14 Pointer Dog Breeds That Will Keep Your Family Active and Entertained
There are several pointer dog breeds, also known as bird dogs, that make great pets. If you're not familiar with the term "pointing," it describes a type of dog that tracks the scent of a prey item then instinctually freezes once they have located their quarry. The typical pointing position shows the dog's body stiffening, holding one paw up in the air, and the tail points upwards while the nose signals towards the scent.
Learn about the histories and temperaments of 14 popular pointing breeds.
Pointing breeds are high-energy dogs needing adequate exercise, training, and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. A bored dog may engage in destructive or mischievous behavior without regular, motivating exercise.
Breed Characteristics
Pointing breeds are active, enthusiastic, intelligent, and eager to please. They excel in tracking and nose work, sports, and are skilled retrievers with a great love of water. A rigorous exercise routine is essential for these driven dogs.
None of the pointer dog breeds are suited to apartment living with people who aren’t prepared to give them long daily walks and plenty of additional physical and mental enrichment. An active outdoor lifestyle or one that is enriched both physically and mentally is ideal for many pointer dogs.
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Bracco Italiano
Also known as the Italian pointer, the Bracco Italiano or "Italian hound" dates back to the 5th century, making it one of Europe's oldest pointers. In the early 20th century, a breeding program helped revive their numbers using two varieties: one from Italy's Piedmont region and the other from Lombardy.
Known for being incredibly reliable in the field, the Bracco tends to be more docile at home than other pointing breeds. They're gentle and affectionate dogs that form strong bonds with their family members. The breed tends to drool and is vocal. They're also still relatively rare in North America.
Breed Overview
Group: Foundation Stock Service/miscellaneous class (AKC)
Height: 21 to 27 inches
Weight: 55 to 90 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Active, intelligent, loyal, affectionate
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short, dense, and glossy; white, white and orange, or white and chestnut
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Brittany
Often referred to as a spaniel, the Brittany is a pointer dog breed. These versatile hunting dogs were developed around the 17th century in the northern region of Brittany. They are compact and medium-sized. Their size, skills, and temperament make them a high-demand choice.
The Brittany is a high-energy breed generally good with other dogs and gentle children. They can be sensitive and prone to separation anxiety, but they are eager to please and respond well to positive training techniques.
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting (AKC)
Height: 17.5 to 20.5 inches
Weight: 30 to 40 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, adaptable, attentive
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Flat or wavy, dense coat; orange and white or liver and white markings and sometimes with roan patterns
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
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English Setter
The English setter is the most popular of three silky-coated setters originating in the United Kingdom. This breed has a long heritage, with 15th-century art depicting similar dogs. They became popular in the 18th century with English estate owners who enjoyed hunting. Initially, these dogs were developed to crouch or "set" when they detected quarry, similar to their relatives, the Gordon setter and the Irish setter.
The English setter has a unique speckled coat that’s called “belton.” The breed is also known for being incredibly mellow, and tends to enjoy the company of gentle children and other dogs. Although English setters still need plenty of exercise, they're often calmer around the home than some pointer dog breeds.
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting (AKC)
Height: 25 to 27 inches
Weight: 65 to 80 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Independent, lively, playful, affectionate
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long, flat, silky, and a little wavy; white base with belton markings that can be flecks or intermingled roan; belton colors are orange or black (referred to as blue) and can also be tricolored
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
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German Shorthaired Pointer
Germany is known for developing skilled hunting dogs like the German shorthaired pointer. Some experts consider them the most versatile and capable hunting dog. The breed is a cross between English and Spanish pointers and the now-extinct German bird dog. By the late 19th century, the breed had an official studbook.
This is the most popular pointer dog in the United States, and has been among the top 10 of the AKC's overall most popular breeds. GSPs are intelligent, eager to please, happy, and affectionate. They have webbed feet and a great love of water. The German wirehaired pointer is a close relative.
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting (AKC)
Height: 21 to 25 inches
Weight: 45 to 70 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Active, intelligent, attentive
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short, smooth; solid liver or a combination of liver and white
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
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German Wirehaired Pointer
The German wirehaired pointer, also from Germany, was bred for a weather-resistant coat to keep them comfortable in water and on rough terrain. This distinctive coat sets them apart from the German shorthaired pointer.
They are muscular dogs with webbed feet, a high prey drive, and high exercise needs.. This breed is best for active families who can spend a lot of time with their dog. When left alone for too long, they can exhibit destructive behaviors. Positive training methods should be used, as this is also a smart breed that is eager to please.
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting (AKC)
Height: 24 to 26 inches (males), 22 inches (females)
Weight: 50 to 70 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Loyal, playful, friendly
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Medium-length, wiry double coat; liver or liver and white; may have ticked, spotted, or roan markings
Life Span: 14 to 16 years
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Gordon Setter
The largest of the three setter breeds, the Gordon setter can be challenging for novice dog owners. They have a strong protective instinct and are wary of strangers. These dogs crouch, freeze, and "set," pointing hunters to quarry in the brush. Heavier and more muscular, they are well-suited for long hunts and rough Scottish Highland terrain.
Gordon setters are athletic dogs who have a high amount of energy. They need to be given the chance to run, play, and let their energy out in the great outdoors. When they’re at home, though, they enjoy being with their family, and these loyal companions can even make good watchdogs.
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting (AKC)
Height: 23 to 27 inches
Weight: 45 to 80 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, courageous, loyal
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Shiny, straight, or wavy single coat; black with tan markings
Life Span: 11 to 13 years
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Irish Red and White Setter
The “gentleman’s hunting dog,” the Irish red and white setter (IRWS), hails from Ireland and was bred for bird hunting. These high-energy dogs love the outdoors and are eager to please. They are ideal for active owners who provide ample time for running and play outdoors. They enjoy swimming, long walks, and hunting.
These loyal dogs make wonderful companions for individuals and families, and this breed is a good choice for those who want a dog that will want to participate in a variety of activities with them. When not given enough to do, they can become bored.
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting (AKC)
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Weight: 35 to 60 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, social, loyal
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Medium double coat with feathering; white with red patches
Life Span: 11 to 15 years
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Irish Setter
The Irish setter was bred for hunting. This dog "sets" or locates and points hunters towards game birds by holding a pointing position, indicating the direction in which the bird lies hidden. They are a wide-ranging hunter, well-suited to fields and wet or dry moors, and use their excellent sense of smell to find birds.
The Irish setter breed arrived in the United States in the early 19th century. These playful, intelligent, and sweet dogs are excellent family pets. They are affectionate, friendly with strangers, and easy to train.
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting (AKC)
Height: 25 to 27 inches
Weight: 60 to 70 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Gentle, athletic, sweet, intelligent
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Medium length; feathering on ears, chest, legs, tail; red
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
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English Pointer
The English pointer is often referred to simply as a pointer. Although this breed has origins dating back to the 17th century, it took shape the following century. These dogs grew in popularity with the growth of the sport of shooting birds in flight in England.
Today, English pointers, often called the "Cadillac of Bird Dogs," are one of the most versatile, hardworking, and popular pointing breeds. They excel in field trials, and with their dynamism and ambition, they also perform well in dog sports, including agility, canicross, and obedience. At home, they are loving, loyal, and sweet-tempered.
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting (AKC)
Height: 17 to 21 inches
Weight: 45 to 75 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Sweet, loyal, affectionate
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short, dense coat; color combinations of white with liver, lemon, orange, or black markings; may have solid coloring
Life Span: 10 to 17 years
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Spinone Italiano
The Spinone Italiano is another Italian pointing breed from the Piedmont region, named after the thorny "spino" undergrowth they navigated while hunting. Their coarse fur and thick skin protect them in rough terrain. They nearly became extinct after the World Wars but have steadily increased in numbers.
This breed almost became extinct after the World Wars. It is still one of the rarer pointing breeds, but its numbers have steadily increased.
One of the biggest pointer dogs, the Spinone appeals to many pet parents because they tend to be more docile than some of their relatives. They can sometimes be stubborn and may need a little more patience and tasty treats when training.
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting (AKC)
Height: 22.5 to 27.5 inches
Weight: 65 to 90 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, social, stubborn
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Harsh, coarse, dense, flat single coat; bushy eyebrows and beard; solid white, white and orange, or white with brown markings; markings can be roan or solid colors
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
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Vizsla
The Hungarian vizsla (meaning "tracker") can be traced to the 8th century when ancient Magyar clans roamed the country. These agile dogs had great endurance, making them invaluable hunting partners for the tribesmen. They were highly prized by the noblemen of the country for their speed and versatility.
Vizslas are big-hearted, dedicated to their owners, and adaptable. Often called "Velcro dogs," they love being near their humans and can be prone to separation anxiety. They are closely related to wirehaired vizslas, a separate breed.
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting
Height: 22 to 23 inches
Weight: 45 to 50 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Loyal, affectionate, adaptable, gentle
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short, smooth, dense; copper or rust
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
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Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is another German breed that is known for its pointing skills. Although hunters initially used them for searching for big game, Weimaraners began to gain popularity as all-around gun dogs. They showed a natural aptitude towards pointing and retrieving and became prized in Germany and worldwide.
These intelligent dogs are known as problem solvers. They need ample enrichment to keep them entertained and prevent mayhem at home. Weimaraners love being around people.
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting (AKC)
Height: 24 to 26 inches
Weight: 70 to 85 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, aloof, alert, stubborn
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short, smooth; mouse gray or silver-gray
Life Span: 11 to 13 years
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Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The wirehaired pointing griffon hails from the Netherlands and is also known as the Korthals Griffon. Like other pointers, they excel in hunting both in water and on land. At home, they are affectionate, relaxed, and can get along well with other dogs and children.
This is a calm dog who has a hypoallergenic coat that is low-shedding, so this can be a good breed to consider if you have allergies. And this is a good choice for pet parents who are in search of a loyal family dog who will develop a strong bond with their humans and always want to be around them.
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting (AKC)
Height: 22 to 24 inches (males), 20 to 22 inches (females)
Weight: 50 to 70 pounds (males), 35 to 50 pounds (females)
Personality/Temperament: Calm, gentle, loyal, companionable
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Medium length, straight, wiry topcoat; fine, thick undercoat; gray with brown markings or combinations of brown, white, roan, and orange
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
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Wirehaired Vizsla
While the smooth-coat vizsla dates back to the 800s, the wirehaired vizsla is a newer breed from the 1930s.
Hungarian hunters sought to create a breed suited to rough terrain and cold conditions, crossing vizslas with breeds like the German wirehaired pointer. This resulted in a new, dense-coated breed.
This rare dog has a great personality. They are affectionate, intelligent, and energetic, as well as good with strangers and children. Because of their playfulness and high energy level, they do need a lot of physical exercise and mental stimulation. And because they’re devoted, they can develop separation anxiety.
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting (AKC)
Height: 23 to 25 inches (males), 21.5 to 23 inches (females)
Weight: 55 to 65 pounds (males), 45 to 55 pounds (females)
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, gentle, loyal, friendly
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Wiry, thick, short; golden rust
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
Breeds to Avoid
Pointer dog breeds are not considered lower-energy dogs like basset hounds, Italian greyhounds, and Pekingese that are more content lying cozy in a dog bed or a lap than going out ranging and running.
Also, if you’re a fan of active and higher energy dogs like pointers, avoid brachycephalic breeds like pugs and French bulldogs that have lower exercise tolerance.
