Is the English Pointer a good family dog?
English Pointer
English Pointers are athletic and graceful medium-to-large dogs with a short coat, lean build and alert, noble expression. Originally bred as gundogs to locate game for hunters, they are known for their stamina, intelligence and keen scenting ability. Generally affectionate and even-tempered with their family, English Pointers can be energetic and independent, so they benefit from plenty of exercise, mental stimulation and consistent training.
| Recommended for | Active owners or families with space who can provide plenty of running, training and outdoor activity. |
| Breed Classification | Gundog/Sporting Group |
| Other names | Pointer |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
| Size | Medium to Large |
| Temperament | Athletic, even-tempered, affectionate and focused |
| Intelligence | Generally intelligent; best results come from patient, positive and consistent training |
| Tendency to bark | Low to moderate; may bark when under-stimulated |
| Maintenance Level | Very low grooming; weekly brush |
| Health Risk | English Pointers can be prone to several inherited or structure-related health concerns, so health testing, weight management and early veterinary advice are particularly important. |
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Insuring an English Pointer?
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Breed history of English Pointers
The English Pointer was developed in Britain as a specialist bird dog, bred to locate game and indicate its position by freezing in a distinctive pointing stance. Its ancestors likely included old Spanish pointers along with hounds, setters and other sporting dogs that contributed scenting ability, speed and endurance.
As wing-shooting became more popular, the Pointer’s role became increasingly refined. Hunters valued dogs that could cover ground efficiently, find birds from a distance and hold a steady point until the guns were ready, making the breed central to modern gundog and field-trial traditions.
Physical description of English Pointers
The English Pointer is a medium-to-large sporting dog with a lean, muscular body and a graceful, athletic outline. It has a noble head, long muzzle, soft expressive eyes, and ears that hang close to the cheeks, giving it a refined and focused appearance.
Its coat is short, smooth and close-fitting, designed for easy movement and practicality in the field. Common colours include liver, lemon, black or orange, often combined with white in solid, patched or ticked patterns.
| Weight range | 20 to 34 kg |
| Height range | 61 to 69 cm |
| Colours | Liver, lemon, black or orange, with or without white |
| Coat length | Short, smooth, close coat |
English Pointer personality and temperament
The English Pointer is athletic, intelligent and energetic, with a strong working instinct and a keen sense of purpose. Bred to locate game, it is alert, focused and often happiest when given space to run and explore.
At home, English Pointers are usually affectionate, gentle and even-tempered with their families. They can become restless without enough exercise, so they are best suited to active homes that can provide daily physical activity and mental stimulation.
English Pointers with kids and other pets
English Pointers are usually gentle, affectionate and good-natured with children, especially in active households. They are energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise, and their enthusiasm may be too much for very small children without supervision.
With other pets, English Pointers are often sociable with other dogs and can live with cats if introduced early. Their hunting background may make them interested in birds or small animals, so care is needed around smaller pets.
English Pointer training and exercise
English Pointers are athletic dogs with high exercise needs. They require long walks, running in secure areas, outdoor adventures and activities that allow them to stretch out and use their stamina. They are not well suited to a sedentary lifestyle.
Training should be positive, patient and consistent, with a focus on recall, lead manners and impulse control. English Pointers are intelligent and usually good-natured, but they can be distracted by scents and movement. Early socialisation and structured training help them become calm and responsive companions.
| Energy level | High |
| Exercise requirements | High - running, long walks and scent work |
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English Pointer feeding and nutrition
The English Pointer needs a nutritious diet that supports its athletic body, stamina and high exercise needs. Quality protein helps maintain lean muscle, while healthy fats provide energy for active dogs that run, train or spend time outdoors.
Food portions should be adjusted depending on workload, as active Pointers may need more calories than quieter household pets. As a deep-chested breed, they are usually best fed two measured meals per day, with vigorous exercise avoided immediately before and after eating.
English Pointer care and grooming
The English Pointer has a short, smooth coat that is easy to care for. Weekly brushing with a grooming mitt or soft brush helps remove loose hair, distribute natural oils and keep the coat sleek. After outdoor activity, the coat should be checked for dirt, burrs, scratches or ticks.
Bathing is only needed occasionally or when the dog becomes dirty. Because Pointers are active dogs, regular nail trimming is important to support comfortable movement. Routine ear checks and dental care should also be maintained, especially for dogs that spend time outdoors.
Health issues for English Pointers
- Hip dysplasia: A developmental condition where the hip joint forms abnormally, causing looseness, pain and reduced mobility. Genetics are a major factor, while rapid growth, excess weight and inappropriate exercise can worsen symptoms. Early diagnosis, weight control and veterinary care can help manage the condition.
- Epilepsy: A neurological condition that causes repeated seizures, which may include shaking, twitching, drooling, collapse or altered awareness. It may be idiopathic, often presumed genetic, or caused by another underlying health problem.
- Allergies: These commonly cause itchy, inflamed skin, leading to scratching, licking, redness, hair loss, hot spots and recurring ear or skin infections. Common triggers include fleas, food sensitivities and environmental allergens.
- Eye disease: This includes problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, dry eye, corneal ulcers and inherited eye disorders. Signs may include redness, cloudiness, discharge, squinting, pawing at the eye, swelling or changes in vision.
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: A life-threatening emergency, also called bloat, where the stomach fills with gas or fluid and twists on itself. Signs may include a swollen abdomen, restlessness, drooling, unproductive retching, weakness or collapse..
Not all conditions are covered by Pet Insurance. For details of Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance cover, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement.
FAQs about the English Pointer
It can be, provided the household matches the breed’s exercise, training, grooming and supervision needs.
High – running, long walks and scent work.
Shedding depends on coat type, season and grooming routine. The breed has a short, smooth, close coat.
No. While some individuals may shed less than others, no dog breed is truly allergy-free.
Most respond well to positive, consistent training, but owners should work with the breed’s instincts rather than against them.
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MORE INFORMATION
The Pointer Club of NSW Pointer Club of NSW: https://www.pointerclubnsw.com/
The Pointer Club: https://www.thepointerclub.co.uk/
