Pointing dogs: species description and secrets of content

Dogs are mostly sought after by humans as a pet. However, there are breeds whose main function is hunting. Pointing dogs are loyal and intelligent animals whose vocation is to accompany a person when they catch a beast.

Dogs of this variety have been actively used by humans since ancient times. This trend was relevant not only for Europe, but also for Russia. The main task of the animals was tracking the game or other wild animals, as well as their “feeding” to the hunter. This function is unifying for all dogs; however, each breed specializes in working in different areas. I.e, There are dogs that can perform the 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;
• appeasability;
• animal endurance;
• aggression against prey or potential attacker;
• dogs have a rather difficult relationship with other animals, especially birds and small rodents;
• almost all cops require special training to work in a group.

All varieties of hunting dogs are distinguished by their irrepressible passion.when it comes to searching and catching game. As a rule, individuals of either sex 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 team. All varieties are of a balanced nature from birth.. 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 classification of ICA. Today, there are many different breeds of dogs, which, as described, will be suitable for this group.

The division of the cops occurs into two large categories:

• continental;
• island

The first category today includes about 35 dog breeds, all of them have received official registration of dog handlers, have approved standards of conformity. Among the most popular animals are a few.

The European breed of dogs with short hair, whose characteristics are constantly being 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 to old age.

Kurtshaar - large short-haired pet, its growth can reach 65-66 centimeters. The animal will have a slim and fleshy constitution, is considered a universal breed in the ranking of cop dogs, in the light of the fact that it can work not only on land but also in water.

Another German-style dog that has been used in hunting since the 19th century.It will be less than the animals described above, it can work with feathered game, sometimes it is used when walking on a wild boar.

This breed includes two types of hunting dogs - short-haired and short-haired. Animals stand out not only for their endurance and maneuverability in work, but also for their attractive exterior. The cops retain their energy and a friendly attitude towards the person until old age, they are favorable to children, they are amenable to learning, but when aggression is shown by the breeder, the pet may experience serious behavioral disorders.

Large hunting dog, which is most often used in bird hunting. Pets of this breed are very well trained in teams and training for game, but classes with animals should be regular. With the content of the Italian penguin the main thing is to have free space where the pet can spill its energy in motion. Such a nuance will avoid losing control over the four-legged assistant in the hunt.

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

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

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

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

The dog looks very athletic, strongly attached to his breeder, has an attractive exterior and a good sense of hunting. In Europe, the animal has been used in hunting since the 17th century. Universal penguin, which 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 need to be developed and sent in the right direction. Choosing a dog for hunting, you first need to study the characteristics of the breed you like, because they are usually divided into universal, suitable for finding game in water and on land.

Considering existing breeds, their preferences should also be based on the further 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.

When purchasing not only your beloved pet, but also a loyal helper on the hunt, it is worthwhile to stay at a reliable kennel. It is unlikely that you will be able to buy a good dog in the bird market. Shopping online also should not be considered.When choosing, you should personally visit the nursery, assess the situation and the maintenance of animals. Ideally, see the parents of the puppy you like. Emphasis should be placed on the behavior and health of the pet to eliminate the presence of congenital ailments.

Pointer - dogs for aesthetes hunters. They are graceful, stand out with a wonderful scent, but in search of wounded animals they may be inferior to other quadrupeds.

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

Kurzhaars, setters, drathaars and the Navarre cop unite in themselves almost all the qualities of hunting dogs, and therefore are more popular.

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

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

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

• With a dog you need to walk every day. The optimal time for a walk will be 1.5-2 hours in the morning and evening.

• When outdoors, it is best to use ordinary straw as a bedding for a dog. However, it is subject to frequent changes. The grass layer must be changed at least once a week. Disinfection is recommended once a month in the room where the dog lives. Typically, breeders treat the surface with a solution with creolin.

• If the cop will live in the apartment, then it must be equipped with its own personal place where no one will disturb her. As a bed, you can use a small mattress. The animal must be accustomed to its place. Daily walking for departure needs and physical activity will be required. For animals living in urban apartments, outdoor pastime can be increased.

Dog care comes down hygiene procedures for hair, organs of sight and hearing, clipping claws. Activities with a coat of wool will depend on the type of animal fur. As a rule, for combing you will need a brush or a hard mitten.

Ears and eyes are subject to daily inspection, in the presence of contamination, they must be removed with a cotton pad dipped in water or hydrogen peroxide. Planned treatment of dogs from blood-sucking insects spend 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 plenty of carbohydrates and proteins from food. The approximate daily menu of the animal will consist of:

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

Do not forget about drinking mode. Water from the dog should be freely available. For lactating bitches, the daily volume of food is increased by one third, and the dog is also given milk.

In the hunting season, the feeding schedule will be adjusted to the frequency of the pet's work, an increase in portions is allowed. As a rule, hunters feed the dog an hour before going out, but they offer it a small portion, later the penguin gets food in the afternoon on vacation and in the evening after resting and hunting.

Training - a mandatory requirement for the content of the cops.Movement will ensure proper blood circulation in the animal, strengthen the muscular corset. Without regular training the animal will not be able to perform its work on the hunt.

The breeder regulates the duration of the training, taking into account the condition of the dog. The first classes are carried out without an excessive load, and the pupils who have recently had the disease need gradual training.

The breeder’s task is to teach the pet to the main teams, conduct classes in game hunting, and study the basic stands-signals with the animals. Inexperienced owners of cops are encouraged to resort to the help of experienced dog experts for training.

For cops pick nicknames based on the following points:

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

Considering the puppy's origin, his nickname must begin with a letter that ends with the nickname of one of his parents.

Having selected 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. This may be Kai, Gray, Frant, Tail.

On the peculiarities of the character of dogs, see the video below.