Did you know?
“Ace”, the Pointer who was selected to win the sporting group in the movie “Best In Show” is Can/Am Ch Nowwithem Accept No Substitute, CD, FD, JH, bred and owned by Jill Koch.
The movie was filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia
Pointer
I’ve caught more ills from people sneezing over me and giving me virus infections than from kissing dogs. – Barbara Woodhouse, Irish author and dog trainer
Nowwithem Luna
“Luna”
Records of Pointers in England trace as far back as 1650. This dog is a descendant of European hunting dogs. However, he was developed into the dog we see today by a British breeder named Major Arkwright. He is sometimes called the English Pointer.
European dogs were found to be slow in the field. British hunters wanted a dog that was faster, had greater stamina and concentration, and a better nose than the European hunting dogs of the time. The crossed existing Pointers with various other breeds including Greyhounds, Foxhounds, Bloodhounds, and Bull Terriers.
By the mid 1800s, the modern Pointer had arrived.
One of the earliest dogs to be imported from England to North America was “Sensation” in 1876. He is seen today on the emblem of the Westminster Kennel Club.
Photos displayed courtesy of Jill Koch, Nowwithem Reg’d, British Columbia
For the Pointer, balance and symmetry indicative of muscular coordination, endurance, and power are critical. Therefore, considerable variation in size and weight may be seen. He can be 25 to 28 inches (60-70 cm) tall at the shoulders and weigh between 55 and 75 pounds (25-34 kg).
The ideal Pointer is described as “smooth all over” and has a short, smooth coat with a sheen in liver, lemon, black, or orange, sometimes solid but usually with white. However, it is said that a good pointer cannot be a bad colour. Grooming requirements are minimal.
Bred for sport in the field, the Pointer is named for his function, which is to find birds and then freeze “on point” until the hunter locates them. He is an excellent gun dog and considered one of the most effective of the sporting dogs.
Sleek, muscular, and task-oriented, the Pointer is an energetic and devoted hunting dog. With an intelligent and alert expression, he epitomizes power and agile grace and carries himself proudly and with dignity. He is a hard-driving dog with stamina, courage, and a strong desire to hunt.
Ch Nowwithem Clyde Barrow, FDJ JH
“Clyde”
Am/Can Gr Ch Nowwithem Rooster Cogburn, FDJ JH
“Patch”
First time dog owners should be cautious before taking on this breed. He’s a hard-driving hunter with stamina, courage, and the desire to go! His owner must find a way to channel his tremendous energy by giving him a job to do. Confinement without vigorous exercise may result in a hyperactive and unhappy dog.
The Pointer is intelligent, affectionate, clean and intensely loyal. Obedience training and socialization will make him a good house pet and family dog. He tolerates other animals well as he has a low prey drive and is playful and loving with children, other dogs, and cats. Although not typically territorial he can still be reserved with strangers.
He does best in a rural environment where there is plenty of room to run off his boundless energy. The key to his mental and physical well-being is activity! Since he is bred to hunt at a good distance from his owner, a fenced yard is probably best. His owner must be willing and able to devote the time and energy required.
Even-tempered, congenial dogs, a well exercised Pointer will happily play the part of a “couch potato”, relaxing on the family’s chairs or sofas and enjoying being part of his human pack.
CKC Breed Standard
