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English Pointer Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about English Pointer so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Gun Dog
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English Pointer dog profile picture
OriginEngland flagEngland
Other Names
What other names does the English Pointer have?
English Pointer
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

English Pointer Size and Weight

Size
Is an English Pointer small, medium or large dog?

How big do English Pointer get?

What is the average size of an English Pointer?

Medium
Weight
How much does the English Pointer weigh? How much should an English Pointer weight? What is the normal weight of an English Pointer? How much does a full-grown English Pointer weight?
44-66 pounds (20-30 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of an English Pointer?
55 pounds (25 kg)
Height
How tall is the English Pointer? English Pointer height:
Male: 22-24 inches (55-62 cm), Female: 21-24 inches (54-60 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of an English Pointer?
Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22.5 inches (57 cm)

English Pointer Price and Availability

Price
How much does the English Pointer puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of an English Pointer in the United States? How much money is an English Pointer?

Where to buy an English Pointer with a good pedigree?

$400-$500
If you choose to purchase the English Pointer, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a English Pointer for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the English Pointer gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a English Pointer? How many English Pointer are there in the world?
Frequent: The English Pointer is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

English Pointer Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the English Pointer? Is the English Pointer breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The English Pointer ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are English Pointer dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train an English Pointer?
English Pointer dogs are very easy to train. They easily find out the association between commands and actions.
Watchdog Ability
Is English Pointer good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
English Pointer dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the English Pointer dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do English Pointer dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
English Pointer dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

English Pointer Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the English Pointer have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
ActiveIntelligentAffectionateLoyalOutrightTemperedKindAmiable
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? English Pointer sensitivity:
English Pointer dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is an English Pointer a good family dog?
Average to High: English Pointer dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the English Pointer need? English Pointer social needs:
English Pointer dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the English Pointer to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does English Pointer roam?
English Pointer dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. This breed is also able to cause damage to your fence.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does English Pointer have high prey drive?
English Pointer dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that English Pointer dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

English Pointer Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The English Pointer is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do English Pointer dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my English Pointer bark?
Average: The English Pointer barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is English Pointer good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have an English Pointer in an apartment?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the English Pointer breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping English Pointer indoors can cause a lot of problems.

English Pointer Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
English Pointer dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can an English Pointer be left alone? How long can you leave an English Pointer alone?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

English Pointer Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the English Pointer has a hard bite? What is the bite force of an English Pointer? How much bite force does an English Pointer have? How strong is an English Pointer bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

English Pointer bite force: Ordinary. Bite force English Pointer measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of an English Pointer is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This English Pointer bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. English Pointer bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train an English Pointer puppy not to bite from an early age.

The English Pointer, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the English Pointer bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, an English Pointer can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do English Pointer bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the English Pointer? What are the odds of getting bitten by a English Pointer? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The English Pointer has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the English Pointer do?
English Pointer dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but English Pointer dogs need to be taught a good attitude. We have compiled a list of Mouthy Dog Breeds.

English Pointer Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do English Pointer dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
English Pointers tend to have a lot and frequent health issues. Regular vet check-ups are essential with this breed.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the English Pointer breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the English Pointer see the vet?
Frequent
The English Pointer should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do English Pointer dogs live? How old can a English Pointer be? What is the age limit of the English Pointer? How many years can the oldest English Pointer live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of an English Pointer?

How long is the lifespan of an English Pointer?

11-15 years
The average lifespan of English Pointer: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. However, in general, most dogs prefer average to warm weather conditions, as they typically find hot weather conditions to be uncomfortable and taxing.

English Pointer Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the English Pointer have? What is the activity level of the English Pointer?
English Pointer dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does an English Pointer need? How much exercise do English Pointer dogs require per day?

Do English Pointer dogs need a lot of exercises?

English Pointer dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the English Pointer breed need?
English Pointer dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

English Pointer Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does an English Pointer need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does an English Pointer breed eat per day? What is good dog food for English Pointer? How much food should I feed my English Pointer?
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? English Pointer risk for obesity:
Average: The English Pointer has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the English Pointer weight regularly.

English Pointer Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the English Pointer have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Dense
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper English Pointer coats?
Black White BrownYellow
Grooming
How to groom the English Pointer and how often? How often should I take my English Pointer to the groomer?
Effortless: The English Pointer requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. English Pointer is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Highly recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do English Pointer dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the English Pointer? Do English Pointer dogs shed a lot?
English Pointer dogs shed none to minimal. Having a puppy from this breed you don't have to be afraid of your couch or car being covered by dog hair. English Pointer dogs could be the best choice if you don't tolerate dog hair.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the English Pointer need a bath? How often should you give an English Pointer a bath? Can I bathe my English Pointer every day?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Hypoallergenic
Is the English Pointer breed hypoallergenic?
No
English Pointer dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The English Pointer has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the English Pointer drool?
The English Pointer is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the English Pointer could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the English Pointer.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

English Pointer Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do English Pointer dogs get along with other pets? Are English Pointer dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
English Pointer dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? English Pointer temperament with other people:
English Pointer dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are English Pointer dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? English Pointer temperament with children:
English Pointer dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Cat Friendly
How well do English Pointer dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the English Pointer breed live with a cat?
English Pointer dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is English Pointer good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do English Pointer dogs get along with other dogs?
English Pointer dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the English Pointer can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is English Pointer breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is English Pointer breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
English Pointer dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are English Pointer dogs good office canines? Do English Pointer dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
English Pointer is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do English Pointer dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the English Pointer temperament with senior people? Are English Pointer dogs good for elderly owners?
English Pointers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

English Pointer As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can English Pointer be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

English Pointer is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can English Pointer be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a English Pointer be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

English Pointer is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can English Pointer be a sniffer dog?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

English Pointer breed is a good choice for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can English Pointer be a search and rescue dog?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.

The English Pointer breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can English Pointer be a boat dog?

Not really

English Pointer breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can English Pointer be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

English Pointer is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where English Pointer dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

English Pointer Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is an English Pointer pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the English Pointer breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female English Pointer: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the English Pointer have in a litter? How many puppies can the English Pointer breed have for the first time? How many puppies does an English Pointer have? How many puppies can an English Pointer give birth to?
4-6 puppies

English Pointer Recognition

AKC Group
Is English Pointer recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Group
Is English Pointer recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

English Pointer Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Trainability: English Pointer dogs are very easy to train.
  • Grooming: Effortless: The English Pointer requires minimal grooming.
  • Shedding Level: English Pointer dogs shed none to minimal.
  • Drooling Tendency: The English Pointer is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Watchdog Ability: English Pointer dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Adaptability: English Pointer dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: English Pointer dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: English Pointer dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: English Pointers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: English Pointer dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
  • Search and Rescue Dog (SAR): This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Cons
  • Health Issues: English Pointers tend to have a lot and frequent health issues.
  • Hypoallergenic: English Pointer dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: Not an apartment-friendly dog the English Pointer breed.
  • Mouthiness: English Pointer dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: English Pointer dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
  • Cat Friendly: English Pointer dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: English Pointer is not the best dog breed for office environment.

English Pointer History

The breed is originated from Spain, although their history is somewhat murky. The breed’s history is presumed to have started 3000 years ago, for the reason that dogs, identifiable as early Pointers were discovered on the walls of Egyptian tombs. In France and also in England, paintings were found from the 17th century, and bronze figures from the 19th century portraying this breed.

Pointing-type breeds are said to have been known in England from the 1650s, yet it is also assumed that, in 1713, at the end of the Spanish Succession War, British army officers returned England from Spain with these Pointer predecessors. Pointers were originally used in conjunction with Greyhounds in the 17th century. Later, Italian Pointers found their way to England, and they were crossbred with the Spanish Pointer, leading to the Pointer as we know them today. Another theory suggests that the breeding procedure also involved more breeds like the Foxhound, Bloodhound, Greyhound, and later various setters were mixed into the Pointer, resulting in a breed possessing elegance and grace, speed and endurance, incredible scenting-ability and beautiful appearance with easy maintenance. In the end, they created a fantastic hunting dog who became a favorite of many of the aristocrats and the bourgeoisie in England, thanks to their even-temperament, friendly and affectionate behavior towards children and their owners.

The Pointer was a term to describe any type of hunting dog that used the pointing technique while hunting. In the days before rifles, British pointing dogs hunted hares in tandem with coursing hounds. The Pointer’s duty was to find and indicate prey, with the cooperation of the hounds who would give chase. The Pointer became a devoted and durable gundog, in the 1700s, with the rise of wing-shooting. Two of the most well-known British Pointers were Juno and Pluto, owned by Colonel Thornton, who was said to have held a point on a covey of partridges for a little more than an hour. This story brings to mind the old English joke about a hunter who lost his Pointers on the moors, then a year later, he found his dogs as skeletons pointing toward a skeleton of a bird. After the invention of guns, the hunter’s methods changed, the Pointer was taught to be “steady to wing and shot”. This technique meant that the dog needed to a standstill after the bird has been flushed and until the gun has been fired, waiting for the hunter’s instruction to retrieve the bird. 

Until the Civil War, between 1861 and 1865 America was not introduced to pointers. In 1876 a lemon and white-colored Pointer named Sensation was imported to America from England. The breed was one of the first nine breeds registered in America in 1878 and was recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club) right after it was founded in 1884.

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English Pointer Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Winter

    Jul 22, 2021, 7:45:05 PM: