Rescue Pointers

Pointers are a breed of dog categorized by the American Kennel Club as being in the "sporting group." Pointers are prized for their courage and physicality. This combination makes them ideal for the task for which they were bred, locating birds and other small prey for hunters. As companion animals, they are even tempered and loyal. The stamina that makes them such good hunting dogs can become tiring when they are kept in the home, as they are very high-energy dogs that require a lot of exercise, both physical and mental.

  1. Why Rescue a Pointer?

    • Although they were bred to work as hunting dogs, pointers do very well as homebound companion animals given that they still get a fair amount of exercise and stimulation. They enjoy running, but can also be happy lounging around on furniture with their owner after a long day. Pointers interact well with other dogs and people, including children, so adopters with other pets or children could consider a pointer as a well-chosen addition. They are a very affectionate and loyal breed that enjoy spending time with their owners.

    Problems with Pointers

    • Pointers are a very energetic breed and require a lot of exercise to be happy and healthy. While most dogs would be content with a walk around the block, pointers prefer to run and do best in places where they are given room to run freely. A fenced in yard is recommended for a home with a pointer because it gives the animal a designated area where it can run freely and safely without outside hazards. Pointer Rescue suggests that potential adopters who do not plan on allowing their dog on the furniture look for another breed of dog, as they refer to pointers as "couch potatoes."

    Things to Remember When Adopting

    • Adopting a dog is a serious commitment, and should not be taken lightly. Many dogs currently available for adoption are there because the original owner may have underestimated the commitment involved in dog ownership. This can be especially true with pointers because of their energy and need for exercise. Shelters and animal rescues do their best to provide as much history and information on the animals they have for adoption, but sometimes this information is not available or is incomplete. There is a period of adjustment for both the owner and dog after an adoption, and it is important to take steps to ease this transition. Pointers specifically are a breed that tries to please their owners so they generally adapt well to a new home as long as they have their needs met and know what is expected of them.

    Where to Adopt a Pointer

    • To find a pointer available for adoption, check with local animal shelters. They may have the right dog available, but if not they most likely have information available on where to find a pointer in the area. Online tools such as Pet Finder are also available to aid potential adopters by allowing them to search in a specific area and by breed of dog.