Pointer Breed

[troutbug]

Good evening,

I would like to hear from owners of any breed of pointer. How they are as a family dog, hunting, temperament etc.

And of course pictures lol

They are on my list of possible breeds that I may want to get for a new dog this year, but would like to hear from people first hand.

Trying to narrow down the best breed for a family dog, hunting dog and a real good bush buddy. Not a fan of golden retriever's and labs are on the list as I used to own one many many years ago. I am really looking at the german wirehaired pointer.

[elkhunter11]

My Drahthaar seems to have a switch in that he is a good pet with a great temperament around the house, but when he gets in the field he goes into hunt mode, and is like a different dog altogether. He learns very quickly but you can't do the same drills over and over, and over again like you can with a lab, or he loses interest, and gets bored. He is friendly with everyone, and will all other dogs, but once he is hunting, he goes flat out, and doesn't want to stop.

[silverdoctor]

No need to comment on the hunting aspect, get a good bloodline if you're looking for a pointer.

Just about any dog can be trained to hunt, even a pitbull breed. You may even get the field to yourself if other hunters see one coming

The rest is up to you. Heavy socialization to me is key - kids, adults, other dogs, cats etc. Keep any dog locked in a cage all day, never really take it out, you'll reap what you sew.


My minpin is getting great prey drive, can't wait to get him on mice.

Was in a pet store yesterday, brought him over to check out the rodents, he's at the glass growling wanting to attack. A lady that worked there came over, she says you need to train your dog better. My response? I am training him But he has an off switch that I didn't train. Already called him off 3 rabbits when he was off leash.

[Iron Brew]

The pointers need to be exercised well. Mine at 9 has more energy than my Lab did at 1. GWP's and GSP's are both great dogs. I kinda like the GWP's for the scruffy aspect... so scruffy they are cute. And I like the beards/moustaches/eyebrows. Character.

From what I can tell any of the versatiles can be great pets and hunters (but choose your bloodlines). Study how to train them. Also, there are some rescue groups for the pointers on FB if you are interested in that.

[troutbug]

Also would be great if those who know could pm me breeder info on pointers. Preferably in AB

[coolpete1]

i have a wirehair pointer , and a short hair pointer and a golden retreiver , they are all great dogs , the pointers are insane with energy , really smart and free thinking but they WILL follow their noses instead of your commands unless you spend a ton of time training them , as far as a family dog i doubt you can find a better dog . my wirehair is very clingy and when i leave he used to have seperation issues but he grew out of it for the most part . if you get a pointer you need to have a sense of humour and lots of patience , and they definately dont respond well to negative attention.

[silverdoctor]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

My Drahthaar seems to have a switch in that he is a good pet with a great temperament around the house, but when he gets in the field he goes into hunt mode, and is like a different dog altogether. He learns very quickly but you can't do the same drills over and over, and over again like you can with a lab, or he loses interest, and gets bored. He is friendly with everyone, and will all other dogs, but once he is hunting, he goes flat out, and doesn't want to stop.

And a handsome breed to boot.

[Okotokian]

Troutbug!!! we have a fellow member trying to (likely) GIVE his GSP away. Marital break-up, can't keep it, 3 years old. This might be a match made in heaven.

http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showthread.php?t=317191