Your guide to finding and caring for a Pointer in Sherwood
Bring home a Pointer
While we don't have enough dogs near Sherwood, keep in mind that many rescues may offer transport.
M, 12 y., 303 miles
Cattle Dog, Pointer
M, 8 y., 303 miles
Pointer, Mixed Breed
M, 6 mo.-2 y., 311 miles
Pointer
M, 6 mo.-2 y., 319 miles
Parson Russell Terrier, Pointer
M, 3-7 y., 346 miles
Labrador Retriever, Pointer
F, 3-7 y., 368 miles
Pointer
F, 3-7 y., 373 miles
Boxer, Pointer
M, 6 mo.-2 y., 378 miles
Pointer, Hound
F, 2 y., 381 miles
Black Labrador Retriever, Pointer
F, 3-7 y., 384 miles
Black Labrador Retriever, Pointer
The Pointer is a classic bird dog, developed in England from the 1600s onward to locate game and freeze in a rigid point that tells the hunter where birds are hiding. Sometimes called the English Pointer, it is lean, elegant and built for running, with a short, glossy coat that is usually white with liver, lemon, orange or black patches or ticking.
Off the field, many Pointers are gentle, even-tempered and affectionate with their families, though they can be reserved with strangers. Field-bred dogs in particular have tremendous stamina and a strong drive to range and hunt, so a quick walk around the block rarely satisfies them. Adopters who run, hike or want a partner for active outdoor time often enjoy Pointers most, provided they can supply secure fencing, reliable recall training and a warm indoor place to rest.
Having a Pointer in Sherwood
A Pointer combines an even-tempered, gentle manner at home with the speed and endurance of a dog bred to cover open country all day. Its energy, hunting instincts and sensitivity shape what it needs from an adopter far more than its easy-care coat does.
Pointers tend to be gentle, affectionate dogs with their families and are usually friendly with other dogs, though many are more reserved with strangers than other sporting breeds. Strong bird instincts can lead them to stalk, point or chase. They are sensitive and respond best to patient, reward-based training rather than harsh correction.
Most Pointers need vigorous daily exercise, ideally running in a safe, enclosed area, jogging with an owner once mature, or long hikes. Field-bred dogs often need even more. Scent games, retrieving and training sessions add useful mental work. Under-exercised Pointers often become restless, vocal or destructive indoors.
Pointers are generally considered a healthy breed. Hip and elbow dysplasia, kneecap luxation, eye disease and a rare inherited nerve disorder affecting the paws have been reported. Their thin coat offers little protection from cold or scrapes, so check for cuts after outdoor runs. Have a veterinarian check the hips and maintain regular checkups.
Pointers usually do best with a securely fenced yard and access to open space for running. An apartment can work for owners who commit to long daily runs or outings. They should live indoors, since their short coat handles cold poorly. Strong prey drive means fencing and leash use matter around wildlife and roads.
| Expense | Typical cost | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Food | $55 to $110 per month | $660 to $1,320 |
| Pet insurance | $55 to $110 per month | $660 to $1,320 |
| Routine vet care | $250 to $500 per year | $250 to $500 |
| Other* | $490 to $1,290 per year | $490 to $1,290 |
| Estimated yearly total (after year one) | $2,060 to $4,430 | |
Other costs are national averages for Pointers; we don't have costs specific to Sherwood yet.
* Flea, tick and heartworm prevention, a dental cleaning allowance, a dog license, toys and bedding, and basic short-coat care; license fees vary by city.
Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below currently have Pointers available.
Here are the rescues & shelters in the Sherwood area where you can find Pointers and other dogs available for adoption.
A Pointer is a large, athletic sporting breed developed in England to find game birds and freeze in a point that shows the hunter where they are. Often called the English Pointer, it has a short, glossy coat and lean build. Many are gentle and affectionate at home but need plenty of exercise, and they belong to the AKC Sporting Group.
Pointer dogs are used mainly for hunting upland game birds, such as quail and pheasant. They range ahead of the hunter, find birds by scent and hold a rigid point until the hunter arrives. Pointers also compete in field trials, and many live as active companions for runners, hikers and families who enjoy outdoor time.
A Pointer is a lean, muscular dog with a long head, distinct stop, soft hanging ears and a tapering tail. Its short, smooth, glossy coat is usually white with liver, lemon, orange or black patches or ticking, though solid colors also occur. Pointers look elegant and athletic, built for speed and endurance.
Pointer dogs are called Pointers because of the stance they take when they scent hidden game. They freeze with the body rigid, often with one front leg raised and the nose aimed toward the birds, effectively pointing them out to the hunter. That instinctive behavior gave the breed its name centuries ago.
The Pointer developed in England, where pointing dogs were in use by around the mid-1600s. Its ancestors probably included Spanish and possibly Italian pointing dogs, later crossed with foxhounds, greyhounds and other breeds for speed and stamina. Pointers were first used to find hares for greyhounds, then became bird dogs as wing-shooting grew popular.
We have 1 rescue with Pointers available: Sherwood Humane Animal Services. You can see every rescue with Pointers available in the list above these questions, or scroll to the top to see the Pointers near Sherwood.
Expand your search to find Pointers available for adoption near Sherwood.
Looking for a different breed? Browse other dogs available for adoption in Sherwood.
