Pointing dogs are natural hunters

Due to their exceptional capacity to locate and identify game, pointing dogs have been a hunting companion for generations. These dogs are incredibly adept at what they do; they use their keen senses to find small animals or birds and then freeze in place to warn their human partner that prey is nearby.

They require little training to understand their role as hunting partners because of their innate abilities. Pointing dogs have an excellent sense of smell, which allows them to locate game far away, giving the hunter an advantage over the game.

In addition to being excellent hunters, these dogs make devoted and wise friends who frequently develop close relationships with their owners. Their innate abilities and commitment are evident both on the field and in their home life.

Natural hunters, pointers are bred to find game and "point" it out by freezing in place, frequently with one paw raised. They are excellent hunters’ companions because of their keen senses and innate hunting abilities, which enable them to locate small game and birds in a variety of environments. These canines are trusted partners in the field because of their intelligence, trainability, and close relationship with their handlers. Pointing dogs possess an exceptional ability to hunt proficiently and efficiently in any type of terrain, including wetlands, fields, and forests.

History of the origin of pointers

The pointer’s name is derived from an antiquated technique for bird hunting. After locating the feathered meal, the skilled dog would guide humans to it by lying down next to the birds, hence the term "pointer." The hunters would hurl a trapping net upon them in the interim. As firearms became widely available, pointers were rapidly "retrained" to become gundogs. Through artificial selection, these dogs developed new abilities and working characteristics that are essential for successful hunting.

Long-term selection produced a unique breed of hunting dog known as the pointer.

The European nobility turned to hunting as their favorite past time during the Middle Ages, and pointer dogs were greatly prized. Since then, the majority of European nations have started working on pointer breed development. The first people to succeed in this were the Spaniards, who used long-haired pointers before the appearance of some short-haired breeds.

A pointer dog’s appearance and demeanor are developed with the primary purpose of assisting a hunter in mind.

How these dogs are used

Dogs have aided humans in obtaining food while hunting since the beginning of time. Since then, a lot has happened, and for us, successful hunting is no longer primarily about survival. But this hasn’t lessened the significance or worth of excellent hunting dogs.

The pointer experiences immense satisfaction after a successful hunt.

The great Soviet cynologist Alexander Mazover provided a precise and succinct explanation of how a pointer dog works:

The work of a pointer consists of several elements: a quick and passionate search without stops and delays, when it, raising its head high, searches for a bird by smell with its upper sense. Working with the help of the lower scent, as a hound does, with its head down, on the trail – is slow, unproductive and is considered a vice for a pointer. Having caught the faint scent of a bird, the dog makes a "stretch" – slows down and slowly, as if stealthily, so as not to scare it away prematurely, goes towards the smell that grows as it moves forward. Instinctively sensing that the next step will scare the bird, it stops and freezes in a tense, beautiful, sculptural stance and, without moving, waits for the hunter to approach. On the command: "Forward", the dog with a precise, directed movement raises the bird under the hunter"s shot. The described instinctive actions are the same for all breeds of pointers, but each of them does them in its own way, each breed has its own style and pace of work.

Mazover, A. P.

Dogs used for hunting. — M. (1985): Agropromizdat

A frozen Weimaraner pointer in the middle of a green field looks like a silver statuette.

Pointers are individualists; they hunt alone, and "colleagues" do nothing more than impede them, in contrast to greyhounds and hounds, which hunt primarily in packs. Such a dog will need special training to be successful in pack hunting. A pointer is unlikely to put up with rivals (or any other animals) at work or at home unless it is raised next to them from a young age.

General information

Pointer breeds were originally developed primarily for hunting purposes. However, these days, these dogs frequently make excellent guards and companions when given the right training. The seventh group comprises all pointer breeds listed in the FCI catalog.

Exterior and character

Breeds of pointers are defined by their medium stature, robust muscular structure, and almost complete lack of subcutaneous fat. Additionally, these dogs’ general exterior characteristics include the following characteristics:

• elongated muzzle;
• hanging ears;
• smooth, streamlined body lines;
• dense skin and a tight-fitting coat of wool – the hair can be both short and long.

The pointer’s external features enable it to function well in both land and water environments.

There are several characteristics shared by hunting gundogs, all of which are unquestionably advantageous:

• loyalty;
• obedience;
• endurance;
• persistence;
• savvy;
• easy to train and teach;
• aggression towards prey.

All pointer breeds are primarily known for their owner loyalty.

Genetically fixed features

A trait common to pointer breeds is the presence of genetically fixed behavioral features. This relates first and foremost to the dog’s working abilities. Once prey is located, all of the pointers freeze like a sculpture: the tail is extended, the body is tense and still, and the nose is pointed in the direction of the game. The primary characteristic of all working breeds is this genetically fixed stance. Dogs understand that you must remain motionless and unagitated to avoid unintentionally being shot.

Pointers are excellent at picking up a lot of hunting nuances. Dogs do not need to be taught how to stand in a stance or other subtleties because it is ingrained in them, possibly at the level of genetic memory.

The majority of pointers are easily and enjoyable to train.

The ability to retrieve game and, of course, locate it using the renowned sixth sense are among the natural hunting skills possessed by the majority of pointers.

Photo gallery: innate qualities of working pointer dogs

The pointer swiftly moves in the direction of the game after detecting its scent. The "signature" stance indicates to the hunter which way to search for prey. Realizing its hunting instinct, the dog brings the prey to the person instead of eating it.

Pointing dogs are great hunting companions because they have an innate ability to track and point out game. With the right training and their innate abilities, they can perform exceptionally well in the field and aid hunters in precisely locating prey.

These canines are devoted, perceptive, and energetic companions in addition to being excellent hunters. They are an excellent fit for owners who lead active lifestyles because of their boundless energy and love of the great outdoors, which call for regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Pointing dogs are exciting and joyful for people who recognize their special abilities, whether they are utilized for hunting or as companions. They are a very unique breed because of their close relationship with humans and innate abilities.

Video on the topic

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