Pointer dogs sometimes called bird dogs or hunting dogs are used for the purpose of hunting from around four centuries so they have a bit of history here. Different countries and regions have different preference to choose a hunting partner for themselves. So, this list is going to be a generalized view of the author. You may or may not agree to me so make sure to comment about your preference. Knowledge when shared truly makes the difference. There are plenty of dog breeds that are available and even more dog breed for hunting per se. We are going to provide you a list of pointer dogs here.
Pointer dogs are highly intelligent dogs. There high intelligence and quickness to learn made them house hold and outdoorsy favorite dogs. Not only that they can become reliable hunting partners, but also good companions in indoors. While most of their acquaintance is because of their ability in the field, they are most likely to find their homes with people who are just keen to have a dog in their homes. As they are no match for hunting dogs in the field, they also make good companion as an apartment dog. We are listing here ten most popular breeds of pointer dogs in the world. You may or may not agree with me on this one. Share your thoughts in the comments.
10. Pudelpointer:
Pudelpointer is far from being famous as a gun dog especially in the United States. But they have a well established repute in their native country Germany. They have proven their metal in field as a self-controlled, disciplined Bird dog who doesn’t shy away from guns. Their hunting instinct is matchless and people in United Sates and other countries are also testing these dogs in the field as people are recognizing their positive characteristics. Not only that they have field instincts of a pointing dog, they have also proven themselves in retrieving as well. Next, they came with an in born enthusiasm for hunts and outdoor activities. These activities take them in both land and waterfowl games. Their speed and endurance are also top notch making them a favorable pointing dog option. Their nose is extremely good. Their disposition has also help in their increased popularity as they are easily trainable dogs and make great companions both outdoors and indoors as well.
9. English Setter:
English setter are generally gentle and playful dogs but that doesn’t hold them back from being pointer dogs in the field. But that depends totally on whether they came from a working dog breed line. English setters are highly energetic dogs but they are well aware of when to tone down their energy in the field and pose as a composed pointer dog. If they are outdoors, they will run and play for hours in the field but when they are indoors, they totally transform themselves according to the environment. They tend to become calmer when they are indoors and adapt to their surroundings. That shows how intelligent English setters are. Just like many other pointer dogs, they tend to have spots and marking on their coat as they develop.
8. Irish Setter:
Perhaps one of the friendliest among setter breed lines, Irish setters would never make a good example of a watch/guard dog. Despite being alert they are too friendly to be qualified as a watch/guard dog. But when it comes to pointing work, this breed transform itself to a field dog. Years of breeding as a friendly dog has made them docile but always up to the task. In fact, you have to ensure that they stay happy and active. For that you have to spend time with them for mental stimulation and to keep them occupied. While they are serving as hunting companions for quite some time, they are also working as therapy dogs because of their friendly nature. Their loving demeanor also makes them perfect indoor dogs for adults and children alike.
7. Brittany:
The Brittany dog breed was developed in North-Western France between in the 17th century. Sometimes it is categorized as a spaniel but due to its working in the field, it is more akin to a Pointer or Setter. These dogs are equally capable of pointing and retrieving as their counterparts. They are very energetic and playful dogs and have a range of facial expressions. But behind that they are sensitive dogs They try their best during training and with positive reinforcements.
6. Gordon Setter:
Gordon Setter is the heaviest among the Setter breeds. It is lesser known then its Irish and English Setter counterparts but when it comes to energy and capability in the field, the rank in par with other pointing dogs. These dogs have some serious energized legs on them so if you are planning to have them as a pet or as a field companion, keep in mind that they will need 40 minutes to an hour long exercise regime on daily basis in order to sooth their energetic soul. One more aspect of Gordon Setter that I would like to mention here is that they tend to mature quite slowly so be prepared to have a big size puppy like dog behavior all the time. They are tender loving dogs and expects from you to treat them as puppies as well.
5. English Pointer:
Usually referred simply as “Pointer” the English Pointer differ from the Setter trio in its shorter dense coat. Although this breed is a large built, they are still ideal dogs for indoors as well. They are extremely gentle and well disciplined dog breed. As well long as they tend to have time and space to stretch their long legs, they remain calm and playful. Other than that, they are very calm dogs and rarely that you have heard about an English pointer showing aggression. They are calm, composed, well-disciplined and up to the task of field sports. They get along quite well with other dogs, kids and even cats. So all these plus points makes them a very good choice for a pointer dog.
4: WEIMARANER:
So, the “ghost dog” is on the 4th spot in our list of top 1o pointer dogs. Their ghost like stylish looks have made them a companion choice on hunts among royalties and aristocrats for many centuries. Their composed outlook In field they can assist on variety of hunts. From partridges and pheasants to even rabbit hunts, these dogs perform up to the par in different game hunts. Outside of hunting fields they are very energetic and friendly. They can play for hours and still thrive for more physical activities.
3.1 Wirehaired POINTING GRIFFON:
Now you must be confused with the 3.1 category. It is because in our list we have two dog breeds on number 3 that are closely related in appearance and functionality and people confused them for one but they are two separate breeds. First breed that we are going to discuss here is Wirehaired pointing griffon.
Most of the pointing breeds have dense short coats with silky hair, the wirehaired pointing griffon goes for more rugged appearance. Their coat is harshly wiry but still the are low shedding dogs which makes them ideal for indoors. They are known as the supreme gun dogs. Their dedication and energy for work goes unmatched among other pointing dog breeds. They proved themselves with their honest working attitude because of which they gained well deserved popularity. At home, they are just as amazing companions as other pointing dogs.
3.2 German wirehaired Pointer:
There are some minor differences that one can point out between a wirehaired Pointing griffon and a German wirehaired pointer as far as the physical appearance goes but the list is too long and it will deviate us from the topic. But I can list a few here.
- The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon breed was older than the German wirehaired as far as recognition by American kennel club goes. Pointing Griffon was recognized as a breed in 1997 while the German wirehaired pointer was recognized as a breed in 1959.
- Wirehaired pointing griffon is higher in popularity rank than German Wirehaired Pointer (113 vs 155)
- German Wirehaired Pointer is heavier in Average weight from wirehaired Pointing Griffon.
- Average height of German wirehaired Pointer is also above the average of Pointing Griffon.
As far as their hunting style goes. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon tends to remain in close proximity to the shooter while the German wirehaired Pointers are usually used for long range shoots.
2. VIZSLA:
That brings us to the runner up of today’s list of top ten pointing dog breeds. The mighty VIZSLA.
The muscular built pointing breed is magnificent in its looks. Every part of Vizsla’s body is lean and strong except for their droopy ears. This dog stands out of other pointing breeds due to their beautiful rusty golden coat appearance. While other pointing breeds have spots or other pattern and markings on their coat, Vizslas are more likely to have a single coat. They are great companions for pheasant shootings in densely thick jungles as the pheasant tend to stay on the tree rather than fly away from dogs with brown coats. Their speed and energy when shown in jungle looks like a golden streak zipping across the field- A magnificent sight I must say. Vizslas have extraordinary stamina that keeps them in the field for longer periods of time. They like all other pointing dogs are gentle as well so for long bike rides and hiking, they are excellent companions.
1. German Short haired Pointer:
I know most of you have guessed it from the start that which breed is going to top the list. Well if your guess was German Short haired Pointer then you are absolutely right. While German Short haired Pointer are considered for pointing dogs, they are well suited for other tasks as well. They are even good retrievers if you are good enough to rain them for it. Speed, Power and Agile -These are the three words that are best suited to describe this Magnificent breed. German Short haired Pointers are made for long days of working along with their partners/ But if you are not a hunter, they are still up for other tasks