Pointer

The history of the English Pointer is highly debatable since different records point to different places of origin. According to one source, the pointer dates back to England in the 1650s, whilst another source suggests that it descended from pointer breeds that include the Old Spanish pointer and Portuguese pointer, crediting Spain as the breed's actual country of origin.

Other ancestors from which the Pointer is believed to be descended also include greyhounds, foxhounds, bloodhounds, and bull terriers. In the sixteenth century, pointers were used to hunt together with a pack of greyhounds. However, in the seventeenth century when wing shooting became popular, pointers accompanied the hunters on their own, and that was when they were recognised for their excellent hunting skills at par with Irish setters.

Today, the English pointer is distinguished as one of the best bird-hunting dogs in the world. This dog breed was first recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1884, and later by the United Kennel Club in the early 1900s. The pointer is also recognised by the Kennel Club in the UK.

The English Pointer wears a short, smooth, and shiny coat that is dense. It is easy to maintain and comes in a variety of colours, including black, orange or lemon, and liver, with white as its primary background colour. The coat sheds lightly throughout the year and will only require a weekly brush to keep it clean and matt-free. To maintain its shiny coat, occasional wipes of the chamois leather are also needed.

Regularly check the dog's ears for any excess wax or signs of infection. Also part of dog grooming is making sure the teeth are brushed at least once or twice a week, and the nails are trimmed once a month. Do not forget to check for ticks and fleas or any sign of physical abnormalities, so you can quickly consult a veterinarian.

The Pointer is a good-natured and friendly dog, which is why it is a popular choice for a family pet. It is incredibly loyal, gentle, and tolerant, but is not a good candidate for a guard dog. It is very active and loves nothing more than to run or play a game of chase. It is suitable for a family with a large back garden and can spare both time and energy to accommodate its activity requirement.

Generally, the pointer is well behaved and gentle, especially around children, but then again, any type of interaction must be well-supervised to keep things calm. Also, they get along well with other dogs and even cats they grow up together with. However, the pointer is still a hunting dog, which means care should be taken when there are small animals around.

• Senior and less active: up to 1,340 calories daily
• Typical adults: up to 1,500 calories daily
• Physically active/working dogs: up to 1,670 calories daily

Dogs are great additions to your family, but is it great when it comes to your finances? Let's get real, owning a dog is not cheap and caring for it will take years. Being unprepared to be a dog parent budget-wise may spell trouble ahead, so let us settle this once and for all: 'How much does it cost to buy a dog?' Well, cost varies depending on the type of dog and other factors. When you buy an English Pointer, you may need to spend no lower than £800 for a well-bred pup.

Buying a puppy is only the beginning since it requires money to raise it. What does raising a dog entail? It means buying your English pointer dog food that costs around £40 to £50 a month. Pet insurance is another cost that you may want to consider despite it being optional. However, pet insurance will help you with future expenses during emergencies, so think twice before crossing that out on the list of costs.

Veterinary care is a significant expense that will put your mind at ease but your pocket empty if you are not prepared. Veterinary costs that may not go lower than £1,000 a year include regular check-ups, initial vaccinations, boosters, and neutering/spaying when the time comes. Overall, you will spend roughly around £70 to £110 to raise and care for an English pointer.