish Pointers or Continental Pointers.
These dogs were used with Greyhounds to hare-course during the 1600's, but by the beginning of the seventeenth century, wing shooting became fashionable and it's when pointing dogs really came into their own. However, it was not until the 20th century that Pointers were recognised as being excellent hunting dogs because Irish Setters had always been the dogs of choice before that time.
Today, Pointers are one of the most popular hunt, point dogs both here in the UK and in the United States. They have remained a popular choice both as companion dogs and family pets too and for good reason because Pointers boast having such kind, placid and affectionate natures more especially when they are around children, making the perfect family pet for people who lead active, outdoor lives.
