The American Gointer is a hybrid breed created by mating Golden Retrievers and English Pointers. Its exact history is uncertain, but it is widely known that Golden Retrievers originated in Scotland in the 1800s through the crossbreeding of various hunting dogs. English Pointers, on the other hand, were brought to England by English officers a century earlier and were developed there. The American Gointer is a medium-sized dog with a high level of energy and loyalty. It combines the hunting traits of both parent breeds.
As a companion, the Gointer is devoted and affectionate towards its family. It requires minimal grooming but needs plenty of physical activity. This lively dog is always ready to accompany you on various adventures, such as excursions, camping trips, and swimming outings.
Below, we look at American Gointer dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an American Gointer, characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and much more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of American Gointers!
| Dog Breed | American Gointer |
| Size | Large |
| Weight | 40-65 lbs (average) |
| Height | 22-24″ (average) |
| Location | United States |
| Ancestry | English Pointer, Golden Retriever |
| Date of Origin | Unknown |
| Group | Sporting |
| Life Expectancy | 11-15 years |
| Price | $400 – $500 |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The American Gointer is a hybrid of the Golden Retriever and the English Pointer. Although their early origins are not well-documented, they are a modern crossbreed and not officially recognized by the AKC. While some Gointers have an equal mix of both breeds, there are breeders who purposefully mix these hybrids for multiple generations, leading to variations in the percentage of each purebred in each puppy.
The English Pointer’s story is believed to have started in Spain. English officers brought Spanish Pointers to England between 1650 and 1713, where they were bred with various other breeds. Bloodhounds added scenting ability, Greyhounds contributed grace and speed, and Foxhounds provided a well-developed rib cage and endurance. The resulting dogs were initially fierce, but after being crossbred with Setters, they became versatile hunting dogs and family pets. They made their way to the United States sometime between the early colonists and the Civil War and were officially recognized by the AKC in 1879. Today, these Pointers are known as English Pointers to distinguish them from other Pointer breeds.
Meanwhile, in Scotland, the Golden Retriever was developed in the early 1800s. Lord Tweedmouth bred a yellow wavy-coated Retriever with a water Spaniel. The offspring were then crossbred with Tweed Spaniels, black Retrievers, Setters, and a Bloodhound. In around 1900, Lord Tweedmouth’s sons brought the resulting Flat-Coated Yellow Retriever to their Texas farm in America. By 1912, the breed was recognized as a separate breed and was later acknowledged by the AKC between 1925 and 1932. Initially prized as a hunting dog, the Golden Retriever later gained popularity as a show dog and a beloved family pet. Their intelligence also made them valuable working dogs, often trained as guides, therapy dogs, and service dogs.
🐕 American Gointer Appearance
The English Pointer and Golden Retriever breeds from which the American Gointer is descended may both be seen in many of its characteristics. The Gointer is an athletic dog with a proportional physique that ranges in size from medium to giant. A round head frequently adopts the facial characteristics of the Golden Retriever, including round, dark eyes and a broad, average-length snout that terminates in a black nose. Ears made of soft, silky material typically dangle droopy from each side of the head. Short, thick hair that is straight and retained in close proximity to the skin makes up the coat. Although it sometimes adopts variants from the Pointer, the color is typically a golden fawn or light cream that is common for Golden Retrievers. Light to chocolate browns are among them, with the potential for white spots on the paws, tail, shoulders, or in the space between the eyes.
| 👀 Eye Color | Varies |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Fawn, White, Brown, Cream, Fawn |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Ranges |
⚡ Fun Fact: American Gointer dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn’t tolerate being left alone.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of American Gointer
We are reviewing and looking at the data related to the temperament, behavior, and traits of this dog breed. Please stay tuned for our update available shortly.
🤝 Are American Gointers Friendly or Aggressive?
American Gointer dogs are known to get along well with other pets and are friendly towards strangers. They are also very kid-friendly and enjoy being in the company of children. While they are average in their friendliness towards cats, they are highly dog-friendly and can be a good choice for families who want to have multiple dogs or participate in dog meetups. Additionally, American Gointers are considered one of the best breeds for elderly people, making them a suitable companion for older individuals.
This breed is known for being:
- Active
- Intelligent
- Confident
- Friendly
- Affectionate
- Reliable
- Loyal
- Outright
- Tempered
- Kind
- Trustworthy
- Amiable
🐩 American Gointer Care & Maintenance
The American Gointer needs very little grooming. This dog is not hypoallergenic and has the potential to shed. A weekly brushing will reduce the amount of hair that is left on furniture and floors, remove dirt, and keep the coat looking healthy and shining. The coat will stay clean and assist to mask any scent with the occasional bath. However, avoid bathing your pet too frequently since this can destroy their coat of natural oils, resulting in dry, flaky skin. Because of its propensity for infections, this breed’s floppy ears require routine cleaning and drying.
American Gointer dogs have a tendency to shed less hair compared to other breeds. This shedding is a normal occurrence as part of their natural hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of shedding can vary depending on the dog’s overall health and the specific breed they belong to. It is recommended to bathe American Gointers every 4-6 weeks to maintain their cleanliness and hygiene.
🍖 Food: We recommend few cups daily, costing you about $0.49 – $1.49 daily, or around $30.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise: American Gointer dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly few miles per week, which equates to about 120 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know: American Gointer dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
❤️🩹 American Gointer Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for American Gointer Dog Breed can be:
- Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
While minor concerns include:
- Hypothyroidism
- Skin Conditions
- Eye Conditions
🤧 Important: Is American Gointer hypoallergenic? No.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for American Gointer.
⚡ American Gointer Dog Breed Facts
What makes the American Gointer a great choice for families with young children?
The American Gointer is a great choice for families with young children because of its affectionate and loyal nature. This breed is known to be gentle and patient with children, making it an ideal companion for families.
Is the American Gointer breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
The American Gointer breed is not considered suitable for apartment living due to its active nature and need for regular exercise. These dogs thrive in homes with ample space and a yard where they can run and play freely.
How much exercise does a American Gointer require compared to other breeds?
The American Gointer requires a significant amount of exercise compared to other breeds. They are highly energetic and need daily physical activities such as long walks, runs, or playtime in order to maintain their overall well-being.
Is the American Gointer breed known for being good with other pets?
American Gointers are generally good with other pets, as they are social dogs that enjoy the company of both humans and animals. However, proper socialization and introductions are necessary to ensure compatibility with other pets in the household.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the American Gointer?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the American Gointer include the Labrador Retriever, Vizsla, and Weimaraner. These breeds also possess similar characteristics of being active, affectionate, and relatively easy to groom.
What are the common health issues that American Gointers are prone to?
Like many hybrid breeds, American Gointers are generally healthy dogs. However, they may be prone to some common health issues such as hip dysplasia, ear infections, and allergies. Regular veterinary check-ups are recommended to monitor and address any potential health concerns.
Are American Gointers known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
American Gointers are known to be intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train compared to some other breeds. Consistent, positive reinforcement training methods work best with this breed.
Are American Gointers more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
American Gointers may be prone to separation anxiety if not properly trained and provided with mental stimulation and companionship. However, with the right training and socialization, they can adapt well to being alone for moderate periods of time.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the American Gointer that are suitable for people with allergies?
Some dog breeds similar to the American Gointer that are suitable for people with allergies include the Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. These breeds are known for their hypoallergenic coats.
What sizes of dogs similar to the American Gointer are best for individuals or families with limited space?
For individuals or families with limited space, smaller-sized dogs similar to the American Gointer, such as the Cocker Spaniel or Brittany Spaniel, may be more suitable. These breeds have similar characteristics but require less space to thrive.
Is the American Gointer breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The American Gointer breed is known to be good with children with special needs. Their patient and affectionate nature make them suitable companions for children who may require extra care and attention.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the American Gointer?
The grooming and shedding needs of the American Gointer are relatively low compared to some other breeds. They have short, dense coats that only require occasional brushing to remove loose hair. However, regular ear cleaning and nail trimming is necessary to maintain their overall hygiene.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that American Gointer dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
