English River Website
"Historical" AKC Pointer Breed Standard" -
as published by Lola Macdonald Daly, 1939
Excerpt from: Lola Macdonald Daly, 1939, "The Pointer as a Showdog", p.14

"Below, too, is the standard of the Pointer as it appears in the most recent copy in my possession of the American publication, "Pure-bred Dogs," which is an official work containing descriptions and standards of the breeds as recognised by the American Kennel Club. I understand, however, that since the formation of an American Pointer Club, after the Westminster Show of 1938, there have been moves towards changes in this standard, to bring it more into line with British ideas, so that we may look forward to an internationally recognized type, and good-bye to the discussion of recent years which declared that British ideas were entirely at variance with those in the States, and that dogs which had won in this country would not do so out there. The triumphs of British-bred Pointers all over the world, in the last year or two, have effectively scotched all these declarations. I publish the U. S. standard, however, because in some instances it goes into greater detail than the British one, and because, also, of such differences as no mention of the "dished" faces; the idea that the tail should be carried higher than the level of the back; the mention of a low-set ear; and the mention of weight requirements. The U. S. standard, as it stood before any action by the American Pointer Club of to-day, was:"

Head:

Skull long, moderately wide, with forehead rising well at the brows, showing marked stop; full development of the occipital protuberance, with slight furrow between eyes; muzzle long, square, and straight, with widely opened nostrils, cleanly chiselled under the eyes. Nose black or dark brown, except in the white and orange and white and lemon, where deep flesh shades are permissible. Ears soft in coat, moderately long and thin in leather, not folding like the hound's, but lying flat and hanging close to the cheeks, and set on low, without any tendency to prick. Eyes soft and of medium size, colour black, in the white and black, hazel in the white and liver, black or deep hazel in white and orange, brown varying in shade with the coat in the white and lemon. In all colour of dogs the darker the eyes the more desirable. Lips well developed, but not flew-like.

Neck:

Long, clean, and firm, arched towards the head, without any suggestion of dewlap or throatiness.

Shoulders and Chest:

Shoulders should be long, oblique, and free from excessive width, with top of blades close. Chest deep and as wide as a proper shoulder will permit. Ribs deep and well sprung, not narrowing too abruptly at the brisket.

Body:

Back should be strong, with slight rise to top of shoulders. Loin of moderate length, slightly arched. Hips wide, which should fall slightly to the tail. Tail should be strong, tapered, and carried above the line of the back without curl. Quarters very muscular.

Legs and Feet:

Stifles moderately bent. Legs should be moderately short rather than long, with plenty of bone. Front legs straight, but with no tendency to knuckle. Elbows should be well let down and straight. Hocks should be square with the body and slightly bent. Both front and back pasterns should be short, strong, and nearly upright. Feet should be round, closely set, deep, well padded, and toes well arched. Coat should be short, flat, and firm.

Symmetry and quality are most essential. A dog well balanced in all points is preferable to one with outstanding good qualities and defects. A smooth, frictionless movement with high head carriage is required, and will always receive preference.

Daly, p.15: "In some versions of the U.S. standard there was mention of:"

Weight:

Dogs, 50-55 lbs; bitches, 45-50 lbs.



Source: Lola Macdonald Daly, 1939, "The Pointer as a Showdog", p.14-15

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February 2004