Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
Pointing dogs developed in Europe as specialized hunting breeds designed for searching and indicating game birds by performing a steady point. Their development was based on local agile, enduring, and attentive dogs capable of working over large distances while maintaining consistent concentration. The primary tasks of a pointing dog were scent detection, a precise and immobile point indicating the direction of the bird, and coordinated work with the hunter. Various regional varieties emerged, yet the general type preserved its characteristic working style—wide search, high scent sensitivity, and solid obedience. Today, pointing dogs continue to be used actively in sport and field hunting, maintaining their classical working format.
General Appearance
The pointing dog is a harmoniously built, elegant, and agile hunting dog of medium to large size, with a dry but strong constitution. The body is elongated and flexible, emphasizing endurance and ability to work in open fields for extended periods. The head is elongated and expressive, with an intelligent, attentive expression. Limbs are strong and long, providing a broad stride and effortless movement. The chest is deep, ribs well sprung, abdomen tucked up. The tail is usually carried horizontally, reflecting concentration and working style. The overall appearance combines endurance, lightness, speed, and high sensitivity, typical for a searching dog.
Important Proportions
For the pointing dog, proportions that ensure wide search and ease of movement are essential. Body length typically exceeds height at the withers, giving a slightly elongated format. Chest depth is about half of the dog’s height, providing sufficient lung capacity for prolonged activity. The head is proportional to the body—elongated, with a sufficiently deep muzzle. Limbs are long, with correct angulation that allows speed, agility, and stability. The tail continues the topline and must not disturb balance. All proportions are aimed at enabling effective search work across large areas.
Behavior and Temperament
The pointing dog is a balanced, attentive, and energetic hunting breed with a strong instinct for search and pointing. Its character combines discipline, independence, and a gentle attitude toward humans. It orients quickly in terrain, analyzes scents efficiently, and makes decisions without unnecessary excitability. During the point, the dog displays complete concentration, remaining motionless and precise in indicating game. In the home, pointing dogs are friendly, tolerant, good with children and animals, and not prone to aggression. Their temperament is defined by moderate liveliness, endurance, and readiness for long fieldwork.
Head
The head of the pointing dog is elongated, dry, noble in outline, and proportional to the body. The skull is moderately broad, slightly rounded or flat, with a smooth yet clearly defined stop. The muzzle is long and deep, tapering gradually toward a well-pigmented nose. The nose is large with wide nostrils, ensuring excellent scenting ability. Lips fit closely but may be slightly pendulous depending on the variety. Jaws are strong with a full dentition and scissor bite. The overall expression reflects intelligence, alertness, and working concentration.
Facial Region
The facial region features a straight or slightly convex nasal bridge, a large, well-pigmented nose, and a well-developed muzzle. Lips are moderately tight, forming a clean contour without excessive looseness. Jaws are strong and deep, providing a firm grip during work. Teeth are large, even, with a correct scissor bite. Cheeks are dry, not coarse, supporting the noble lines of the head. The facial region must maintain expressiveness and precision of lines, reflecting the breed’s working temperament and its ability to sustain prolonged focus during search. All facial features should emphasize the pointing dog's characteristic style.
Eyes
The eyes are medium-sized, oval, and set slightly obliquely, giving an expression of attentiveness, softness, and working concentration. Iris color ranges from dark brown to hazel, always harmonizing with coat color. Eyelids are dry, tight, and well pigmented, providing protection during fieldwork and exposure to sunlight. The expression is lively, intelligent, and calm, reflecting high scenting intelligence and task focus. Eyes should not be too light or protruding. Correct expression highlights the breed’s stable temperament and natural working qualities.
Ears
Ears are of medium length, thin, soft, and pendant, set fairly high and lying along the cheeks in smooth folds. Their length and shape aid in scent detection and protect the ear canal. Tips are rounded, and overall placement is natural and elegant. The inner surface is covered with short protective hair. Undesirable: ears too short, heavy, high-standing, or excessively massive, as these disrupt the harmony of the head. Correct ears underscore the breed’s nobility and its specialization as a hunting dog, balancing function and aesthetics.
Neck
The neck is long, dry, muscular, and smoothly transitioning into the withers. It is flexible and strong, enabling the dog to maintain a steady point and work efficiently at movement. The skin is elastic, sometimes forming a slight dewlap depending on the type, but without heaviness. The neck topline is slightly arched, emphasizing nobility of outline. The neck provides wide visibility and free head movement for scenting game. A neck that is too short, thick, or excessively long disrupts harmony and impairs function.
Body
The body is strong, elongated, and elegant, adapted for extended fieldwork. The topline is straight or slightly sloping toward the croup, without sagging or excessive curvature. Withers are moderately pronounced and blend smoothly into the strong, dry back. The loin is firm, short, and well connected to the croup. The chest is deep, spacious, and oval, providing excellent lung ventilation and endurance. Ribs are elastic and well sprung. The abdomen is tucked up, emphasizing a dry constitution. The croup is slightly sloping and muscular, providing powerful drive. The body expresses a balance of strength, flexibility, and stamina.
Tail
The tail is of medium length, set level with or slightly below the topline, carried horizontally or slightly raised, especially during search. In movement, it is active and aids in balance and expression of working condition. It must be straight, without kinks or breaks, and taper gradually toward the tip. Coat on the tail is short or moderate, close-lying. Undesirable: tails that are too high-set, curled, or excessively lowered. The correct tail highlights the breed’s search style and forward, confident working attitude.
Forequarters
Forequarters are straight, dry, and strong, set directly under the body, ensuring a wide range of motion. Shoulder blades are long, oblique, well-attached, and mobile. Upper arms are muscular with pronounced angles, allowing free and extended stride. Forearms are long, straight, and dry. Pasterns are strong and slightly sloping for shock absorption. Feet are oval or round with tight pads. The forequarters provide precision, speed, and stability during search and point.
Hindquarters
Hindquarters are powerful and well muscled, providing strong propulsion and stability over long distances. Thighs are long, broad, with firm musculature. Stifles are well defined, elastic, and stable. Lower thighs are moderate, strong, and parallel from behind. Hocks are low-set, distinct, flexible yet firm. Metatarsi are straight, not turning inward or outward. Feet are compact and strong with tight pads. Proper hindquarters give dynamic power, speed, and sustained endurance required for extended hunting.
Gait and Movement
Movement is light, wide-reaching, and fluid, with good coordination and steady rhythm. At the trot, the dog demonstrates smoothness and efficiency, maintaining speed and stamina across long distances. Movement is straight, without crossing or wobbling. Forelegs extend confidently; hindlegs deliver strong propulsion. During search, the dog uses a wide gallop, showing freedom and energy. Undesirable: crossing, limited stride, cow-hocks, or body sway. Correct movement reflects the breed’s functionality and ability to work extensively over open terrain.
Coat
Coat is short or medium in length, close-lying, and protective under various climatic conditions. Guard hair is smooth, strong, and even, offering protection from moisture, wind, and mechanical impact. Undercoat may be moderate or pronounced depending on type and season, supporting thermoregulation. Hair is shorter and denser on ears, head, and front of legs. The tail may have smooth or moderately longer hair. Undesirable: excessively soft, wavy, or curly coat that compromises function. Correct coat underscores the working type and endurance of the breed.
Permitted Colors
Permitted colors vary by specific pointing breed. Solid colors include red, liver, black, fawn, and combinations with white markings. Roan, ticking, and spotting patterns are typical in many pointing breeds. The color must be rich, clean, and distinct. Nose, eyelid, and lip pigmentation should be dark and consistent with coat color. Unstable, diluted, or pale colors are undesirable. Acceptable colors underscore the breed’s working style and adaptation to natural environments.
Size
Size varies by specific breed, but pointing dogs generally belong to medium-to-large formats while remaining agile and enduring. Height at the withers is typically 56–66 cm for males and 52–62 cm for females. Weight ranges from 20 to 32 kg depending on type. The dog must appear dry, strong, and athletic, without heaviness or looseness. Proper size ensures speed, maneuverability, and the ability to perform extended fieldwork. Excessive massiveness or lightness is considered a fault.
Faults
Faults include deviations that disrupt working type and harmony: weak bones, loose musculature, insufficient chest depth, sway back, or excessive curvature. Head faults include disproportion, coarse or overly light features, weak pigmentation of nose and eyes, light eyes, loose or thick lips. Bite faults or missing teeth are undesirable. Ears that are too short, thick, or high-set are faults. Movement faults include crossing, limited stride, cow-hocks, or weak drive. Coat that is too soft or curly reduces protection. Faults must be assessed according to their impact on working ability.
Disqualification
Disqualifying faults include traits that contradict working type or exclude breeding: unwarranted aggression or pronounced fearfulness; serious bite faults; multiple missing teeth; significant depigmentation of nose, lips, or eyelids; severe orthopedic issues; paralysis; movement deformities; limb malformations. Atypical or unstable coat colors, albinism, and complete depigmentation are also disqualifying. Kinked or malformed tail and structural defects that impair field performance lead to disqualification.
Important Notes
Evaluation of the pointing dog places primary emphasis on working ability, search style, and point behavior—not only exterior. Minor deviations are acceptable if they do not affect hunting performance. Temperament must be confident, stable, cooperative, and task-oriented. Seasonal shedding is not a fault. Coat must be functional and suited to climate conditions. Movement is judged for efficiency at the trot and the freedom and style of the gallop. The main goal is to preserve qualities that define the pointing dog as a specialized searching breed.
Conclusion
The pointing dog is a universal hunting breed ideally suited for work in fields, forests, and varied terrain. It is distinguished by endurance, attention, high scenting intelligence, and the ability to search game for long periods using scent and point. Its light, harmonious physique, correct movement, and functional coat emphasize its working character. The pointing dog cooperates well with humans, remaining obedient and trainable. The breed combines natural style, elegance, and efficiency, making it valuable in both sport and traditional hunting. It remains a classic symbol of hunting dogs with strong field traditions.
