English Pointer Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The English Pointer is an elegant, athletic bird dog famous for freezing in a classic point when it finds game. It is friendly, driven and tireless, and it needs a household that can match its energy.

Origins and appearance

The breed was developed in England to locate game birds for hunters. Pointers are lean and athletic, with a dished muzzle, drop ears, a short, sleek coat, usually white with liver, lemon, black or orange patches, and a tapering tail.

Temperament

They are friendly, gentle and eager. They love people and are usually good with children and other dogs. They are energetic and bouncy. They bond with family and dislike being left alone. They can be sensitive. They have strong hunting instincts.

Exercise

They need one to two hours of daily exercise, with running, hiking and play. They excel at field work and canine sports. Mental work matters. They need secure fencing.

Training

They are intelligent and eager. Use positive methods, variety and early socialization. Teach a reliable recall and a settle. Avoid harsh corrections. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

The short coat needs weekly brushing. See short coat dog grooming guide. Trim nails, clean ears and brush teeth. They feel the cold.

Health considerations

The breed is generally healthy, but topics include:

• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Deafness in some lines
• Hypothyroidism. See hypothyroidism in dogs
• Skin problems and allergies. See dog skin allergies
• Eye conditions

Living with an English Pointer

They suit very active families with space. They do best with company and a job. They are poorly suited to sedentary homes.

A typical day

A Pointer wants a long morning run, training, a rest, play and an evening walk. Many are calm indoors once exercised.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are bouncy and clumsy. Begin socialization, handling and training. Provide chew toys, and avoid heavy exercise while growing. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food, training and vet care. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They tolerate warmth well, but feel the cold. Provide a coat. They travel well when exercised.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include underexercising, skipping training, leaving the dog alone and weak fencing.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip tests, hearing and the parents' temperaments. Field lines are more intense than show lines.

The classic point

The pointing stance is instinctive. A young Pointer may point at butterflies and birds long before it hunts. Many owners enjoy the sight, and some train formally for field work.

Field and show lines

Field-bred dogs are lean and extremely driven, while show-bred dogs are heavier and calmer. Choose by lifestyle, and visit the breeder to see adult dogs.

Is it the right breed for you?

An English Pointer suits very active owners who want an elegant, affectionate bird dog and can provide a lot of running. It may not suit sedentary homes. For a more versatile pointing breed, see the German Shorthaired Pointer.

Pointers as companions

Many English Pointers thrive as companions for runners, cyclists and hikers. They are easy to live with when they have enough exercise, and many are surprisingly quiet and cuddly in the evening. Plan on structured outings morning and evening, and add scent games or fetch for mental work. Because they are sensitive, avoid harsh training and aim for a calm, upbeat relationship.

Hunting tests and sports

If you like the idea of formal work, field trials and hunt tests give a pointer a job. Even for pet dogs, introduction to birds under a trainer's guidance can bring out natural instincts and reward your dog with a purpose.

The takeaway

English Pointers are sleek, tireless and friendly, and they need exercise, training and company.