What Are Small Dog Breeds That Point?
You’re out playing with your dog or strolling around the neighborhood when suddenly, the animal freezes in place, lifts one of his paws off the ground, and bends the lifted foot as if to point in a particular direction.
If you’re spotting this behavior for the first time, you might easily dismiss it as part of your dog’s canine antics. However, most dogs don’t lift their paws and bend it in a particular direction just for the heck of it. This seemingly meaningless action has a deep underlying message, especially if it happens more often than not.
Dogs that freeze in place and point their paws intently in one direction are simply known as pointers or pointing dogs. Pointers come in all breeds, ranging from small to medium and even large.
Some of the common small pointing dog breeds include Brittany spaniels, small Munster lander, pudelpointer, vizsla, and German wirehaired pointer.
This post unravels everything there is to know about pointing dogs, with a special focus on small dog breeds that point.
Table of Contents
More About Pointing Dogs
Pointing dogs refer to a type of gundog used specifically for pointing in the direction of game. The term ‘gundogs’ broadly implies dogs developed to assist hunters in finding and retrieving game. Pointing dogs are interchangeably called bird dogs, although the term ‘bird dogs’ may also denote hunting dogs in general.
True to their moniker, bird dogs were typically used to locate bird-like prey, such as quail, duck, and doves. However, these utility canines can also help in finding non-bird prey like the hare, deer, and even larger game like bears.
Besides pointing dogs, gundogs include two other categories, namely retrievers and flushing dogs.
As the name implies, retrievers are used to fetch prey for a hunter. This can include either live or dead game. On the other hand, flushing dogs are used to drive a hiding game into the open so the hunter can easily nail it.
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How Do Pointing Dogs Work?
When hunting with a pointing dog and the animal happens to have picked up the scent of a quarry nearby, he’ll typically stop and point in the direction of the game. Some pointing dogs point by aiming their muzzles toward the game. Others raise one of their limbs, usually a front one, and point in the direction of the game.
Pointing dogs perform one fundamental role during hunting – demonstrating to the hunter the general location of their quarry. This allows the hunter to move within firing or sprinting range.
But aiming the muzzle or limbs in a particular direction isn’t the only way pointing dogs work. When in a pointer stance, most dogs will also freeze in their tracks and adjust their head, body, and tail in a straight line.
It’s also worth noting that pointing dogs do not only demonstrate the direction of the game. Others may also double up as retrievers, going ahead to fetch the prey for the hunter. That’s especially if the prey is a land animal or flightless bird.
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12 Small Dog Breeds That Point Out Prey
1. Brittany
| Other Names: | Brittany Spaniel, Brittany Wiegref, Epagneul Breton, and French Brittany |
| Subsets: | American Brittany and French Brittany |
| Origin: | The Brittany Province in Northwestern France |
| Period Developed: | From between the 17th and 19th centuries |
| Size: | Medium-Sized Dog |
| Height: | 17.5 to 20.5 inches for American Brittany and 17 to 20.5 inches for French Brittany |
| Weight: | 30 to 45 pounds |
| Apartment Living: | No, they are best suited to a large home with a fenced-in yard |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone: | Low. These dogs should not spend longer than 2 to 3 hours alone |
| Intelligence: | High. They score 5 out of 5 |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Watch Dog: | Yes |
| Grooming Needs: | Brush them every couple of days |
| Maintenance: | When it comes to grooming they are low maintenance dogs. However they have incredibly high levels of energy, requiring active training and exercise |
| Feeding and Diet: | 1.5 to 2 cups of high quality dog food each day, depending on their size, divided into two or three meals |
| Suitable for first time owners: | These dogs have tons of energy and are only suitable for active individuals and active families with spacious homes |
| Kid Friendly: | Yes, Early Socialization Is Required (They do need to be watched around smaller kids) |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes, With Proper Training and Socialization |
| Exercise Needs: | At least 60 minutes of intensive exercise every day is required |
| Trainability: | Relatively easy to train. They score 4 out of 5 |
| Coat Characteristics: | Medium length, flowing |
| Color: | Orange and white, black and white, liver and white, tricolor, orange roan, black roan, and liver roan |
| General Physical Characteristics: | Compact, athletic body with floppy ears and long tail |
| Temperament and Personality: | Intelligent, Alert, Agile, Happy, Adaptable, Quick, Attentive, and Eager to Please |
| Common Health Conditions: | Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Hypothyroidism, Eye problems |
| Average Lifespan: | 12 to 15 years |
| Barking Tendencies: | Occasionally. They score 3 out of 5 |
| Separation Anxiety: | High |
| Price: | Average $500 – $1100 USD |
| Year Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC): | 1934 |
2. American Water Spaniel (AWS)
| Other Names: | American Brown Spaniel and American Brown Water Spaniel |
| Subsets: | N/A |
| Origin: | The State of Wisconsin in the United States |
| Period Developed: | During the 19th centuries |
| Size: | Medium-Sized Dog |
| Height: | 15 to 18 inches |
| Weight: | 30 to 45 pounds for dogs and 25 to 40 pounds for bitches |
| Apartment Living: | Yes, only if their exercise needs are met |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone: | Low. These dogs should not spend longer than 3 to 4 hours alone |
| Intelligence: | High. They score 4 out of 5 |
| Shedding: | Low to Moderate |
| Watch Dog: | Yes. They score 4 out of 5 |
| Grooming Needs: | Brush them two or three times a week |
| Maintenance: | When it comes to grooming they are moderate maintenance dogs. However they have incredibly high levels of energy, requiring active training and exercise |
| Feeding and Diet: | 1 to 2 cups of high quality dog food each day, depending on their size, divided into two or three meals |
| Suitable for first time owners: | These dogs are ideal for active families and Individuals who have the time to groom, train, and exercise them |
| Kid Friendly: | Yes, they are best suited for families with respectful older children (Early Socialization Is Required) |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes, With Proper Training and Socialization (Some can be dominant with strange dogs) |
| Exercise Needs: | At least 45 to 90 minutes of exercise every day is required |
| Trainability: | Easy to Train |
| Coat Characteristics: | Double-coated, with a curly exterior layer |
| Color: | Varying shades of brown |
| General Physical Characteristics: | Sturdy and cobby, with floppy ears and a relatively short tail |
| Temperament and Personality: | Energetic, Affectionate, Protective, Intelligent, Friendly, Obedient, Playful, Trainable |
| Common Health Conditions: | Von Willebrand’s Disease, Cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Heart Problems, Ear Disorders, Hypothyroidism, Diabetes, Epilepsy, Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Gastric Torsion, Patellar Luxation, and Allergies |
| Average Lifespan: | 10 to 14 years |
| Barking Tendencies: | Occasionally. They score 3 out of 5 |
| Separation Anxiety: | High. they often become very attached to their owners and tend to get extremely anxious when left home alone |
| Price: | Average $800 – $2000 USD (Pedigreed puppies can cost as much as $3000) |
| Year Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC): | 1940 |
3. English Setter
| Other Names: | Lawerack, Laverack, Llewellin (Llewellyn) Setter, and Ryman-type (Old Hemlock) Setter |
| Subsets: | N/A |
| Origin: | England |
| Period Developed: | During the 19th century |
| Size: | Medium-Sized Dog |
| Height: | 24 to 27 inches for dogs and 23 to 26 inches for bitches |
| Weight: | 45 to 80 pounds |
| Apartment Living: | Yes, provided their exercise needs are met |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone: | Low. These dogs should not spend longer than 3 to 4 hours alone |
| Intelligence: | High |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Watch Dog: | Yes |
| Grooming Needs: | Brush them at least 3 times a week |
| Maintenance: | High |
| Feeding and Diet: | 2 to 3 cups of high quality dog food each day, depending on their size, divided into two or three meals |
| Suitable for first time owners: | This dog breed is best for active individuals and active families with children who have the time to train, groom, and exercise them |
| Kid Friendly: | Yes, with early socialization |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes, With Proper Training and Socialization |
| Exercise Needs: | At least 90 to 120 minutes of exercise every day is required |
| Trainability: | Moderately easy to train |
| Coat Characteristics: | Short-to-medium, with a silky texture |
| Color: | Blue Belton, Orange Belton, Liver Belton. Tri-color, Lemon Belton, and Chestnut Belton |
| General Physical Characteristics: | Slightly domed head with long muscular neck, chiseled eyes, and floppy ears; also feathered tail |
| Temperament and Personality: | Affectionate, Intelligent, Energetic, Sociable, Eager, Hard-working, Playful, People-oriented, Gentle, Lively, Sensitive, and Mild-tempered |
| Common Health Conditions: | Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Allergies, Congenital Deafness |
| Average Lifespan: | 10 to 12 Years |
| Barking Tendencies: | They bark a lot, especially if left alone for more than few hours. He will also bark to alert his people that someone is approaching the house |
| Separation Anxiety: | High |
| Price: | Average $800 – $1500 USD |
| Year Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC): | 1878 |
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4. Boykin Spaniel
| Other Names: | Boykin, Swamp Poodle, and Little Brown Dog (commonly abbreviated as LBD) |
| Subsets: | N/A |
| Origin: | The Wateree River Swamp of South Carolina in the United States |
| Period Developed: | Around 1900 |
| Size: | Medium-Sized Dogs |
| Height: | 15 to 18 inches for dogs and 14 to 16 inches for bitches |
| Weight: | 30 to 40 pounds for dogs and 25 to 35 pounds for bitches |
| Apartment Living: | Larger homes with yards are ideal for this dog breed. However, he can adapt to apartment living provided he is adequately exercised |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone: | They can be left alone for between 3 and 5 hours. Just make sure they are well-exercised |
| Intelligence: | High |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Watch Dog: | No. They are generally friendly with strangers |
| Grooming Needs: | A weekly brushing is more than sufficient |
| Maintenance: | Low grooming needs |
| Feeding and Diet: | 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high quality dog food each day, depending on their size, divided into two or three meals |
| Suitable for first time owners: | They are perfect for active individuals and active families who have the time to exercise them |
| Kid Friendly: | Yes, with early socialization |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes, with early socialization and training |
| Exercise Needs: | At least 60 to 120 minutes of exercise every day is required |
| Trainability: | Fairly easy to train |
| Coat Characteristics: | Medium in length but varies in appearance from straight to moderately curly |
| Color: | Liver, chocolate, and brown |
| General Physical Characteristics: | Full muzzle with floppy ears and almond-shaped eyes that range in color hues from brown to amber and yellow |
| Temperament and Personality: | Intelligent, Friendly, Playful, Sociable, Eager, Trainable, Energetic, Lively, Outgoing, Companionable |
| Common Health Conditions: | Hip dysplasia, Congenital Heart Disease, Eye Problems, Patellar Luxation, Thyroid Issues, Exercise Induced Collapse, Endocrine Disorders, Cushing’s Disease, Elbow Dysplasia, Anal Gland Problems, and Allergies |
| Average Lifespan: | 14 to 16 years |
| Barking Tendencies: | When necessary |
| Separation Anxiety: | High |
| Price: | Average $750 – $1500 USD |
| Year Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC): | 2009 |
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5. American Cocker Spaniel
| Other Names: | Cocker, Cocker Spaniel, and Merry Cocker |
| Subsets: | Field or Working American Cocker Spaniel and House American Cocker Spaniel |
| Origin: | United States |
| Period Developed: | In the 1300s |
| Size: | Medium |
| Height: | 14 to 16 inches |
| Weight: | 24 to 30 pounds |
| Apartment Living: | Yes, provided their exercise needs are met |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone: | Low. These dogs should not spend longer than 3 to 4 hours alone |
| Intelligence: | High |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Watch Dog: | No |
| Grooming Needs: | Their coat needs brushing and combing 2 to 3 times a week to prevent mats |
| Maintenance: | High |
| Feeding and Diet: | 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high quality dog food each day, depending on their size, divided into two or three meals |
| Suitable for first time owners: | Yes, if you have an active life style and the time to train and exercise them |
| Kid Friendly: | Yes, with early socialization |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes, with early training and socialization |
| Exercise Needs: | At least 70 minutes of exercise every day is required |
| Trainability: | Easy to train |
| Coat Characteristics: | Medium-length coat that can be straight or wavy |
| Color: | Black, brown, tan, tri-color, white and buff, silver, and red |
| General Physical Characteristics: | Dome-shaped head with a short muzzle, narrowed eyes, and floppy ears |
| Temperament and Personality: | Joyful, Outgoing, Sociable, Even Tempered, Merry, Sweet-natured, Playful, Affectionate, Gentle, Companionable |
| Common Health Conditions: | Eye Problems, Ear Problems, Skin Disorders, Patellar Luxation, Thyroid disorders, Heart Disease, Von Willebrand’s Disease, Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Gastric Torsion, and Epilepsy |
| Average Lifespan: | 12 to 15 years |
| Barking Tendencies: | Moderate. They are particularly prone to develop a habit of barking at delivery people |
| Separation Anxiety: | High |
| Price: | Average $1000 – $2000 USD |
| Year Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC): | 1878 |
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6. English Cocker Spaniel
| Other Names: | Cocker Spaniel |
| Subsets: | Field or Working English Cocker Spaniel and House English Cocker Spaniel |
| Origin: | England |
| Period Developed: | In the 1300s |
| Size: | Medium |
| Height: | 15 to 17 inches |
| Weight: | 26 to 34 pounds |
| Apartment Living: | Yes, provided their exercise needs are met |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone: | Low. These dogs should not spend longer than 3 to 4 hours alone |
| Intelligence: | High |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Watch Dog: | Yes, they score 4 out 5 |
| Grooming Needs: | Brushing should be done at least 2 to 3 times a week |
| Maintenance: | High |
| Feeding and Diet: | 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high quality dog food each day, depending on their size, divided into two or three meals |
| Suitable for first time owners: | Yes, they are ideal for active individuals and active families who have the time to do lot of brushing and exercise them |
| Kid Friendly: | Yes, they do best in a home with energetic older children who understand how to interact with dogs (Early Socialization Is Required) |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes, with early training and socialization |
| Exercise Needs: | At least 70 minutes of exercise every day is required |
| Trainability: | Easy, they score 4 out of 5 |
| Coat Characteristics: | Flat and silky, with long fur |
| Color: | Black, blue roan, orange roan, liver roan, black and tan, tri-color, orange and white, black and white, liver and white, liver and tan, lemon and white, liver, ash, red, silver, and golden |
| General Physical Characteristics: | Sturdy and compact, with lobular ears |
| Temperament and Personality: | Friendly, Sensitive, Playful, Cheerful, Trainable, Even-tempered, Affectionate |
| Common Health Conditions: | Eye Problems, Benign Tumors, Ear Infections, Healing Loss, Hypothyroidism, Kidney Disease, Allergies, Patellar Luxation, Hip dysplasia |
| Average Lifespan: | 12 to 14 years |
| Barking Tendencies: | Medium to High |
| Separation Anxiety: | High |
| Price: | Average $1000 – $2000 USD |
| Year Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC): | 1878 |
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7. Small Münsterländer
| Other Names: | Munster, Kleiner Münsterländer, Munsterlander, Vorstehhund, Spion, and Heidewachtel |
| Subsets: | N/A |
| Origin: | The Munster region of Northern Germany |
| Period Developed: | Between the 13th and 14th centuries |
| Size: | Medium |
| Hight: | 19.75 to 22 inches |
| Weight: | 40 to 60 pounds |
| Apartment Living: | Not Recommend, they are best suited to a large home with a fenced-in yard |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone: | Low. These dogs don’t tolerate being left alone for too long |
| Intelligence: | Average |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Watch Dog: | They are average watchdogs. They score 3 out of 5 |
| Grooming Needs: | Brush them at least 2 times per week |
| Maintenance: | Moderate |
| Feeding and Diet: | 2 to 3 cups of high quality dog food each day, depending on their size, divided into two or three meals |
| Suitable for first time owners: | These dogs are suitable for active individuals and families who want a companion dog for outside activity and fun |
| Kid Friendly: | Yes, with early socialization |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes, with early socialization and training |
| Exercise Needs: | At least 60 minutes of exercise every day is required |
| Trainability: | Easy to train |
| Coat Characteristics: | Dense-textured, medium in length, glossy radiance, and straight to slightly wavy in appearance |
| Color: | Brown roan and white & chocolate |
| General Physical Characteristics: | Long muzzle with folded ears and a feathered tail |
| Temperament and Personality: | Energetic, Alert, Affectionate, Happy, Attentive, Intelligent, Trainable, Sensitive, Playful, Protective, and Strong-willed |
| Common Health Conditions: | Hip dysplasia, Skin Irritation, Hip and Elbow dysplasia, Osteoarthritis, Ear Infections, and Eye problems |
| Average Lifespan: | 12 to 13 years |
| Barking Tendencies: | Occasionally. Reasons for barking include: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking |
| Separation Anxiety: | High |
| Price: | Average $1500 – $1800 USD |
| Year Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC): | 2006 |
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8. Jack Russell Terrier
| Other Names: | Jack Russell, Jack, and JRT, Parson Jack Russell Terrier |
| Subsets: | N/A |
| Origin: | England |
| Period Developed: | The early 19th century |
| Size: | Medium |
| Size: | 10 to 15 inches |
| Weight: | 14 to 18 pounds |
| Apartment Living: | Not Recommended. They are best suited to a large home with a fenced-in yard |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone: | Well trained adult JRTs can stay alone for 4 to 6 hours |
| Intelligence: | Average |
| Shedding: | Moderate to High |
| Watch Dog: | Yes, these dogs are alert and make good watchdogs |
| Grooming Needs: | Brush them at least once a week |
| Maintenance: | When it comes to grooming they are relatively low maintenance dogs. However they have incredibly high levels of energy, requiring active training and exercise |
| Feeding and Diet: | 1.25 to 1.75 cups cups of high quality dog food each day, depending on their size, divided into two or three meals |
| Suitable for first time owners: | They are ideal for individuals and families who live an active lifestyle and who are home quite often because they require daily exercise |
| Kid Friendly: | Due to their independence and lack of patience they are best suited for active families with older children (over the age of 7) (Early Socialization Is Required) |
| Dog Friendly: | They can be aggressive toward other dogs if they are not socialized at an early age |
| Exercise Needs: | At least 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every day is required |
| Trainability: | Easy to train |
| Coat Characteristics: | Smooth, with coarse-textured fur |
| Color: | White, black and white, and white and tan |
| General Physical Characteristics: | Tough and sturdy, with a small head, almond-shaped eyes, and forward-pointing V-shaped ears |
| Temperament and Personality: | Affectionate, Vocal, Playful, Highly Energetic, A Bit Clownish, Clever, Bold, Friendly, Fearless, Outgoing and Active |
| Common Health Conditions: | Patellar Luxation, Deafness, Eye Problems, Cerebellar Ataxia, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease |
| Average Lifespan: | 13 to 16 years |
| Barking Tendencies: | They bark a lot |
| Tendency to Dig: | High |
| Separation Anxiety: | High. They love being around their owners |
| Price: | Average $800 – $1500 USD |
| Year Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC): | 2012 |
9. Český Fousek
| Other Names: | Bohemian Wire-haired, Pointing Griffon, Rough-coated Bohemian, Pointer, and Barbu Tchèque |
| Subsets: | N/A |
| Origin: | Czech Republic |
| Period Developed: | In the late 19th century |
| Size: | Medium-Sized Dog |
| Height: | 24 to 26 inch for dogs and 23 to 24 inch for bitches |
| Weight: | 62 to 75 pounds for dogs and 49 to 62 pounds for bitches |
| Apartment Living: | Not Recommended. They are best suited to a large home with a fenced-in yard |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone: | Low |
| Intelligence: | Moderate. They score 3 out of 5 |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Watch Dog: | Yes. They score 4 out of 5 |
| Grooming Needs: | Brush them once or twice per week |
| Maintenance: | When it comes to grooming they are low maintenance dogs. However they have incredibly high levels of energy, requiring active training and exercise |
| Feeding and Diet: | 4 cups of high quality dog food each day, depending on their size, divided into two or three meals |
| Suitable for first time owners: | Yes, If you have an active life style and the time to exercise them |
| Kid Friendly: | Yes, with early socialization |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes, with early socialization and training |
| Exercise Needs: | At least 60 minutes of exercise every day is required |
| Trainability: | Moderate Difficulty. They score 3 out of 5 |
| Coat Characteristics: | Double-coated with coarse wire-like hair |
| Color: | Roan, brown, and brown ticket |
| General Physical Characteristics: | Athletic built with a moderately long head that sports a relatively arched nose |
| Temperament and Personality: | Hard-working, Affectionate, Loyal, Adaptable, Keen, and Eager to Please |
| Common Health Conditions: | Ear problems, Hair loss, Bloat, Cancers, and Hip Dysplasia |
| Average Lifespan: | 12 to 15 years |
| Barking Tendencies: | Moderate. They are vocal. They do not like to be alone and crave attention |
| Separation Anxiety: | High |
| Price: | Average $800 – $1500 USD |
| Year Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC): | 1996 |
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10. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
| Other Names: | Korthals Griffon and Griffon d’arrêt à poil dur Korthals |
| Subsets: | N/A |
| Origin: | Germany, France, and the Netherlands |
| Period Developed: | Around 1873 |
| Size: | Medium |
| Height: | 21.75 to 23.5 inches for dogs and 19.75 to 21.75 inches for bitches |
| Weight: | 50 to 60 pounds |
| Apartment Living: | No, they are best suited to a large home with a fenced-in yard |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone: | While they crave time and attention from family. Well trained adult Wirehaired Pointing Griffons can stay alone for up to 8 hours during the day |
| Intelligence: | High |
| Shedding: | Very minimal |
| Watch Dog: | Yes |
| Grooming Needs: | These dogs just need a weekly brush out and an occasional trim |
| Maintenance: | Low |
| Feeding and Diet: | 2 to 2.5 cups of high quality dog food each day, depending on their size, divided into two or three meals |
| Suitable for first time owners: | These dogs are ideal for adventurous active Families and individuals with spacious homes |
| Kid Friendly: | Yes, with early socialization. However, they do need to be watched around smaller kids |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes, with early socialization and training |
| Exercise Needs: | At least 60 minutes of high-impact exercise every day is required |
| Trainability: | Easy to train |
| Coat Characteristics: | Medium-length double coat made of a coarse, wiry outer layer and a dense undercoat |
| Color: | Liver, grey and brown, grey and tan, orange and white, white and chocolate, and chestnut |
| General Physical Characteristics: | Long square head with large, rounded eyes and long, hairy ears |
| Temperament and Personality: | Gentle, Loyal, Alert, Bold, Affectionate, Sensitive, Companionable, Proud, Friendly, and Mild-Mannered |
| Common Health Conditions: | Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Eye Problems, Bloat, Ear Infections |
| Average Lifespan: | 12 to 14 years |
| Barking Tendencies: | If bored they may bark a lot. Also they will bark to alert you that strangers are around |
| Separation Anxiety: | They can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone too much |
| Price: | Average $800 – $2000 USD |
| Year Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC): | 1916 |
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11. Pudelpointer
| Other Names: | N/A |
| Subsets: | N/A |
| Origin: | Germany |
| Period Developed: | 1881 |
| Size: | Medium-Sized Dog |
| Height: | 21 to 26 inches |
| Weight: | 44 to 66 pounds |
| Apartment Living: | No, they are best suited to a large home with a fenced-in yard |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone: | Low. If left alone for too long, they can develop separation anxiety |
| Intelligence: | High |
| Shedding: | Low |
| Watch Dog: | No, they are stranger friendly dogs |
| Grooming Needs: | Brush them once a week, using a pin brush and metal comb, to remove any dirt from his coat |
| Maintenance: | They are very low maintenance breed |
| Feeding and Diet: | 3 to 4 cups of high quality dog food each day, depending on their size, divided into two or three meals |
| Suitable for first time owners: | These dogs are ideal for Active Individuals, Active families with older children, Homes with a yard, Hunters, Families with allergies because their fur is considered hypoallergenic, Hikers |
| Kid Friendly: | Yes, they are best suited for families with older children (They do need to be watched around smaller kids) |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes, with early socialization and training. They score 3 out of 5 |
| Exercise Needs: | At least 60 minutes of high-impact exercise every day is required |
| Trainability: | Easy to train |
| Coat Characteristics: | Dense-textured, coarse, and wiry coat |
| Color: | Liver, chestnut, and black |
| General Physical Characteristics: | Bearded face, mustache, and bushy eyebrows |
| Temperament and Personality: | Friendly, Intelligent, Energetic, Adventurous, Loyal, Loving, Eager to Please, Calm, Even Tempered, Self-controlled, Independent |
| Common Health Conditions: | Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Allergies, Bloat, Obesity, Ear Infections, Eye Issues, and Cryptorchidism |
| Average Lifespan: | 13 to 15 years |
| Barking Tendencies: | When necessary |
| Separation Anxiety: | High |
| Price: | Average $1000 – $1500 USD |
| Year Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC): | 2004 |
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12. English Springer Spaniel
| Other Names: | Springer Spaniel |
| Subsets: | Field-bred English Springer Spaniel and Show-bred English Springer Spaniel |
| Origin: | England |
| Period Developed: | Mid-19th century |
| Size: | Medium-Sized Dog |
| Height: | 19 to 22 inches for dogs and 18 to 20 inches for bitches |
| Weight: | 40 to 60 pounds for dogs and 35 to 55 pounds for bitches |
| Apartment Living: | Yes, provided their exercise needs are met. However, they are best suited to a large home with a fenced-in yard |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone: | Low. It’s difficult to left them alone for more than 4 hours. However, well trained adult English Springer Spaniels can stay alone for 4 to 6 hours |
| Intelligence: | Average |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Watch Dog: | Yes |
| Grooming Needs: | Brush him at least 3 times a week to keep him looking his best and to avoid mats, or tangles |
| Maintenance: | High |
| Feeding and Diet: | 1.5 to 2 cups of high quality dog food each day, depending on their size, divided into two or three meals |
| Suitable for first time owners: | These dogs are ideal for adventurous active Families and individuals with spacious homes |
| Kid Friendly: | Yes, they are best suited for active families with older energetic kids (They do need to be watched around smaller kids) |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes, with early socialization and training |
| Exercise Needs: | At least 60 minutes of high-impact exercise every day is required |
| Trainability: | Easy to train |
| Coat Characteristics: | Shorter & coarse for field-bred varieties and longer & fine for the show-bred types |
| Color: | Black, liver, black & white, or tri-color (black & white or liver & white with tan markings) |
| General Physical Characteristics: | Compact body with a raised head marked by drop ears |
| Temperament and Personality: | Sensitive, Energetic, Lively, Affectionate, Loving, Devoted, Attentive, Alert, Cheerful, Intelligent, Friendly, Eager to Please, Sociable, Quick to Learn, and Willing to Obey.
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| Common Health Conditions: | Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Retinal Dysplasia, Entropion, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Skin Disorders, Ear Infections, Phosphofructokinase (PFK) Deficiency |
| Average Lifespan: | 12 to 14 years |
| Barking Tendencies: | Low, they may become nuisance barkers if they’re bored or lonely |
| Tendency to Dig: | Low |
| Separation Anxiety: | High. They can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone too much |
| Price: | Average $800 – $2000 USD |
| Year Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC): | 1910 |
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Conclusion: What to Look for In Small Pointing Dog Breeds
Intelligence and alertness are the most important traits a pointing dog ought to have. These features mainly come in handy while training a pointing breed, as they enable the dog to remember commands from months back.
Pointing dog breeds should also be energetic and athletically built. The dog should have the energy levels and body physique required to sustain explosive sprints when going after a quarry.
Loyalty and obedience are other major attributes expected of small pointing dogs. These dog should be able to follow your command on when to run, stop, bark, etc. That way, you can have an upper hand over your game.
As a bonus point, pointers should also be water-loving breeds. The dog should be able to track down quarry deep into marshy and swampy fields.
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