Pointing dogs: description of species and secrets of keeping

Dogs are for the most part demanded by man as a pet. However, there are breeds whose main function is hunting. Pointing dogs are faithful and intelligent animals, whose calling will be to accompany a person when catching a beast.

Dogs of this species have been actively used by humans since ancient times. A similar trend was relevant not only for Europe, but also for Russia. The main objective of the animals was to track game or other wild animals, as well as their "supply" to the hunter. This function is unifying for all dogs, but each breed specializes in working in different areas. I.e, there are dogs that can perform their tasks only on land, others work in the water, some four-legged hunters are able to combine both.

The unifying features for such animals are:

• loyalty to its owner;
• high intellectual abilities that facilitate the process of training;
• complaisance;
• animal endurance;
• aggression against prey or a potential attacker;
• dogs have rather difficult relationships with other animals, especially birds and small rodents;
• almost all cops require special training to work in a group.

All varieties of hunting dogs stand out for their indefatigable passionwhen it comes to finding and catching game.As a rule, individuals of any gender are able to overcome serious distances while maintaining clarity of mind, even a long chase does not prevent them from instantly switching to the execution of another command. All varieties from birth have a balanced disposition. Usually animals are allowed to hunt closer to 7-8 months.

All types and breeds of dog dogs belong to the 7th group in the ICA classification. Today there are so many different breeds of dogs that, according to the description, will fit into this group.

The division of cops takes place in two broad categories:

• continental;
• island.

Today, about 35 dog breeds are assigned to the first category, all of them have received official registration of dog handlers and have approved compliance standards. Among the most popular animals, it is worth highlighting a few.

European breed of dogs with short hair, whose characteristics are constantly improved by breeders. The second name of the breed is the German Kurzhaar. A remarkable feature of the cops is the preservation of their skills until old age.

Kurzhaar - a large short-haired pet, its growth can reach 65-66 centimeters. The animal will have a slender and lean constitution, it is considered a universal breed in the ranking of cops, in light of the fact that it is able to work not only on land but also in water.

Another German Pointing Dog who has been used in hunting since the 19th century. It will be smaller than the animals described above, can work with game birds, sometimes it is used when hiking on a wild boar.

This breed includes two types of hunting dogs - wire-haired and shorthair. Animals stand out not only for their endurance and maneuverability in work, but also for their attractive exterior. Pointing dogs retain their vigor and friendly attitude towards a person up to old age, favor children, give a lot of training, but with the manifestation of aggression from the breeder, a serious behavioral disorder can be observed in the pet.

A large hunting dog, which is most often used in bird hunting. Pets of this breed are very well trained in teams and training in game, but classes with animals should be regular. When kept by an Italian gundog the main thing is to have free space where the pet can splash out its energy in motion. Such a nuance will avoid the loss of control over the four-legged hunting assistant.

A popular breed of cops that can work with a person not only on the hunt, but also perform the functions of a watchman, participate in search activities. Dogs can be smooth-haired and long-haired, are not distinguished by excessive aggression, are active at any age, are suitable for keeping in country houses.

A large hunter who is notable for his unique instinct, a beautiful stance, and the ability to search for game at long distances. Such a dog appeared only in the 19th century due to the careful selection of hunting breed lovers.

The most popular type of setters. The animal is medium in size, has a wonderful sense of smell. Dogs are very loyal to their breeder, not prone to display aggression towards people. Pets look attractive, have a long coat, can be of different colors, including combined variations.

A wonderful four-legged assistant who is capable of long-term tracking of prey, has an excellent stance, will be a breeder not only an indispensable hunting companion, but also a faithful companion in everyday life. The small dog began to be used on hunting two centuries ago, but has already managed to earn an excellent reputation.

The dog looks very athletic, strongly attached to its breeder, has an attractive exterior and a good sense of hunting. In Europe, the animal has been used in hunting since the 17th century. A universal cop who can live in a country house, but will need long and active walks.

Breeders of hunting dogs should be aware that the basic qualities of animals are present from birth. However, they must be developed and directed in the right direction. When choosing a dog for hunting, first of all, it is necessary to study the characteristics of the breed you like, since they are usually divided into universal ones suitable for finding game in water and on land.

When considering existing breeds, their preferences should also be based on the continued maintenance of the animal. So, there are cops who simply can not live in a city apartment, because they need space and physical activity. An important factor will be the size of the dog for ease of maintenance.

Acquiring not only a beloved pet, but also a loyal assistant in the hunt, it is worth stopping at a reliable nursery. It’s unlikely that you will be able to get a good cop at the “bird market”. Online shopping is also not worth considering. When choosing, you should personally visit the nursery, evaluate the situation and the content of animals. Ideally, see the parents of the puppy you like. The emphasis should be on the behavior and health of the pet in order to exclude the presence of congenital ailments.

Pointers - dogs for aesthetical hunters. They are graceful, stand out with a wonderful scent, but in the search for wounded animals they can be inferior to other tetrapods.

Spaniels and Russians are most often acquired for working with game birds, including land and water bodies.

Kurzhaars, setters, dratkhaars and the Navarre pointing dog combine almost all the qualities of hunting dogs, therefore they are more popular.

For this group of animals, there are a number of recommendations on the content.

• It is best to keep animals in the yard, making an additional dry and warm booth for the animal. Instead of a traditional shelter, you can use a small outbuilding, a barn. It is important that in a booth or a room, the pet can protect itself from the heat in the summer months, and not freeze in the winter, being inside.

• The chain for the pet should not be used. However, in case of emergency, it should be long and light, but from durable raw materials.

• With a gundog you need to walk daily. The optimal time for a walk would be 1.5-2 hours in the morning and evening.

• For outdoor use, normal straw is best used as bedding for the dog. However, it is subject to frequent changes. The grass layer must be changed at least once a week. Once a month, it is recommended to carry out disinfection in the room where the dog lives. Usually, breeders treat surfaces with a creolin solution.

• If the cop will live in an apartment, then her personal place should be equipped, where no one will disturb her. As a couch, you can use a small mattress. The animal must be accustomed to its place. A daily walk for sending needs and physical activity will be required. For animals living in urban apartments, outdoor activities can be increased.

Dog care comes down to hygiene procedures concerning wool, organs of vision and hearing, claw trimming. Woolen activities will depend on the type of animal coat. As a rule, you need a brush or a hard mitten to comb out.

Ears and eyes are subject to daily inspection, in the presence of pollution they must be removed with a cotton pad soaked in water or hydrogen peroxide. Scheduled treatment of dogs from blood-sucking insects is carried out monthly. To do this, the animal must be washed in warm water with the addition of creolin, and then washed off with shampoo.

The diet will play a fundamental role in the longevity and activity of the dog. It is important that the cops get enough carbohydrates and proteins from food. An approximate daily menu of the animal will consist of:

• 500 grams of fish or meat;
• 400-500 grams of cereal;
• 300 grams of vegetables;
• 2 grams of salt.

Do not forget about the drinking regimen. The dog should have free water. For nursing bitches, the daily amount of food increases by a third, and the dog is also given milk.

In the hunting season, the feeding schedule will be adjusted to the frequency of work of the pet, it is allowed to increase portions. As a rule, hunters feed the dog an hour before leaving, but offer a small portion to it, later the cop gets food during the day on vacation and in the evening after rest and hunting.

Training is a mandatory requirement for the maintenance of cops. The movement will ensure proper blood circulation in the body of the animal, strengthen the muscle corset. Without regular training, the animal will not be able to do its job on the hunt.

The breeder adjusts the duration of the training, taking into account the condition of the dog. The first classes are conducted without undue stress, and pets who have recently suffered from a disease also need gradual accustoming.

The breeder’s task is to train the pet in the main teams, conduct training on training on the game, and study the main signal stances with the animal. Inexperienced owners of cops are advised to seek the help of experienced dog handlers for training.

For the cops, nicknames are selected based on the following points:

• pedigree;
• consonant nicknames;
• animal nature;
• exterior of the gundog.

Taking into account the origin of the puppy, his nickname should begin with the letter, which ends with the nickname of one of his parents.

Having identified the main feature of the animal, it will be possible to come up with a corresponding nickname, for example, Spark, Bullet, Shaly.

Appearance will also help determine the nickname. It can be Kai, Gray, Frant, Tail.

See the video below about the character features of the dogs.