| Like the setters, the Pointer is famed for its classic
stance, pointing with nose and tail in the direction
of game. It is thought by many to have originated in
Spain. There is, however, a school of thought that it
may be of English origin, developed through crossings
of Foxhound, Bloodhound, and Greyhound. Early
Pointers were hard-headed dogs, unwilling to submit
to control. In the early 1800s, they were crossed with
setters to improve their disposition, making them
more amenable to working with people.
The Pointer is a popular show dog, and admirably
combines the roles of sportsman's companion and
family pet. It is an affectionate, obedient dog that
is easy to train, good with children, and needs only
regular brushing to keep its coat in good condition.
It does, however, need plenty of exercise and so is
not ideally suited to town life. |