The Pointer, often called the English Pointer, is a medium to large-sized breed of dog, developed in England as a gun dog. It is one of several pointing breeds. The coat of a Pointer is short, dense, smooth with a sheen. Pointers are even-tempered, congenial dogs, and despite their large size, make good house pets so long as they get sufficient exercise due to their extremely high energy levels. Pointers are intelligent, affectionate, clean and intensely loyal. Their aggression level is very low to non-existent and they normally happily coexist with other dogs and cats. They are not typically territorial but can be reserved with strangers. They are very good with children and fit in well with family life generally. Pups can be somewhat boisterous, and their long legs make them appear somewhat clumsy in a charming way as they grow. They will bark at suspicious noises, but are not a great watchdog breed.