English Pointer Breed Guide: History, Size and Temperament for Adopters
English Pointer history and overview
The English Pointer has an old history that can be followed through written records and artwork to the middle of the 17th Century. Although breeders in England did most of the developing, the majority of canine historians name Spain as where the breed began. Spanish pointers were crossed with other breeds, probably Foxhounds and Bloodhounds for scenting ability, Greyhounds for speed and Bull Terriers for tenacity. Type, temperament and hunting ability became settled around the close of the 18th Century, and the breed is now often ranked among the world's best upland bird dogs. The United Kennel Club recognized the breed in the early 1900s.
How big do English Pointers get?
The UKC describes the English Pointer as a medium-sized, well-balanced dog whose body length is roughly equal to its height at the withers. Desirable height at maturity is 25-27 inches for males and 23-25 inches for females. Desirable weight in working condition is between 55 and 75 pounds for a male and between 44 and 65 pounds for a female.
English Pointer temperament and traits: are English Pointers good family dogs?
According to the UKC standard, a Pointer may act a little aloof around strangers, while serving as an excellent family companion that is eager to please and particularly good with children. Strong hunting instincts and effortless, hard-driving movement are named among the breed's most distinctive features. The overall picture the standard paints is of an elegant, intelligent hunter with stamina and dash.
Coat and grooming
The coat is short, dense and close fitting, with a sheen. Accepted colors are black, liver and any shade of yellow, solid or combined with white.
AKC breed facts
These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Pointer as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.
- AKC group
- Sporting Group
- AKC recognition year
- 1878
- Height (AKC published)
- 25-28 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female)
- Weight (AKC published)
- 55-75 pounds (male), 45-65 pounds (female)
- General life expectancy
- 12-15 years
- AKC size category
- Large
AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)
- Energy: 4 of 5
- Mental enrichment: 4 of 5
- Trainability: 5 of 5
- Grooming frequency: 2 of 5
- Shedding: 3 of 5
- Vocalization: 3 of 5
- Drooling: 2 of 5
- Adaptability: 4 of 5
- Playfulness: 4 of 5
- Watchful or protective tendency: 3 of 5
- Affection toward family: 5 of 5
- Openness toward strangers: 4 of 5
- AKC child compatibility rating: 3 of 5
- AKC dog compatibility rating: 5 of 5
Health screenings AKC lists for the breed
Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.
- Hip Evaluation
- Elbow Evaluation
- Thyroid Evaluation
- Eye Evaluation
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile, retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).
Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 8, 2026.
References
- Breed Standards : English Pointer | United Kennel Club (UKC) (opens in a new tab), United Kennel Club, checked November 8, 2026
