English Pointer characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | 32% of breeds |
| Energy level | Very High | — |
| Trainability | High | 30% of breeds |
| Friendliness | High | 35% of breeds |
| Good with children | High | — |
| Grooming needs | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Shedding | Medium | 40% of breeds |
| Barking | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 13 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the English Pointer right for you?
The English Pointer is a large dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. In terms of temperament, it suits families with children particularly well and is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly. Day to day, the English Pointer requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The English Pointer requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. With very high energy and very high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the English Pointer to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The English Pointer needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The English Pointer takes to training fast and works willingly and gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it. It tolerates being left alone for a normal working stretch if eased into it, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the English Pointer
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the English Pointer genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Prey drive: Very high — the English Pointer has one of the strongest prey drives in the catalogue, which shapes recall and life with cats. Only 25% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a English Pointer actually costs you
| Exercise | Two or more hours of real exercise a day, most days, plus something that occupies its mind. This is the single commitment that decides whether the match works. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Occasional brushing is enough. |
| Time alone | Manages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do. |
| Noise | Average for a dog — it will bark at the door and at things it dislikes. |
Where the English Pointer fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Size alone rules out small flats, though the temperament can suit one. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | High child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Depends | Manageable for a committed beginner who takes training seriously from week one. |
| Homes with cats | Poor fit | Very high prey drive. Introductions need managing, and a bolting cat triggers exactly the instinct this breed was selected for. |
| Long working days | Depends | Medium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Depends | No low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme. |
Perfect for
- Active hunters
- Experienced dog owners
- Rural living
- Athletic families
Things to consider
- Needs extensive daily exercise
- High prey drive
- Can be destructive if bored
Not sure which breed is right for you?
Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.
Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the English Pointer good with children?
- Yes — the English Pointer is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the English Pointer shed a lot?
- The English Pointer has medium shedding.
- How much exercise does the English Pointer need?
- With very high energy, the English Pointer needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation — long walks, runs or active play.
- How long does the English Pointer live?
- The English Pointer typically lives around 13 years.
- Can the English Pointer live in an apartment?
- The English Pointer is a larger breed and does better in a home with more space, though it can adapt with enough daily exercise.
- Is the English Pointer easy to train?
- The English Pointer takes to training fast and works willingly. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the English Pointer be left alone during the day?
- The English Pointer tolerates being left alone for a normal working stretch if eased into it. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.