Dogs - Pointers

About Pointers...  

English Pointer.   Pointers are thought to originate in Spain, from where they were exported to England. English breeders crossed them with a variety of other breeds e.g. greyhound, foxhound, and setter. This crossbreeding improved the hunting and  scenting abilities of the Pointer. Today Pointers make excellent hunters of game birds. Many birds nest or feed on the ground and have camouflage which is difficult to spot. The Pointer is able to find them and stands stock still, his short tail standing in line with his body, and "points" to the birds with his eyes. He can be trained not to kill the birds. The hunter shoots them and the Pointer retrieves them. The "Pointer" is sometimes referred to as "English Pointer" to differentiate him from the German Pointer. His correct name is "Pointer." He is bigger than the German Pointer. Height dogs 63 - 69 cms at shoulder, bitches 61 - 66 cms. The most common colour is lemon and white, but any colour is acceptable. They are large dogs and need lots of space for exercise. 

German Short-Haired Pointers (GSP) are a product of various crosses between the old Spanish Pointer, the German Bloodhound and English and Black Pointers.  From the 17th Century, German breeders strove to produce a dog with greater speed, more physical attractiveness, nose improvement and a long attention-span. The resulting German Short-haired Pointer today is a keen, energetic worker.  The tail is docked at one-third it's length. This creates a trim appearance, prevents injury in getting in or out of vehicles and prevents the bloody sores a dog of active tail motion can attract. The Short-haired Pointer enjoys a day at the lake, helping to retrieve water fowl.
  Puppies are easy to house-train.  As a family pet, the short-haired Pointer is good natured and intelligent.  He is usually devoted to children and has great patience for their pranks.  To visitors, the short-hair displays a reserved friendliness.  Many an unwanted night intruder has found himself faced with a strong and agile foe in the Shorthair.  But above all, the shorthair is a sporting dog.  It is bred to be energetic and will do better in an environment which has an outlet for this activity.

Colour: brown and white, black and white, or solid brown or black. Mottled spots are common. Height at shoulder: dogs 58 - 64 cms, bitches 53 - 59 cms.

This German short-haired pointer belongs to Lee Sparg, South Africa

Gretchen belongs to Heiner Tade of Nylstroom. Heine is surprised at how astute this dog is, and how little training she required. At 12 weeks she was hunting and retrieving birds with him.	Georgie belongs to Jeanne Skinner of Germiston
The above German shorthaired pointer puppies were bred by Catherine Laurent, who took the photos in 2006. The parents are both solid liver in colour.

Above: Velda of Gundalf in the show ring. A German short haired pointer with owner Lynette Bosch, South Africa

German Wire-haired Pointers have long, rough coats, shaggy eye-brows and beards. This coat helped to protect the dog from the elements in the German snowy winters. Regular brushing helps to keep the coat in good condition. His large build makes him an intimidating guard dog. The Wire-haired Pointer is used in Europe today to hunt all types of game. He likes to be out in the country running free. 

Height dogs: 60 - 67 cms at shoulder, bitches 56 - 62 cms.

Colour: solid liver (brown), liver and white, or black and white. 

Class: gundog.

F

Brittany pointers used to be called Brittany spaniels.  They enjoy hunting for, pointing at, and retrieving game.

Brittany is a province of north west France.

Brittany pointers  have short, wavy coats which are easy to keep. Their tails are normally docked if they are to be shown. However if you are not showing the dog, there is no need for this. 

Brittany pointers make happy, energetic companions who love to go out for walks. 

They come in a variety of colours.

Height: dogs 48 - 50 cm at shoulder

Bitches: 47 - 49 cm.

Class: gun dog

The early development of breeds of dogs.

A similar hunting dog is the Hungarian Vizla.

Xena has taken the concept of "pointing" to a whole new level! Xena belongs to Gavin, Cape.