Pointer 1871

Description

The supreme scenting machine, the Pointer is a wonderful example of a breed fit for its original function: to range on large expanses of land to detect the scent of game and then halting, frozen in a “point” in the direction of sitting game. The Pointer is an athlete, a series of flowing curves, with a slightly concave muzzle to lift his nose and aid the scenting powers. His hunting style is with head held high, lashing his bee-sting tail. No wonder then, that the Pointer was much in demand by the gentry of the 18th and 19th centuries as the most stylish of gundogs (Kennel Club). There are records of Pointers dating back to the 1600’s. “Braques” dogs were around in the 13th Century. Paintings of Pointers date back to the 15th and 16th Century. Various pointing breeds from across Europe were bought to England and were crossed with native breeds including Irish Setters, Greyhounds, Newfoundlands, Bloodhounds, Fox Hounds and Bull Terriers. Pointers were used with Greyhounds to hare-course in the 1600’s, but by the 17th century, wing shooting became fashionable and pointing dogs came into their own. It was not until the 20th century that Pointers were recognised as excellent hunting dogs because Irish Setters had been the dogs of choice before that time. Pointers were first recorded in Britain in the early 19th Century. Pointers gradually changed in appearance until a breed standard became the foundation of the Pointers we see today.