Pointer

Also called English Pointer

Recognised breedFCI group 7Short profile

From Great Britain (England).1 2

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male25 to 34 kg2

Weight, female20 to 29 kg2

Height, male63 to 69 cm1 2

Height, female61 to 66 cm1 2

Lifespan12 to 14 years2 3

Sizelarge

kind, even temper

outstanding scenting ability

speed and stamina

1 3

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, fine and smooth

A graceful, athletic gundog with a short, hard, sleek coat that has a clear shine. The slightly dished muzzle helps lift the nose to catch scent.1 3

Colourslemon and whiteorange and whiteliver and whiteblack and whiteself colourstricolour1

Personality what they are like

Even-tempered, gentle and adaptable, with an alert, aristocratic bearing. It can be a little more reserved than some other gundogs and usually makes a good family companion.1 2 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very high: the Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day. A great partner for runners and suited to homes with plenty of space.3 4

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short coat needs about a weekly brush. It does shed.3

Home where they are happiest

Best in a large house with a large garden, according to the Royal Kennel Club.3

The story where it all began

Pointers were being used in England by the early 1700s to find partridge and other game birds. British breeders are believed to have blended continental pointing dogs with setters, hounds and later greyhounds to add speed as shotguns improved. The breed became a favourite of the 18th and 19th century gentry and its standard has changed little since 1936.2 3

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Its name describes its job: it freezes and points its nose toward hidden birds.4
2
A poem by John Gay from 1713 already mentions pointers hunting partridge.2
3
Falconers use Pointers to find game for their hawks and falcons.2
4
Unlike many continental breeds that hunt, point and retrieve, the Pointer specialises in finding and pointing.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed's name is its job description: Pointers point game birds, and they have been pointing for centuries.4

Name ideas for your new friend

BeaconNobleGuntherAeroFlintMeadowGaugePipSquireBreezeRoverClover

A day in the life told by a Pointer

I stand tall at the window, watching the morning mist lift over the fields. My human puts on running shoes, and I bounce with excitement. Out on the heath, I stretch my legs, a blur of white and liver. I freeze, one paw lifted, nose pointing at a clump of grass. A pheasant flushes, but I hold my pose, it's the pointing that matters. Later, we walk calmly through the village, and children pat my head. Back home, I flop on the cool floor, satisfied. The day was perfect: swift, friendly, and full of scents.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard No. 1 (English Pointer), Group 7 Pointing Dogs, Section 2.1 British and Irish Pointers and Setters.1
The Royal Kennel Club: Gundog group; not a vulnerable native breed.3
American Kennel Club: Recognised breed.4

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Pointer. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Pointer, and at what times?

Feed your Pointer at least two meals a day at regular times, such as morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals daily. Follow the food label for amounts and check with your vet for the best schedule.1 5 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Pointer eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for your Pointer's age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, among others. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a safe diet.1 6 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I bathe a Pointer?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues. At minimum, bathe at least once every three months.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Pointer need brushing?

Brush your Pointer's short, smooth coat about once a week to remove loose hair and keep it shiny. This breed does shed, so regular brushing helps manage that.3 7 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Pointer's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside) to avoid pain and bleeding.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Pointer need?

Pointers need very high exercise, with the Royal Kennel Club suggesting more than two hours daily. They are great partners for runners and need plenty of space to run and play.3 4 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Pointer's teeth and ears?

Brush your Pointer's teeth two to three times a week (daily is ideal) using dog toothpaste only. Check and dry their floppy ears weekly to prevent moisture buildup, and never push anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Pointer live?

A Pointer typically lives between 12 and 14 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a long, happy life.2 3

Is a Pointer good with children and other pets?

Yes, the Pointer is even-tempered, gentle, and adaptable, making it a good family companion. It can be a little reserved but usually gets along well with children and other pets when properly socialized.1 2 3

Can a Pointer be left alone?

Pointers are active and social dogs that prefer company, so leaving them alone for long periods is not ideal. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, and a bored Pointer may become destructive. Consult a good breeder or trainer for specific advice.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.