The Five Most Popular Pointer Mixes
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Pointers have a long and rich history as a popular choice for hunters. It’s one of the favored hunting breeds in the United States. Pointer mixes are also moving up on the points scale. Breeders have come up with some interesting Pointer Mixes by crossing purebred pointers with purebreds from other breeds. The reason for mixing the breeds is to produce designer dogs that have desirable traits from both lines in one animal. Here are the five most popular Pointer mixes so far.
1. Pointer/Border Collie Mix
The result from crossing a Pointer with a Border Collie is an attractive dog with strong worth ethics. Both have been bred for generations to work in different capacities and each is energetic and agile. He inherits high intelligence from both sides of the family along with great hunting skills for finding and pointing out prey, along with herding instincts. This mix is highly trainable and loves to work, but he requires a healthy dose of daily exercise. He’s happiest when he has a job to do and if he doesn’t, plan on teaching him tricks that require thought. The puppies are happy if you give them lots of attention and their own toys to play with. You’ll also have a great time training him for field sports because he’s going to be competitive. This mix is also an excellent watchdog. He is aware of his surroundings and everything that goes on. He will let you know if someone wanders onto the home place that he doesn’t know.
2. The Pudelpointer
The Pudelpointer is an officially recognized breed by the American Kennel Club. It’s also a cross between a Poodle and a Pointer. Pudelpointers have their origins in Germany. They’re usually a healthy breed with few genetic issues other than hip dysplasia in some lines. This is a diverse breed that comes in a variety of coat types from short and smooth to rough or wire-haired. The colors can be anywhere from light brown to midnight black. Some are solid color and others may have tiny white markings. Some puppies are born with traits that more closely resemble a Pointer, and some look more like Poodle. They are moderate shedders and require brushing and grooming a few times a week. This hunter also requires a lot of regular exercises. They’re easy to train if you start early and you can also teach a Pudelpointer to do tricks.
3. Boingle
When you cross a Beagle with a German Shorthaired Pointer, you get a Boingle. This novel mixed breed has the high spirited nature of a German Pointer with the fun-loving personality of a Beagle. These dogs make wonderful family pets because most have a sweet nature and are eager to please their owners. Boingles are also easy to train if you start when they’re puppies. They’re courageous yet smaller than a Pointer. They’ll let you know if there is a stranger nearby and they’re not afraid to bark to sound the alarm. The puppies tend to be yappy so it’s important to have patience.
4. Lab Pointer
A Lab Pointer is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and an English Pointer. Most pups from crossing these two breeds grow up to have a broad head with small, almond-shaped eyes. Most are medium-sized. They usually have a sweet temper and they’re loyal, but they are also energetic. This means they require a lot of regular exercises. This dog is a born hunter that gets the instinct from both sides of his lineage. He has a sensitive nose and it’s likely to be pointed towards the ground most of the time. Lab Pointers are the ideal hunting dog because they tend to have plenty of energy and stamina for long hunts. Their keen sense of smell helps them to track down prey for the hunting party. The Lab Pointer is the ideal combination of a Pointer and the popular hunter the Lab. The only real health concerns you’ll need to watch out for is hip dysplasia. This is usually passed on genetically so it’s wise to have both parents tested before breeding.
5. American Gointer
The American Gointer is a cross between a Golden Retriever and an English Pointer. The result of pairing these two amazing hunting dogs is a fabulous hybrid hunter. The characteristics of this cross are truly spectacular. The dogs don’t require much grooming. Their coats are usually sleek and only needs to be brushed once a week. They’re playful dogs and their high intelligence makes them highly trainable. They tend to be stubborn so you must begin socializing and training at an early age with a firm manner. This hybrid needs consistency during training. When properly socialized they are loving dogs that are good for families. They love to go on camping trips, hunting, fishing, and they’ll jump into the water with you for a swim. American Gointers need to get plenty of exercises regularly. They love to get attention from their masters and they respond very well to praise and positive reinforcement. You can train your Gointer to fetch and perform other tricks. They thrive on love and affection which makes them excellent companion dogs. Gointers are a very popular hybrid for hunters and families who enjoy taking their pets along for outdoor excursions. They do best with a large fenced yard and plenty of space to run and play.
