The AKC has grouped all of the breeds that it registers into seven categories, or groups, roughly based on function and heritage. Breeds are grouped together because they share traits of form and function or a common heritage.
The Pointer is bred primarily for sport afield; he should unmistakably look and act the part. The ideal specimen gives the immediate impression of compact power and agile grace; the head noble, proudly carried; the expression intelligent and alert; the muscular body bespeaking both staying power and dash. 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 of man.
Ears-Set on at eye level. When hanging naturally, they should reach just below the lower jaw, close to the head, with little or no folding. They should be somewhat pointed at the tip-never round-and soft and thin in leather. Eyes-Of ample size, rounded and intense. The eye color should be dark in contrast with the color of the markings, the darker the better.
Neck: Long, dry, muscular, and slightly arched, springing cleanly from the shoulders.
Shoulders: Long, thin, and sloping. The top of blades close together.
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.
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. 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.
Short, dense, smooth with a sheen.
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. Decided angulation is the mark of power and endurance.
The noble Pointer is the ultimate expression of canine power and grace. Unquestioned aristocrats of the sporting world, Pointers carry themselves proudly and are capable of great speed and agility. The coat comes in several colors, solid or in patterns—but as the breed’s devotees like to say, a good Pointer can’t be a bad color. A large male can stand 28 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 75 pounds; a small female might weigh as little as 45 pounds and stand 23 inches.
The Pointer should be fed a high-quality dog food appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior) and activity level. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet or the dog’s breeder if you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should always be available.
The Pointer’s short, dense, glossy coat requires minimal maintenance. A weekly brushing with a soft-bristle brush or a hound glove will help to remove dirt and loose hair and keep the dog looking his best. The ears should be regularly inspected and cleaned if needed with soft gauze and an ear-cleaning solution—the dog’s veterinarian can recommend a good brand to use. The nails should be trimmed often if not worn down naturally, as overly long nails can cause the dog discomfort and problems walking and running.
The athletic, exuberant Pointer is a very active sporting breed and requires lots of exercise every day to keep him healthy and happy. This can come in the form of long daily walks and vigorous play sessions with his owner. Providing a securely fenced yard where the Pointer can run full-out and burn off some of his renowned “hunt all day” endurance is beneficial and will make for a calmer, more contented companion inside the home. The breed also exercises mind and body by participating in canine sports such as field events, obedience, tracking, agility, rally, and other activities that can be enjoyed by dog and owner.
The Pointer’s amiable, even temperament and alert good sense make him a congenial and trainable companion both in the field and in the home. Pointers are versatile! Many have multiple titles before and after their names, indicating their ability to perfect their inherent talents and happily learn new ones. Pointers have also been known to excel at service and therapy work, as well as in search-and-rescue.
Pointers are generally very healthy dogs, but there are several health and genetic screening considerations specific to the breed. Large and deep-chested breeds are susceptible to bloat, a sudden, life-threatening stomach condition. Owners should learn what signs to look out for, and what to do should they occur. Other conditions sometimes seen in the breed include hip dysplasia and eye disorders. Responsible breeders will screen their stock for conditions the breed can be prone to. The Pointer’s ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste designed for dogs.
Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:
Read the Official Breed Club Health Statement.
The Pointer is bred primarily for sport afield; he should unmistakably look and act the part. The ideal specimen gives the immediate impression of compact power and agile grace; the head noble, proudly carried; the expression intelligent and alert; the muscular body bespeaking both staying power and dash. 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 of man.
Ears-Set on at eye level. When hanging naturally, they should reach just below the lower jaw, close to the head, with little or no folding. They should be somewhat pointed at the tip-never round-and soft and thin in leather. Eyes-Of ample size, rounded and intense. The eye color should be dark in contrast with the color of the markings, the darker the better.
Neck: Long, dry, muscular, and slightly arched, springing cleanly from the shoulders.
Shoulders: Long, thin, and sloping. The top of blades close together.
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.
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. 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.
Short, dense, smooth with a sheen.
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. Decided angulation is the mark of power and endurance.
| Description | Standard Colors | Registration Code |
| BLACK | Check Mark For Standard Color | 007 |
| BLACK & WHITE | Check Mark For Standard Color | 019 |
| LEMON | Check Mark For Standard Color | 114 |
| LEMON & WHITE | Check Mark For Standard Color | 115 |
| LIVER | Check Mark For Standard Color | 123 |
| LIVER & WHITE | Check Mark For Standard Color | 125 |
| ORANGE | Check Mark For Standard Color | 133 |
| ORANGE & WHITE | Check Mark For Standard Color | 134 |
| Description | Standard Markings | Registration Code |
| BLACK POINTS | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 019 |
| LIVER POINTS | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 444 |
| SELF-COLORED POINTS | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 445 |
| TICKED | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 013 |
