There are several pointer dog breeds, also called bird dogs, that make excellent pets. If you’re not familiar with the term “pointing,” it refers to a type of dog that tracks the scent of a prey item before instinctively freezing once they’ve found their quarry.
The typical pointing position depicts the dog’s body stiffening, holding one paw up in the air, and its tail pointing upwards, whereas the nose indicates the scent. Discover the origins and personalities of some popular pointing breeds.
Pointing breeds are high-energy dogs that require adequate exercise, training, and mental stimulation to avoid boredom. A bored dog may exhibit destructive or mischievous behavior in the absence of regular, motivating exercise.
Different popular pointing dog breeds
Pointing breeds are energetic, intelligent, and eager to please. They excel at tracking and are skilled retrievers who enjoy being in the water. These high-energy dogs require a rigorous exercise regimen.
All pointer dog breeds are not suited to apartment living with people who aren’t prepared to give them long daily walks and physical and mental stimulation. For many pointer dogs, an active outdoor lifestyle that is both mentally and physically enriching is ideal.
1. Bracco Italiano
The Bracco Italiano, also known as the Italian pointer or “Italian hound,” has been around since the fifth century, making it one of Europe’s oldest pointers.
Bracco are among the most dependable of hunting and field dogs, and they tend to be calmer indoors than most other pointers. Braccos are affectionate and gentle dogs that bond strongly with their family and tend to drool. They are still uncommon in North America.
2. Brittany
The Brittany, also known as a spaniel, is a pointer dog breed. They are small and medium-sized. The Brittany is often considered a spaniel, but the Brittany is classified as a pointer dog, and it is of medium size and compact.
The Brittany excels with children and other dogs, but they need a lot of physical and mental challenges. Although sensitive and prone to separation anxiety, they respond well to positive reinforcement.
3. English Setter
The English setter is the most preferred pointing dog coming from the United Kingdom. During the 18th century, these dogs became fashionable with the English aristocracy.
English setters were initially bred to “set” when spotting game, as the Gordon setter and the Irish setter do. The English setter is also a speckled dog with the belton coat.
The breed has remained mellow and enjoys the presence of gentle kids and dogs. Compared to some pointer dog breeds, English setters require a lot of exercise, but they are much calmer in the house than other dog breeds.
4. German Shorthaired Pointer
Germany has a long history of producing quality hunting dogs. Probably the most versatile and most well-known is the German Shorthaired Pointer.
This breed is a mixture of English and Spanish pointers and the now-extinct German bird dog. By the late 19th century, the breed had a studbook recognized by the official German dog club.
GSPs are the most popular pointer in the US and have ranked in the AKC’s overall top 10 of most popular breeds. They are intelligent, eager to please, and have fun-loving, affectionate personalities. They may have webbed feet, and they love water.
5. German Wirehaired Pointer
The German wirehaired pointer is also from Germany and was specifically bred for a weatherproof coat that keeps them comfortable in water and rugged terrain.
This coat is distinctive and distinguishes them from the German shorthaired pointer. Furthermore, they are sturdy dogs with muscular webbed feet.
If left alone for long periods of time, these dogs tend to become destructive. Because this breed is also smart, it is important to use positive training methods.
6. Gordon Setter
The biggest of the 3 setter breeds, the Gordon setter may be hard for beginner dog proprietors. Heavier and extra muscular, they are nicely suited for long hunts and rough Scottish Highland terrain. Gordon setters are athletic dogs that have high strength.
They must be allowed to run, play, and release their energy in the wonderful outdoors. When they’re at home, though, they experience being with their circle of relatives, and those dependable companions may even make good watchdogs.
7. Irish Red and White Setter
The “gentleman’s searching dog,” the Irish red and white setter (IRWS), hails from Ireland and has been bred for chicken looking. These high-energy dogs love the outdoors and are eager to thrill.
They are perfect for active proprietors who offer ample time for strolling and play outside. They revel in swimming, long walks, and searching.
These dependable dogs make incredible companions for individuals and families, and this breed is a good choice for those who need a canine to take part in numerous activities with them.
8. English Pointer
The English pointer is frequently used as a pointer. Although this breed’s origins date back to the 17th century, it took shape in the following century.
These dogs gained recognition alongside the rise of bird shooting in England. They excel in field trials, and with their energy and ambition, they also perform well in dog sports such as agility, canicross, and obedience.
At home, they are loving, dependable, and good-tempered.
9. Spinone Italiano
The Spinone Italiano is another Italian pointing breed from Piedmont, named after the thorny “spino” undergrowth they navigated while searching. Their coarse fur and thick skin protect them in tough terrain conditions.
They became extinct after the World Wars, but their numbers have gradually increased. Following the World Wars, this breed came close to extinction. It is still one of the rarer pointing breeds; however, its numbers have progressively been rising.
10. Vizsla
The Hungarian vizsla (meaning “tracker”) can be traced to the 8th century when ancient Magyar clans roamed the country. These agile puppies had incredible patience, making them ideal-looking companions for the tribespeople.
They were surprisingly valued by the noblemen of the United States for their speed and versatility. Vizslas are big-hearted, loyal to their owners, and adaptable.
Often called “Velcro puppies,” they love being close to their humans and may experience separation anxiety.
11. Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is another German breed notable for its pointing characteristics. Initially, they were hunted for the location of big game; however, Weimaraners came to be regarded as general gun dogs.
Instinctively, they pointed and retrieved, gaining popularity both in Germany and worldwide. The dog is extremely intelligent and is known for its problem-solving abilities. It needs great enrichment to remain entertained; otherwise, it will make a mess at home. Weimaraners love being with people.
12. Wirehaired Pointing Griffonki
They excel in hunting on land and in the water. They are affectionate, relaxed, and get along well with other dogs and children at home. This is a gentle dog with a hypoallergenic, low-shedding coat.
So they are great dogs to choose if you have allergies. The ultimate choice for any fur parent searching for a loyal family dog that will create a strong bond with the family members and will never want to be apart from them.
13. Small Munsterlander
This is one of the types of pointer birds that has a long coat with lots of feathering on the tail and the legs, which makes it look more like a setter than a pointer.
It can be differentiated from the Larger Munsterlander because it is 19 to 22 inches high at the shoulder and weighs 33 pounds. The Small Munsterlander originated in the 1800s and is known for its pointing ability.
This good-natured dog was developed in the Westphalia region of Germany.
14. Large French Pointer
This dog breed originated in France in the 1600s and is similar to the German shorthair pointer. However, its muzzle is wider and more angular, its skull is a bit rounder, and it appears to have pleats on its ears.
Its dewlaps resemble those of a scent hound. The large French pointer’s sense of smell is exemplary. The dog almost went extinct, but its population is growing.
15. Cesky Fousek
This breed originated in Czechoslovakia during the 1800s. It presents a slightly untidy, bristly coat that is mostly long on its back and sides.
Underneath it, this dog is well covered with an undercoat, and its long ears are set farther back on the sides of its head.
This dog is energetic and needs to be exercised to be kept happy; unlike other pointer breeds, it is not an ideal lap dog.
16. Auvergne Pointer
The Auvergne Pointer has a large head relative to its body and strong hindquarters. It features a massive head relative to its body, with a rounded skull and a distinct stop. The coat is short and glossy, and the dog has powerful hindquarters and large, well-cushioned feet.
For showing, the area around the eyes and ears must be black, and a charbonnée coat pattern is a bonus. Charbonnée consists of bluish spots that appear when black and white hairs overlap. The Auvergne pointer was developed in France during the 1800s.
17. Old Danish Pointer
Among the various types of pointer dogs, this one stands out due to the dewlaps around its neck. The dewlaps enhance this pointer’s sense of smell, as the folds of skin waft scent molecules up into the dog’s nose. Aside from pointing, it is used to track wounded prey.
The Old Danish Pointer is not as tall as other pointers, standing 20 to 23 inches at the shoulder, but it is robust and muscular.
Unlike the English pointer, it holds its tail down while keeping its back straight. It also has a liver-colored nose, long, rounded ears, and a large chest.
Conclusion
The field is calling, and these dogs are ready to go. It does not matter if you are chasing upland birds, exploring thick woods, or trying your hand at field trials; there is a perfect pointing dog out there for you. This list features some of the best pointing dogs.
But you shouldn’t overlook other great options like the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Weimaraner, Large Munsterlander, English Pointers, or even certain retrievers with natural pointing instincts or some smaller dogs. Each breed and dog offers unique strengths and passions for the hunt.
But remember!! Don’t think that this is just about instinct. It is more about the bond with several breeds. Train them, spend time with them, and believe in them. These are not just hunting dogs; they are lifelong hunting companions.
