THE POINTER
(The American Kennel Clubs Standard and Description)


General Appearance

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.

Temperament

The Pointer's even temperament and alert good sense make him a
congenial companion both in the field and in the home. He should be
dignified and should never show timidity toward man or dog.

Head

The skull of medium width, approximately as wide as the length of the
muzzle, resulting in an impression of length rather than width. Slight
furrow between the eyes, cheeks cleanly chiseled. There should be a
pronounced stop. From this point forward the muzzle is of good length,
with the nasal bone so formed that the nose is slightly higher at the tip
than the muzzle at the stop. Parallel planes of the skull and muzzle are
equally acceptable. The muzzle should be deep without pendulous flews.
Jaws ending square and level, should bite evenly or as scissors. Nostrils
well developed and wide open. 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.

Front

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.

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.

Tail

Heavier at the root, tapering to a fine point. Length no greater than to
hock. A tail longer than this or docked must be penalized. Carried without
curl, and not more than 20 degrees above the line of the back; never
carried between the legs.

Hindquarters

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.

Feet Oval, with long, closely-set, arched toes, well-padded, and deep.
Catfoot is a fault. Dewclaws on the forelegs may be removed.

Coat

Short, dense, smooth with a sheen.

Color

Liver, lemon, black, orange; either in combination with white or
solid-colored. A good Pointer cannot be a bad color. In the darker colors,
the nose should be black or brown; in the lighter shades it may be lighter
or flesh-colored.

Gait

Smooth, frictionless, with a powerful hindquarters' drive. The head should
be carried high, the nostrils wide, the tail moving from side to side
rhythmically with the pace, giving the impression of a well-balanced,
strongly-built hunting dog capable of top speed combined with great
stamina. Hackney gait must be faulted.

Balance and Size

Balance and over-all symmetry are more important in the Pointer than
size. A smooth, balanced dog is to be more desired than a dog with
strongly contrasting good points and faults. Hound or terrier
characteristics are most undesirable. Because a sporting dog must have
both endurance and power, great variations in size are undesirable, the
desirable height and weight being within the following limits:

Dogs:
Height -- 25-28 inches
Weight -- 55-75 pounds
Bitches:
Height -- 23-26 inches
Weight -- 44-65 pounds

Approved November 11, 1975



We have included links and pages to help you find a Puppy or Breeder
or to simply help people learn more about this breed.

We invite Clubs, Organizations and Reputable Breeders to submit
links and information to help make this site as informative as possible.
CONTACT: Stacy at
SPORTING BREEDS CENTRAL



Sporting Breeds Central POINTER Breeders Directory and Litter Ads

The POINTER Parent Club

POINTER Rescue Organizations

POINTER Kennel Clubs


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