Usually referred to as the English Pointer, the Pointer dog is part of several pointing breeds, a breed developed mainly to become gun dogs. Pointer dogs are graceful and athletic, giving off the impression of a hard-driving, compact hunting dog always alert and ready to go. The breed is distinguished through its head, tail, and feet, with terrier or hound characteristics considered undesirable. Pointers come in standard colors of lemon and white, liver and white, black and white, and orange and white, with most dogs having mostly white bodies. Males grow up to heights of 25 to 28 inches and weights of 55 to 75 pounds while the females clock in at 23 to 26 inches and 45 to 65 pounds, respectively.

A Pointer dog is even-tempered and congenial, at its happiest when living indoors with a family. Pointers are loyal and affectionate, with very low aggression levels and easily sociable with other dogs as well as cats. They are not territorial generally, although they may intimidate a lot of visitors to the house. They are also great with children although young Pointers have a tendency to be clumsy so they might not be suitable around little tots when they themselves are little. Pointers are bred to be hunting companions but they will do fine with other kinds of exercise. They do like to gallop so they will need some space to run around in, but even so, they will also be perfectly comfortably indoors as well, relaxing on the sofa like any other couch potato.

A Pointer dog can typically be expected to live up to an average of 12 years, according to a survey by the UK Kennel Club. Pointers, like other breeds, are susceptible to certain health conditions, like allergies, epilepsy, cherry eye, and hip dysplasia. Nevertheless, Pointers are considered to be pretty genetically sound.

In terms of grooming, it is very easy to care for Pointer dogs because you just need to regularly brush their coat with a firm bristle brush. Bathing is needed only when necessary. Actually, just rubbing their coat with a towel will be enough to give it a good sheen. Just don’t forget to clean their feet after they have been out exercising and be ready for some shedding. If your Pointer dog gets wet in the rain when outdoors, bring it in and dry it thoroughly to prevent chilling and avoid colds.