  the pointer, often called the english pointer, is a breed of dog developed as a gun dog. it is one of several pointing breeds. == description == thumb|right|orange and white pointer right|thumb|orange and white pointer pointing right|thumb|220px|solid black pointer female and puppies thumb|pointer portrait ===appearance=== the pointer traces back from 300 years of english history. it is used to catch rabbits and birds. it should be athletic and graceful. the immediate impression should be of a compact, hard-driving hunting dog, alert and "ready to let go." the primary distinguishing features of this breed are the head, feet, and tail. hound or terrier characteristics are undesirable for show purposes. grooming an english pointer is not time-consuming. the coat is very short and needs only a quick rub with a soft brush to minimise shedding. ====coat and color==== the standard colorings of the pointer are liver and white, lemon and white, orange and white or black and white. lemon & white dogs have flesh-colored noses, while orange & white, liver & white, and black & white dogs have dark (black or very dark brown) pigmentation on their noses. they may also be any of the above as solid colors; the body of most pointers is mainly white, but there may be some body markings. ====size==== most countries' breed standards prefer symmetry and balance to perfect size, and most
Dog_breeds Dog_breeds_originating_in_England Sporting_dogs