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Working to perfect the breed

Health & Research

Healthy & Long Lived

The American Pointer Club (APC) has been the Parent Breed Club and steward of the “aristocrat of gun dogs” since 1938.  Our dedication to the health and well-being of this elegant and athletic breed is fueled by our desire to ensure their ability to fulfill their purpose, and fill the hearts of Pointer fanciers, for centuries to come.

Pointers are large, active dogs with an average lifespan between 12-14 years.  They are robust companions with few health issues and thrive best in environments that include shared activities with their owners.  Pointers excel in venues as varied as show rings, field trials, hunt tests, obedience, rally and agility courses.

The following health tests are recommended for every Pointer:

  • Hips – to rule out dysplasia
  • Elbows – to rule out dysplasia
  • Eyes – to rule out eye disease
  • Thyroid – to rule out autoimmune thyroiditis

Prospective puppy buyers are encouraged to do your homework, research the breed to be certain you’re ready to welcome a bright, energetic dog into your home, and discuss health testing regimens with the breeder you choose.

The American Pointer Club supports the AKC Canine Health Foundation. If you would like to make a donation you can do it directly akcchf.org

Healthy Long Lived

Health Objectives

APC’s health objectives are clear and simple, as noted in the Club’s Constitution and Bylaws:  “To do all in its power to improve and preserve the health and welfare of the breed.”  A variety of member-focused activities are undertaken regularly to meet those objectives:

  • health seminars, and health testing opportunities, are offered at most National Specialties,
  • educational articles are communicated to the membership,
  • regular health testing is encouraged,
  • acquiring the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) designation is encouraged,
  • health surveys are taken and reported,
  • research is supported that match the issues discovered in the survey results

APC Health Statement

American Pointer Club, Inc.

HEALTH STATEMENT for AKC- as approved by the Board of the American Pointer Club, February 18, 2025.

The American Pointer Club (APC) has been the Parent Breed Club and steward of the “aristocrat of gun dogs” since 1938. Our dedication to the health and well-being of this elegant and athletic breed is fueled by our desire to ensure their ability to fulfilltheir purpose and fill the hearts of Pointer fanciers for centuries to come.

Pointers are large, active dogs with an average lifespan between 12 and 14 years. They are robust companions with few healthissues and thrive best in environments with shared activities with their owners. Pointers excel in venues as varied as show rings, fieldtrials, hunt tests, obedience, rally, and agility courses. Like many short-coated breeds, Pointers can be affected by skin issues such as hives, often caused by a simple contact allergy or autoimmune issues. Hip dysplasia and some forms of cancer (bone, liver, andmammary) have been experienced. Epilepsy has affected Pointers over the years, and while we believe the instances havediminished, it is still a concern.

The following health tests are recommended for every Pointer:

  • Hips – to rule out dysplasia
  • Elbows – to rule out dysplasia
  • Eyes – to rule out eye disease
  • Thyroid – to rule out autoimmune thyroiditis

Results should be reported to the OFA.

Prospective puppy buyers are encouraged to do their homework, research the breed to ensure they’re ready to welcome abright, energetic dog into their home, and discuss health testing regimens with the breeder they choose.

We invite you to visit our website, americanpointerclub.org, to learn more about Pointers, our club, APC breeders around the country, and our dedication to the activities surrounding our wonderful all-purpose breed.

CHIC/APC Champion of Health Award Winner 2022

GCH Southern Springpoint What Will People Say JH,BCAT,CGC,FITS
Owned By: Cynthia Lyn Brink
Breeders: Tina McDonnell & Terry Ellis

AKC  NOHS Lifetime Bronze & Silver, Top #10 NOHS Pointer 2019-2021
Meisje was nominated at the age of four with numerous titles. She exemplifies the Pointers even temperament in both the field and home; starting with her Puppy of Achievement Award and finishing as one of the first dogs to receive Fit Dog Silver. She is also, IABCA International Champion, multiple group placing and UKC Show Champion, Multiple BIS and RBIS, #8 Pointer 2021
Clearances: OFA Excellent Hips & Elbows, Thyroid; Eye & Cardio

CHIC/APC Champion of Health

The annual CHIC/APC Champion of Health Award for Pointers was established in 2011.  The award, established by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) in 2006, is intended to recognize a dog that has had significant accomplishments in conformation, performance events, companion events, as a producer, or as a working dog, AND has the full complement of health testing appropriate for its breed.  Each year the APC Health Committee reviews the applications submitted by our members for the award and those that qualify are forwarded to the OFA for their decision on the award winner.  Up to three applications can be submitted.

To learn more about CHIC numbers and the tests recommended by the APC click on the link below.  The CHIC number itself does not imply normal test results, only that all the required breed specific tests were performed, and the results made publicly available.

For more information on OFA and CHIC  Beginning in 2011, the following pointers have been selected by OFA as the Pointer CHIC Champion of Health:

2011 – “Ranger”, Dual Champion Remington Grand Teton Ranger, SH, owned by Judy Bryant-Vilwock and Paul Vilwock, bred by Cathleen and Ian Davidson.  Ranger had the distinction of being the first DC Pointer to meet the APC’s health testing requirements for CHIC.  He was one of only 3 DC Pointers that also had earned an advanced Hunt Test title (SH, but only one leg from his MH).  Ranger was also working toward his AFC title, winning the APC National Specialty Field Trial Amateur Gun Dog Stake in both 2008 and 2009.

2012 “Remi” CH Nowwithem Double Barreled, CD, RE, JH, AX, AXJ, OF, CGC, TT, owned by Marva Petrequin, Deborah Harper and Jill Koch, bred by Jill Koch.  Remi was nominated at the age of nine, with nine titles already to her credit, and quickly added an Agility Excellent title before turning ten. She was pursuing her Master Hunter title and participating in field events with a Dual Championship as the ultimate goal. Remi qualified for the Multi Venue Pointer(“MVP”) award at several National Specialties, proving just how versatile Pointers are.

2013 “Annie”  CH. Black Alder Laughing Annie VAX, RE, JH, CD, NFP, MXPB, MXP2, MJP, CGC, owned by Deb Pereira and Phyllis Kroll, bred by Phyllis Kroll.  Annie quickly earned conformation Champion, Rally Excellent, CD and JH titles, then moved on to work on advanced hunting titles and agility titles.  She added the Master Agility Bronze title which requires 25 perfect scores of 100 at the Master’s level, and is the top competition level in AKC agility. She then added her PAX and PACH titles in short order. Annie received APC’s highest honor, the Versatility Excellent Award, in 2011/2012.  In 2011 she was the #1 Pointer in Excellent A Preferred Agility. In 2012 she was the #1 Pointer AKC Agility Preferred, and she was #1 at the Master’s level.

2014 – “Bree”, GCH AmCH/CanCH Seasyde Berries Jubilee SH, owned by Lisa Canfield, Helyne Medeiros, and Michael Scott, bred by Helyne Medeiros, and Sean and Tamara McCarthy. Bree earned her titles with limited showing.  She was selected BOS at APC Nationals in 2010 and 2012, and AOM in 2011;  and completed her Canadian CH in one weekend with a Best in Show.  Bree was selected Best of Breed at the Canadian National Specialty in 2012.  This multi-talented girl also proved she can be as efficient in the field; she completed her JH title in one weekend, then finished her SH in another weekend.

2015 – “Drew” MBIS Multi CH Seasyde As Good As Gold CD RN JH, owned by Kathy Shorter and Helyne Medeiros, bred by Helyne Medeiros, and Sean and Tamara McCarthy.  Drew has been a true ambassador for our breed across the globe. His many accomplishments include:  APC’s Top Producing sire 2012; APC’s Top Obedience Pointer 2013; Versatility Award recipient; multiple Best-in-Shows and Championships earned in 11 European countries;  #1 Top Dog All Breeds Belgium 2011; #1 Top Show Pointer in History of breed in Europe.  Drew also has field and obedience credits to his name, and his producer credits include a National Specialty winner, plus other offspring that are also CHIC-designated dogs.

2016 – “Clue”, Dual Champion Amateur Field Champion Cookieland Blackthorne Clouseau MH, Owned by Debra Freidus DVM, bred by Cheryl and Rick Buchanan.  Debby proudly steered Clue to all of her Field points, both Open and Amateur, to earn her FC and AFC titles. Clue is the 12th Dual Champion in the history of the breed.  Clue added her “MH” title to complete a very impressive trifecta of field accomplishments.  She was ranked in the APC Top 5 Gun Dogs in 2013 and 2014; and APC’s number 2 Puppy and Derby ranking in 2010.  Her show ring accolades include BOS at the PCCNJ Specialty from the Field Trial class; plus Field Trial class wins at APC Nationals and other regional specialties.  Clue has passed along her exceptional qualities to her offspring, who are making their way successfully in the field and show ring now.

2017 – ‘Guy’, Dual Champion Paladen’s No More Mr. Nice Guy, CD, JH, VAX, owned by Art and Virginia Kahn, bred by Karen Detterich.  Guy is the 13th Dual Champion in breed history, and has been earning points toward his AFC title. He completed his Junior Hunter and Companion Dog obedience titles owner/breeder/handled.  Guy was the 2008 APC National Field Futurity winner. He has earned the APC’s Versatility Excellent Award, and is the sire of champions, plus other offspring with show points, including an APC show Best in Futurity winner and Top Puppy.

2018 – “Spy”, Dual Champion Amateur Field Champion Cookieland I Spy Blackthorne, owned by Debra Freidus DVM, bred by Cheryl and Rick Buchanan.  Spy is the 14th Dual Champion of our Breed, and has several notable field credits: APC’s top All-Age Dog for 2016, as well as #3 Gun Dog;  APC’s top Puppy in 2010 and #3 Derby Dog.  He’s one of few AKC Pointers to place at the APC National Championships, and has multiple major wins in Amateur Walking Gun Dog stakes, owner-handled.