Pointer

These dogs are average shedders and need to be combed and brushed daily.

The Pekingese is prone to breathing difficulties, eye and heart related problems. These dogs tend also to catch colds very easily. A major concern for this breed it’s in birth time, since the mothers have very difficult labors being often necessary a caesarian.

The Pekes are very sensible to cold or hot weather, so it´s advisable to not leave them too long outside.
The origin of the Pointers is unclear. It is believed that the Pointer dates back to 16th or the 17th century. He participated in hunts, by pointing to where the prey is located so that retriever dogs could fetch it, or coursing dogs, like Greyhounds could set the route. This breed name is directly linked to the pointing position the dog assumes when he sees the prey, remaining static, with the head fixed in a direction and one of the front legs slightly elevated and bended, resembling an arrow.

This hunting technique is thought to have appeared in different countries, like England, Spain and Portugal, at the same time, so the doubt about which pointers breeds appeared first remains. Even so, many conjectures are presented:

• The Old Spanish Pointer was brought to England from Spain and there he developed to it´s present appearance, by crosses with many different breeds;
• The English Pointer is completely developed in England, and at some point, they were crossed with the Old Spanish Setter;
• The English Pointer is a mix of Greyhounds, Foxhounds, Bloodhounds, and Bull Terriers and wasn´t crossed with the Old Spanhish Pointer.
• Other varieties of these theories.

The Pointer is particularly good on upland birds and in the land. As a pointer, it´s not expected that this dog retrieve the prey, but they can be trained to do so with already dead or wounded animals.

Pointers are very popular as hunting dogs, but they do just as good as a family pet. Playful, they are friendly to strangers, that´s why they don´t make very good guard dog. However, he can be a fairly good watchdog, since he barks whenever someone comes at the door. They get along with children and other animals, as long as properly socialized. They are very affectionate and love their family, but don´t like to be left alone for long periods of time. If so, they may get destructive.

They are happiest living indoor, sharing the house with the rest of the “pack”, but there not recommended for apartment life, since they are relatively active indoors and need a yard to explore. However this space needs to be perfectly secure, because they like to hunt at a great distance and may try to get away. Exercise for this breed is crucial, and there´s such thing as a family to active for them. At home, it’s not unusual to see a Pointer sharing the couch with it´s family, but even then he is ready to play.

Loyal and obedient the Pointers aren’t difficult to train.  

The Pointer has the body of an athlete, sleek, well boned, muscled and yet agile and fast. He uses his 61 to 69 cm and 20 to 30 Kg to point at the location of the preys.

His coat is short, dense and smooth and can be colored by a wide range of combinations: lemon and white, orange and white, liver and white and finally black and white.

The eyes are hazel or chestnut depending on the color of the coat, and his expression conveys nobility and courage. 

The skull, despite being of a medium width, gives an impression of length rather than width. There should be a pronounced stop.

The tail is one of the most characteristics traits of this breed. It´s carried straight and heavier at the root, tapering to a fine point and it shouldn’t be no longer than to hock. The feet, also typical of this breed, are oval-shaped and arched, and the toes are a bit protracted. 

The Pointer is a healthy breed that can live up to 15 years. However special attention must be paid to hip dysplasia, thyroid, dwarfism, cherry eye, epilepsy, and allergies.

There´s nothing tricky about grooming a Pointer, since they only need a brush when their changing their hair. However, due to skin conditions, regular inspection of the coat should be made.

They are little shedders.

The Pointers don´t do well in cold weather.