The Art of Dog Pointing: History, Breeds, and Training

Dog pointing is an ancient art that dates back to the Middle Ages, with evidence of pointing breeds being used for hunting as far back as the 13th century.

The first pointing breeds were developed in Europe, with the English Pointer being one of the earliest recorded breeds. They were bred to locate and point game for hunters.

One of the key characteristics of a pointing breed is its ability to freeze in place when it detects game, allowing the hunter to approach and make a shot. This is a result of thousands of years of selective breeding.

The English Setter, another popular pointing breed, is known for its strong prey drive and ability to locate game in a variety of terrain.

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The Pointer breed gets its name from the stance it adopts when it detects game, "pointing" at the hidden game as a visible signal to the hunter that it has found something and where it is.

The term "bird dog" is often used in the United States to describe the Pointer breed, particularly in the southern regions. This is a nod to the breed's exceptional hunting abilities.

Pointing dogs may have descended from dogs from Spain, specifically of the Old Spanish Pointer. This ancestral connection is a testament to the breed's rich history.

The Pointer was originally used by hunters who netted the game, where the dog would freeze or set and allow the hunter to throw the net over the game before it flushed.

The Pointer gets its name from its distinctive stance when it detects game, "pointing" at the hidden prey as a visible signal to the hunter.

This stance is a key characteristic of the breed, and it's what sets it apart from other pointing dogs.

The Pointer is sometimes called the English Pointer to differentiate it from other breeds, but this term is not universally used.

In the United States, the term "bird dog" is often used to describe the Pointer breed, particularly in the southern states.

Pointing dogs have a rich history that dates back to Spain, where they may have descended from Old Spanish Pointers.

The original purpose of pointing dogs was to freeze in place and allow hunters to net game before it fled.

In Continental Europe, pointing breeds were often used as versatile gun dogs, capable of performing multiple hunting tasks.

These breeds were trained to find and point game, as well as retrieve it on both land and water.

The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association defines versatility in hunting dogs as the ability to dependably hunt and point game, retrieve on both land and water, and track wounded game on both land and water.

German Shorthaired Pointers are a great example of versatile hunting dogs, often used for retrieving birds such as ducks.

The Westminster Kennel Club was established in the early 1870s, and its early English import, "Sensation", is still used as the club's logo.

The Pointer breed is a medium-sized dog, typically standing between 53 and 71 centimeters tall, with bitches being shorter than dogs.

Their athletic build is well-suited for endurance and speed, with a weight range of 20 to 34 kilograms. Dogs usually weigh between 25 to 34 kilograms, while bitches weigh between 20 to 29 kilograms.

The breed's distinctive head features a slightly dished face, elevated nose, and wide nostrils, with hanging ears that lie close to the face. Their coat is short-haired, fine, hard, and smooth, with a variety of colour patterns, including bi-coloured and tri-coloured.

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The Pointer is a medium-sized breed, typically standing between 53 and 71 centimetres tall, with bitches being shorter than dogs.

They usually weigh between 20 and 34 kilograms, with dogs weighing 25 to 34 kilograms and bitches 20 to 29 kilograms.

The breed standard describes them as having a long, muscular, slightly arched neck; long, sloping shoulders that are well laid back; a chest wide enough for plenty of heart; straight and firm forelegs with good bone; muscular hindquarters; oval shaped feet; and a medium-length tail that is thick at the root.

Their coat is short haired, fine, hard, smooth and evenly distributed, and they are usually bi-coloured, white with lemon, orange, liver or black coloured patches.

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The cheetah's top speed is around 70 miles per hour.

Its long legs and flexible spine allow it to cover a lot of ground with each stride.

The cheetah's gait is characterized by a unique "double-suspension gallop" where it uses its front and back legs in unison to cover more ground.

This gait is made possible by the cheetah's non-retractable claws, which act as a braking system to help it change direction quickly.

The cheetah's speed and agility are crucial for hunting small to medium-sized antelopes.

The Pointer is a popular pointing dog breed used in field sports, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Many writers consider the Pointer to be the ultimate pointing dog breed due to its sensitive nose, big stylish movements, and flashy pointing stance.

The Pointer is the most popular pointing dog breed used by sporting estates in the United Kingdom and commercial shooting preserves in the United States.

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It's worth noting that in the United States, commercial shooting preserves often use Pointers to locate game for hunters.

The Pointer is typically faster when working and quarters further in search for game compared to many continental European pointing dog breeds.

Pointers are usually only used to point and flush walked-up game before it is shot, while specialist retrievers are used to retrieve the game once shot.

The Pointer is also used by falconers and austringers in falconry to locate the game to be flushed for the falcon or hawk to dispatch.

The Pointer is a generally healthy breed with a life expectancy of 13-14 years. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.

Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are known inherited conditions found in Pointers. These conditions can lead to arthritis and mobility issues if left untreated.

Pointers can also be born with patella luxation, which is a dislocation of the kneecap. This can cause pain and discomfort for the dog.

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Some Pointers are born with hereditary sensory neuropathy, a condition that affects the nerves and can cause pain and numbness. Spinal muscle atrophy is another condition that affects the muscles and can lead to weakness and paralysis.

X-linked cerebellar ataxia is a genetic disorder that affects the cerebellum and can cause coordination and balance problems. Deafness is also a known condition in Pointers.

In addition to these inherited conditions, Pointers can be prone to minor health issues such as hypothyroidism, demodicosis, cataracts, retinal dysplasia, and corneal dystrophy.

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Birds have been used for pointing for centuries, with some breeds being more suitable than others.

The English Setter is a popular choice for pointing, known for its strong prey drive and keen sense of smell.

These birds are often used for hunting small game like quail and pheasant, where their agility and speed come in handy.

Bird coat types and colors are an important consideration when choosing a bird dog. A dog's coat type and color can affect its performance in various hunting conditions.

Short coats are generally better suited for hot, dry conditions. Long coats, on the other hand, are more suitable for cold and wet conditions. Wire-haired coats offer the most protection in harsh conditions, regardless of temperature or moisture.

Some breeds are better suited to specific coat colors. For example, the German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) is often associated with a solid brown coat. The Weimaraner Pointer (WPG) is typically wire-haired and comes in a variety of coat colors, including black and tan.

Here's a brief overview of some common coat types and colors:

Keep in mind that while coat type and color may be important considerations, they shouldn't be the only factors in choosing a bird dog.

The size of bird dogs can vary significantly, with some breeds reaching heights of over 66 cm, while others top out at just 53 cm.

Standards for each breed can be quite different, with the FCI standard for the German Shorthaired Pointer setting a minimum height of 58 cm for females and a maximum of 66 cm for males.

In contrast, the U.K. standard allows for females as short as 53 cm and limits males to 64 cm.

The American standard falls somewhere in between, ranging from a minimum of 58.4 cm for females to a maximum of 63.5 cm for males.

Some breeds, like the English Setter, can come in small, medium, and large sizes, while others, like the Pointer, are generally medium-sized.

Here's a breakdown of the size ranges for each breed:

It's worth noting that breeders may select for dogs that are closer to the top or bottom of the standard, depending on the country or region.

Bird breeds are a crucial aspect of bird hunting, and for pointing specifically, certain breeds excel in this role.

The English Setter is a popular choice for pointing due to its strong instinct to follow game and its athletic ability.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is another breed well-suited for pointing, known for its intelligence and versatility in hunting.

The Brittany is a small but mighty breed, often used for upland game bird hunting, including pointing.

The English Pointer has been used for centuries for pointing, valued for its keen sense of smell and strong hunting instinct.

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Training a dog to point requires patience and consistency, as it can take several months to a year or more to develop this skill.

Start by introducing your dog to the concept of pointing, which can be done by using a long line and a bird dummy. This will help your dog learn to associate the action of pointing with the reward of a bird.

It's essential to use positive reinforcement training methods, such as rewarding your dog with treats and praise when they exhibit the desired behavior. Avoid punishment or negative reinforcement, as this can lead to frustration and a breakdown in the training process.

Remember to keep training sessions short and fun, with plenty of breaks in between to prevent boredom and burnout. With consistent practice and positive reinforcement, your dog will be pointing in no time!

Pointers are high-energy dogs that require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They thrive in active households where they can engage in physical activities and receive attention from their family members.

If you're considering bringing a pointer into your home, it's essential to have a yard or access to a large outdoor space where your dog can run around and play. Pointers need daily walks and plenty of opportunities to burn off their excess energy.

Pointers are not suited for apartment living unless you're willing to commit to daily walks and provide additional physical and mental enrichment. They have a high prey drive and may not be the best fit for homes with other pets.

Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when deciding if a pointer is right for you:

To get the right dog for you, you need to know what you want in a dog. It's not about how you wish your dog was, but what they actually are.

You should think about your own character, activity level, and hunting style. What do you hunt? Mainly upland birds with a bit of waterfowl on occasion? Or diver ducks on big water with the occasional ring-necked pheasant hunt for fun?

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If you hunt close to home, a breed like the English Setter (ES) or the Gordon Setter (GS) might be a good choice. Both of these breeds are known for their close-working abilities.

If you hunt 1000 miles away from home, you might want a breed that can keep up with you, like the Vizsla (V) or the Weimaraner (W). Both of these breeds are bred for endurance and can handle long hunting trips.

Here's a list of breeds that are known for their specific abilities:

Remember, it's just as foolish to get a Formula One race-car dog to hunt the back 40 once in a while as it is to get a super mellow close worker for a month of chasing chukars in Idaho.

There are numerous breeds that excel in dog pointing, a skill that involves locating and indicating the presence of game. Some of the most popular breeds for this purpose include English Setter, Gordon Setter, and Irish Red and White Setter.

These breeds are known for their exceptional hunting abilities and strong prey drive. In fact, the Irish Setter is particularly well-suited for this type of work, thanks to its keen sense of smell and energetic nature.

The following breeds are also considered versatile hunting dogs, capable of excelling in a variety of roles: Ariège PointerBracco ItalianoBraque d'AuvergneBraque du BourbonnaisBraque Français (two sizes: larger type Gascogne and smaller type Pyrénées)Braque Saint-GermainBrittanyBurgos PointerČeský FousekFrench SpanielGerman Longhaired PointerGerman Roughhaired PointerGerman Shorthaired PointerGerman Wirehaired PointerLarge MünsterländerLabrador RetrieverOld Danish PointerPachón NavarroPerdigueiro GalegoPortuguese PointerPudelpointerSlovak Rough-haired PointerSmall MünsterländerSpinone ItalianoStabyhounVizslaWeimaranerWirehaired Pointing GriffonWirehaired Vizsla

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Let's take a look at some of the breeds that are commonly used for hunting. The English Setter, Gordon Setter, Irish Red and White Setter, and Irish Setter are all great examples of versatile hunting dogs.

The English Setter is a popular breed due to its excellent nose and strong prey drive. It's a natural hunter that excels at flushing game out of thick cover.

Here are some other breeds that are also great for hunting:

The range of a dog breed can greatly impact its suitability for a particular lifestyle. Some breeds, like the Siberian Husky, are bred to thrive in cold climates with long distances to run.

Huskies can travel up to 100 miles in a single day.