How to Identify a Pointer

1. 1
   Check the coat's appearance and texture. A Pointer's coat is short and feels dense. It is smooth with a sheen. ^[11]
2. 2
   Take note of the coat color. Pointers may have solid-colored coats. The colors the coat may be seen in are liver, lemon, black, and orange. ^[12]
3. 3
   See if the dog has any white markings. A Pointer may alternatively have a colored coat with white markings. A liver, lemon, black, or orange coat may be seen in combination with white. ^[13] This may be seen as a white background or as ticking, which is when the coat has light or heavy speckles of color on a white background. ^[14]

   Did you know? A Pointer's coat comes in several colors that may be either solid or patterned, but fanciers of the breed say that "a good Pointer can't be a bad color". ^[15]

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1. 1
   Notice a need for exercise. As a sporting breed, Pointers require vigorous daily exercise, and without it, they may become bored and destructive. Activities to exercise a Pointer could include running or playing at a park. ^[16]
2. 2
   Watch for intelligence. Pointers are highly intelligent dogs, so in addition to physical activity, they also need frequent mental stimulation. When training, they desire to know why the action is important rather than just how to do it. ^[17]
3. 3
   Take note if the dog is watchful. As a very alert and watchful breed, a Pointer can make an excellent watchdog. They are typically not frequent barkers, so when they bark, it is likely to alert their family of a potential problem. ^[18]
4. 4
   Check for loyalty. Pointers are usually never timid (though sometimes standoffish) toward people and other dogs, and they are known for being vastly loyal. They strongly bond with their family, caring for each member equally and making sure they stay safe at all times. ^[19]
5. 5
   See if the dog is gentle. Though full of energy, Pointers are overall gentle dogs. They are typically gentle around children, although they may be too lively for toddlers or infants. ^[20]
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Though the Pointer is its own distinct breed of dog, there are many other dog breeds that are also classified as Pointers. By identifying a few of the other most commonly seen pointing breeds, you can get a better idea of whether a dog is a Pointer by distinguishing it from these.

1. 1
   Identify the German Shorthaired Pointer . German Shorthaired Pointers, also called GSPs, are the most popular of the pointing breeds and are part of the sporting group. ^[21] Male GSPs have a height of 23–25 inches (58–64 cm) and weigh 55–70 pounds (25–32 kg), while females are slightly smaller with a height of 21–23 inches (53–58 cm) and weight of 45–60 pounds (20–27 kg). ^[22] They have dark brown eyes that are almond-shaped and medium in size, broad and high-set ears which lay in front, a sufficiently long muzzle with teeth that meet in a scissors bite, and a docked high-set tail. ^[23] GSPs are well-balanced, adequately muscled, and symmetrical with a smooth, lithe gait. ^[24] Their short, thick, tough coats are either solid liver or liver in combination with white. ^[25] German Shorthaired Pointers are intelligent, keen, eager to please, enthusiastic, and friendly. ^[26]
2. 2
   Distinguish the German Wirehaired Pointer . The German Wirehaired Pointer, or GWP, is another versatile German hunting dog and part of the sporting group. ^[27] GWPs are a bit taller than GSPs, with males standing at 24–26 inches (61–66 cm) and females being at least 22 inches (56 cm) tall, both weighing between 50–70 pounds (23–32 kg). ^[28] They have moderately long heads with bright oval eyes, rounded ears that hang close to the head, a broad muzzle, teeth that meet in a scissors bite, and a docked high-set tail. ^[29] Their overall build is one of muscle and balance, along with having smooth and free gait. ^[30] GWPs have distinctive weather-resistant wiry coats that are a combination of liver and white in color. ^[31] German Wirehaired Pointers are reliable, loyal, occasionally aloof toward strangers, affectionate, and enthusiastic to learn. ^[32]

   Did you know? There is also a German Longhaired Pointer, though this breed is much less common and is considered a pointing spaniel breed. ^[33]
3. 3
   Recognize the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon . The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a sporting breed that can also make an excellent retriever. ^[34] Male Griffs weigh 50–70 pounds (23–32 kg) with a height of 22–24 inches (56–61 cm), and females weigh 35–50 pounds (16–23 kg) and stand at 20–22 inches (51–56 cm) in height. ^[35] Griffs have large round eyes that may be yellow or brown, medium-sized ears which lay flat, a square muzzle with a scissors bite, and a docked tail that may be carried straight or slightly raised. ^[36] They are strong-limbed and slightly longer than tall, with a gait of medium speed. ^[37] A Griff's coat is a straight and wiry double coat that may be steel grey with brown markings, white and brown, or white and orange. ^[38] A Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is trainable, outgoing, intelligent, trustworthy, and quick-minded. ^[39]
4. 4
   Know of the Wirehaired Vizsla . Wirehaired Vizslas, or WVs, are close relatives of the Vizsla and German Wirehaired Pointers and part of the sporting group. ^[40] Males stand at 23–25 inches (58–64 cm) in height with a weight of 55–65 pounds (25–29 kg), while females have a height of 21.5–23 inches (55–58 cm) and weigh 45–55 pounds (20–25 kg). ^[41] WVs have slightly oval eyes, close-hanging ears that end in a rounded v-shape, a blunt muzzle with teeth that meet in a scissors bite, and a tail that may be either docked or natural. ^[42] They are well-balanced and proportioned and have a smooth, light-footed trot. ^[43] Their coats are close-lying, dense, and wiry and are a shade of golden rust. ^[44] Wirehaired Vizslas are affectionate, self-confident, keenly protective, occasionally aloof toward strangers, and sensitive yet stubborn. ^[45]
5. 5
   Spot the Vizsla . The Vizsla is another popular pointing breed also referred to as the Hungarian Pointer and a member of the sporting group. ^[46] Male Vizslas have a height of 22–24 inches (56–61 cm) and weigh 55–60 pounds (25–27 kg), and female Vizslas are 21–23 inches (53–58 cm) tall and weigh 44–55 pounds (20–25 kg). ^[47] They have medium-sized eyes that blend in with their coat color, thin and silky ears which hang close to the cheeks, a square muzzle with a scissors bite, and a docked tail that is carried horizontally. ^[48] Vizslas are lightly built and distinguished in appearance, and they walk with a graceful, light-footed gait. ^[49] They have short, smooth, dense coats that are close-lying and a shade of golden rust. ^[50] Vizslas are lively, affectionate, trainable, sensitive, and fearless. ^[51]
6. 6
   Identify the Weimaraner . Weimaraners, or Weimar Pointers, are another common pointing breed from Germany and are part of the sporting group. ^[52] Male Weimaraners have a height of 25–27 inches (64–69 cm) and weigh 70–90 pounds (32–41 kg), while females stand at 23–25 inches (58–64 cm) in height with a weight of 55–75 pounds (25–34 kg). ^[53] They have eyes that may be a shade of light amber or grey (including blue-grey), long and lobular ears, straight flews, a scissors bite, and a light docked tail. ^[54] A Weimaraner is built to be balanced and fast with endurance, and one has a smooth, effortless, coordinated gait. ^[55] Their sleek, smooth, short coats come in grey ranging from mouse-grey to silver-grey. ^[56] Weimaraners are alert, obedient, fearless, friendly, and aristocratic. ^[57]
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