Pointer. Richard G. Beauchamp
Physical Characteristics of the Pointer
(from the American Kennel Club breed standard)
Head: Medium width, approximately as wide as the length of the muzzle, resulting in an impression of length rather than width. Slight furrow between the eyes, cheeks cleanly chiseled. There should be a pronounced stop.
Eyes: Of ample size, rounded and intense. The eye color should be dark in contrast with the color of the markings.
Muzzle: Should be deep without pendulous flews. Nostrils well developed and wide open.
Ears: Set on at eye level. When hanging naturally, they should reach just below the lower jaw, close to the head. They should be somewhat pointed at the tip.
Neck: Long, dry, muscular and slightly arched, springing cleanly from the shoulders.
Shoulders: Long, thin and sloping. The top of blades close together.
Chest: Deep rather than wide, must not hinder free action of forelegs. The breastbone bold, without being unduly prominent. The ribs well sprung, descending as low as the elbow-point.
Forequarters: Elbows well let down, directly under the withers and truly parallel so as to work just clear of the body. Forelegs straight and with oval bone. Knee joint never to knuckle over. Pasterns of moderate length, perceptibly finer in bone than the leg, and slightly slanting.
Coat: Short, dense, smooth with a sheen.
Feet: Oval, with long, closely-set, arched toes, well-padded and deep.
Back: Strong and solid with only a slight rise from croup to top of shoulders. Loin of moderate length, powerful and slightly arched. Croup falling only slightly to base of tail. Tuck-up should be apparent, but not exaggerated
Tail: Heavier at the root, tapering to a fine point. Length no greater than to hock.
Hindquarters: Muscular and powerful with great propelling leverage. Thighs long and well developed. Stifles well bent. The hocks clean; the legs straight as viewed from behind.
Size: Dogs: Height–25–28 inches, Weight–55–75 pounds. Bitches: Height–23–26 inches, Weight–44–65 pounds.
Color: Liver, lemon, black, orange; either in combination with white or solid-colored. In the darker colors, the nose should be black or brown; in the lighter shades it may be lighter or flesh-colored.
Contents
Deriving from the swift-moving hunters and scenting gundogs, the Pointer represents England’s quintessential pointing dog. Trace the Pointer’s development from England to the United States, where the breed became one of the nation’s top field dogs. Meet the foundation dogs and their breeders from around the US.
Characteristics of the Pointer
Whether the Pointer is a field dog or a show dog, he is first and foremost a companion animal. Get to know the characteristics of this remarkable sporting breed as a hunting dog and a house dog, and find out who makes the ideal owner for this active, intelligent, sometimes stubborn dog. Also learn about the breed-specific health problems that concern breeders and new owners.
Breed Standard for the Pointer
Learn the requirements of a well-bred Pointer by studying the description of the breed set forth in the American Kennel Club and United Kennel Club standards. Both show dogs and field dogs must possess key characteristics as outlined in the breed standard.
Find out about how to locate a well-bred Pointer puppy for pet, show or field dog. Discover which questions to ask the breeder and what to expect when visiting the litter. Prepare for your puppy-accessory shopping spree. Also discussed are home safety, the first trip to the vet, socialization and solving basic puppy problems.
Cover the specifics of taking care of your Pointer every day: feeding for the puppy, adult and senior dog; grooming, including coat care, ears, eyes, nails, teeth and bathing; and exercise. Proper identification is also discussed.
Learn the principles of house-training the Pointer, including the use of crates and basic scent instincts. Enter puppy kindergarten and introduce the pup to his collar and leash, and progress to the basic commands. Learn about training a field puppy and devise a lesson plan for the pup’s first year of hunting.
By Lowell Ackerman DVM, DACVD
Become your dog’s healthcare advocate and a well-educated canine keeper. Select a skilled and able veterinarian. Discuss pet insurance, vaccinations and infectious diseases, the neuter/spay decision and a sensible, effective plan for parasite control, including fleas, ticks and worms.
Go afield with your Pointer and find out about the world of competing with pure-bred dogs under the different clubs. Here’s how to get started in trials, tests and shows. Explore conformation shows, field trials, obedience trials, agility trials and hunting tests.
KENNEL CLUB BOOKS® POINTER
ISBN 13: 978-1-59378-266-5
eISBN 13: 978-1-62187-008-1
Copyright © 2006 • i-5 Publishing, LLC
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, by photostat, scanner, microfilm, xerography or any other means, or incorporated into any information retrieval