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When choosing a dog, people are guided by personal preferences and what the chosen pet will be intended for. Those who live by hunting turn their eyes to hunting breeds, and those who just need a true friend choose small or medium sized dogs. An interesting breed is the English pointer. Those who are not familiar with representatives of this breed should definitely get acquainted.
Description of appearance, characteristics, standards
Poynter can hardly be called a small representative of the canine world. It has a fairly large size. But, despite this, he has a harmoniously folded body, characterized by pronounced grace, with a relief muscular apparatus on it. Dogs grow up to 69 cm, and weight can reach 30 kg. Females differ in more modest dimensions and body weight. On the body, the head is proportionally located. The line where the forehead passes into the muzzle has a distinct severity.
Tight fit to the jaw of thick lips is noted. The ears are quite large, have some pointedness at the edges. Eyes are rounded and large enough. They can have a variety of shades. A neck of strong character, with a high setting. On the powerful back, the location of the slightly protruding lower back is noted. The paws are oval in shape, with tightly clenched fingers placed on them.
Dogs of this breed live on average 12-14 years. For one litter a bitch can bring up to 8 puppies. Color can be monophonic or have a three-color character. The body is covered with short hair that is tight to it. Twice a year the dog molts.
The conditions of detention leave a mark on the exterior of the dog. Therefore, sometimes even representatives of "pure blood" may not reach the requirements defined by standard indicators.
Character
In terms of choice, representatives of this breed will be an ideal option for those who like balance in dogs. They are distinguished by courage and endurance. Dogs of this breed have a high human orientation. They make easy contact and are distinguished by pronounced friendliness. If they are left alone, they indulge in sadness and longing for their master. If the separation is very long, the pointer can easily become depressed.
Adult pets are considered excellent diplomats. Even if other animals are present in the house, they will never come into conflict with them.
Important! Due to the good severity of the natural hunting instinct, parrots and other feathered representatives, it is better not to keep in the house or they should be away from dogs. Nature will take its course anyway, and they will consider them only as game.
Pointers and young children get along pretty well. They even endure when the child drags them by the ears. But everything should be within a reasonable framework. The child should be explained that the dog is not a toy, and you should not do this with it.
Such dogs are not good security guards, but they may well inform that uninvited guests are trying to visit the house. If the owner pays enough attention to his dog, then a comprehensible, cheerful and temperamental instance grows up. Such a dog will have absolutely no sense of sudden aggression. These dogs are pronounced cleanlings that just love to take part in games with children.
Dogs have a natural ingenuity, thanks to this they are excellent hunters.It is allowed to hunt with them in any weather, but the cold is less tolerated by them than heat. If the hunting instinct is dormant in the house, then in the field it straightens, as they say, to its full height. The dog has a very pronounced sense of competition, they always want to stand out among the other participants in this or that event. Leaders are characterized by pronounced independence and self-confidence. This is often the cause of conflicts between dogs.
Important! Together with the Pointer, they hunt only on the ground, because they feel uncomfortable in the aquatic environment.
They always have a high willingness to hunt. It seems that when they pursue game, the feeling of fatigue is simply unfamiliar to them. Being active and energetic, they always listen to the owner’s commands.
Historical reference
The historical roots send the reader back to the times that took place 400 years ago. Such facts became known thanks to records made by English hunters. Work on breeding began with the fact that smooth-haired bird dogs were crossed with hounds. To make corrections for the head and tail, greyhounds began to take part in the mating. The painstaking work of breeding has led to the emergence of this breed.
There is an assumption that for the first time a solid stand over the game was performed by this particular dog. Hence, its name becomes clear, which in the translation of the English verb means "indicate". For the first time, the formation of a club associated with this breed occurred in the English capital back in 1891.
Choose a puppy
Dogs of this breed are common, so finding a puppy now does not present any special difficulties. Breeders are found today even in small towns. But there is one problem. Some efforts are directed towards improving the external qualities. Therefore, sometimes, even acquiring a very beautiful puppy, you may encounter the fact that subsequently the dog will be a mediocre hunter. When choosing, you need to ask what working qualities his parents possessed. But in any case, a good friend and companion will be provided.
The selection is made according to the puppy's parents. If the breeder is good, with a great sense of responsibility, he will always take care of the conditions of his pets. This eliminates all doubts about the health of dogs. It’s great if the puppy’s purchase is accompanied by a demonstration of his parents ’veterinary passport. You must also ask for other documents showing the cleanliness of the breed. As for the price, a puppy will have to pay from 100 to 100 American green banknotes. The price varies depending on the availability of documents and the region of purchase.
Interesting fact! Puppies have almost as many teeth as humans, but with age their number increases to 42.
Living conditions necessary for a hunting dog
The presence of natural activity implies the need to provide opportunities for the dog to regularly pour out its energy. This is the main condition for normal development. It is better if the dog is kept in a country house. There are more opportunities for physical activity of the pet. If the pet is in the apartment, then long walks are mandatory.
Sometimes it is required to take the dog to the countryside. This must be done even if the owner is not a hunter. Fresh air and space will only benefit the pet. Otherwise, the presentation of special conditions is not required.
Care
Care measures should include taking care of the dog’s health status. Despite the fact that representatives of this breed rarely get sick, a number of specific actions should still be performed.
Problems with the coat usually do not occur. This is due to the fact that such dogs have a short coat. The owner, as a rule, will not have to see the abundance of wool balls scattered throughout the apartment. Each week, the dog should be combed several times using a soft brush or rubber gloves. After combing the pet, wipe it with a damp cloth. After walking in the forest, the pet is inspected for ticks. It is advisable to treat the dog with a special compound before going out.
The most vulnerable point of such dogs is the skin. Pets are prone to many skin diseases and allergic reactions. To prevent their occurrence and spread, the dog is subjected to regular inspection. If there are any foci of redness, it is necessary to consult a veterinary clinic for advice.
No less attention is paid to the ears, teeth and eyes of the pet. They should not have any unpleasant discharge. Ears need to be cleaned with cotton buds, and teeth using special toothbrushes using toothpastes for dogs.
Bathing a pet is necessary when it is required. This is usually done no more than 3-4 times a year. Water procedures can be used more often, but shampoo should not be used. When bathing, it is necessary to ensure that detergents do not get into the dog’s eyes.
Nutrition
In terms of nutrition of the English Pointer, even with a big stretch, one can’t be called a fickle. He will eat everything that is offered to him. This applies to both dry feed and natural products. The main thing is the balance of his diet and the sufficient content in the products of all the substances necessary for the body.
Puppy feeding
At the time of purchase, you need to find out what the dog is already used to. If you want to change the diet, this is done gradually. This is necessary in order for the stomach to get used to new food. If the choice falls on dry mixes, then you need to purchase only those that are produced by a reliable, trusted manufacturer. If the feed is of high quality, then it contains in sufficient quantities all the necessary substances. If the food is prepared on its own, then it is necessary to ensure that all necessary components are present in its composition. Sometimes a puppy can be pampered with a raw egg, but bones and fatty meat should be excluded from the diet.
Adult dog
In principle, the rules here are the same as for puppies. Nutritional balance is the main requirement for feeding. The diet is periodically supplemented with dairy products. For adult dogs, it is better to give fermented milk products instead of milk. If the dog is given porridge, then carrots should be added to it. Adult dogs are fed twice a day.
Disease
Dogs of this breed are characterized by a large number of diseases associated with a hereditary nature. This feature is embedded in them at the DNA level. Of course, they will not necessarily prove themselves, but you must understand that there is a possibility that they will have to face.
Often dogs suffer from skin diseases. They can be manifested by a rash, itching, eczema. Hair may start to fall out.
Representatives of this breed may suffer from diseases of the neurological plan, for example, epilepsy. Pointers can often develop arthritis. In this case, the joints become inflamed and are accompanied by severe pain.
Dressura
The training begins at the earliest age. It is necessary to try so that the baby fully socially adapts to the world around him. It is necessary that he gets used to the noise of the car, to strangers whom he will meet on the street during his walks. Walking the dog, of course, is necessary on a leash. But in the forest you need to give him plenty to run.
When training, you need to be patient.You should not expect too fast results. He can be accustomed to elementary teams when his age is 4-5 months. When the dogs age is close to one year, you can begin to accustom them to their direct hunting duties. But, if the owner does not intend to hunt with the dog, then this can not be done.
Vaccinations
We should not forget about the need for the full implementation of the required preventive vaccinations. An adult dog is vaccinated every year. You should always remember about the activities of deworming. The first vaccination is given to a pet at the age of one month. The second vaccination is carried out in two months, and the third - after he turns three months old. Subsequent vaccination of the puppy is carried out after a tooth change.
Video: Pointer dog breed
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