Pointers- Are They Too Active for Your Family?

Pointers were bred to run ahead and locate birds and waterfowl for the hunter. They stand in a rigid stance, staring at the prey and “pointing” the way for the hunter. Because of their breeding, be prepared to give your pointer a tremendous amount of exercise, or you will create a frustrated dog that can't channel their energy in a productive way, and will create chaos in your home.

Pointers include the Brittany, Weimeraner, Visla, and German Pointer (Wirehaired and Shorthaired) ss well as others.

Like the retriever, pointers are fairly insensitive to touch, because of their ability to get into thick brush and not be detracted, even if uncomfortable. This makes them tolerant of some roughhousing and the playful nature and noisiness of children.

Because of their need for exercise, it is wonderful if they have kids that like to run with them in a fenced area regularly, or if one of the family members is a runner who can take them along on their morning runs, but if they are deprived of regular exercise, like most others in the Sporting Group, they can become bored and create behavior issues.

The Brittany may be a really good family dog choice, if you are able to provide it with the exercise it requires, and have kids that will not frighten or corner your dog. The Brittany does not enjoy being chased, and may act out if it feels threatened in this way, but if your children can be trained to understand the sensitivities of the Brittany, they are a terrific addition to a family that can spend time running and playing with him. They are also easily trained, and like the English Setter, do best with positive reinforcement methods because of their sensitive nature.

Weimeraners are a bit too active to fit well with most families. They need a LOT of exercise in order to be happy and well-adjusted. Barking, hyperactivity and weird behavior will come out in a Weimeraner if not offered the exercise it needs. Although usually sweet with their families, they are also difficult to train, due to their strong-willed nature, which is another reason that they might not make the best family dog.

Vislas are very energetic dogs that also require a good bit of exercise. They need rigorous, positive training methods, and aren’t the best for families with young children, but are very affectionate dogs for households with older children.

German Pointers are are probably not the best family dog because they can be a bit unpredictable with children. Although it is possible to find one that will be a match for the right child in a family, we look for dogs that are always gentle for children here, so though these can be trained and directed, their tolerance for roughhousing is not the best, and if they are being considered, should be considered carefully.