Ready to share your life with a Pointer?

In the Home

Is a Pointer Right for You?

“Here is an animal whose every movement shows him to be a wide-awake, hard-driving hunting dog possessing stamina, courage, and the desire to go.  And in his expression are the loyalty and devotion of a true friend to man.”
– American Kennel Club Pointer Breed Standard

If you are looking for an active, friendly, and versatile dog, look no further than the Pointer.  Pointers are friendly and intelligent dogs with a strong build and high energy level. Their impressive physical strength and stamina, coupled with their intense desire to be part of the family, makes them the perfect companion for active homes.  Pointers will enjoy any sport or game you teach them. They are versatile enough to run all day and still enjoy sharing the sofa with you at night.

They are true sporting dogs who require regular, vigorous exercise, as well as mental stimulation.  These athletic dogs were bred to be reliable hunting companions. As pets, they require owners who can commit to providing them with an outlet for their physical and mental energy, such as hiking/running, obedience training, hunting, agility, or scent work.

Pointers respond well to patient, positive training.  If you have an active lifestyle, along with the time and patience to properly train a Pointer, you will be rewarded with a loyal companion for life.  

As Family Members

Pointers thrive on being an integral part of your family unit. They require an owner who can set rules and boundaries in their household. Once they learn the rules, they can adapt well to a variety of homes.

However, since Pointers are an active breed, they can sometimes exhibit exuberant jumping and rowdiness, especially as puppies. This is especially important information for owners with very small children or older family members in their home.

Healthy & Happy Companions

Pointers are spirited and active members of the family.  This breed is very transparent with its emotions. How a Pointer feels on the inside shows immediately in their physical demeanor.  Because of this, they respond well to positive training, such as clicker training, and require consistency. This breed does not respond well to heavy-handed or harsh training, and such methods may have a negative effect on the way he carries himself.
Pointer owners can all agree that “a tired Pointer is a happy Pointer.”  Fewer things are more enjoyable than watching a Pointer run, whether they are working in the field or enjoying a beach vacation.  These athletes can truly run all day, and make it look effortless. Because of this, prospective owners should plan on devoting time every day to exercising their Pointer.  Pointers with pent up energy can sometimes resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing and barking. It is key to their physical and mental health for them to have ample time to run, especially if they are not going to work as a hunting dog.

Pointers are a hardy breed and generally do not require a special diet.  It is recommended you feed your dog a high quality commercial or raw diet.  Because Pointers have very high metabolisms and are a larger breed, it is critical they obtain the correct nutrients from their food.  Your breeder and/or veterinarian can advise you on their recommendations.

Pointers truly enjoy all the comforts of home life.  This hard working field dog enjoys nothing more than sharing a comfy chair or sofa with its family at the end of the day.  Just as Pointers depend on you to provide them with an outlet for their seemingly endless energy, they also require, and sometimes demand, physical affection!  If you are not comfortable having a dog who fancies himself a lapdog as much as an athletic hunter, this is not the breed for you!

Reaching Full Potential 

Pointers excel when they are able to challenge both their minds and bodies. Owners can help this breed reach their full potential by participating in a number of activities with their Pointers. Harnessing the power and athleticism of this breed is both challenging and rewarding.

Learn about the extensive opportunities Pointers can enjoy, from showing to companion events to field events.

In the Show Ring

In the Field

In Companion Events