American Gointer – The Complete Breed Guide

Welcome to our guide to the American Gointer.

The American Gointer is a mix of two different breeds, the English Pointer and the Golden Retriever.

The DogExperts.info website aims to ask questions to breeders, vets and experienced owners to get the answers to your most frequently asked questions about the American Gointer breed of dog.

You can also help too!

If you can answer any of the questions below, then please add your comments to the box at the bottom of the page or you can email us at sales@dogexperts.info.

We would love to feature your dog and publish any photos or pictures of your American Gointer you would like to email us.

Are you looking to buy a American Gointer – then see our list of American Gointer breeders.

Why Choose a American Gointer?

What type of owners buy a American Gointer?

What in your opinion are the best things about the American Gointer breed?

Why do you think the American Gointer is special?

What are your favourite things about the American Gointer?

Are you glad you choose to buy a American Gointer and not another breed?

How would you describe the American Gointer temperament?

What advice might you give to people thinking about whether they should buy a American Gointer over other breeds?

History & Origins

What are the history and origins of the American Gointer?

About The Breed

What colors of American Gointer are most popular?

What does the American Gointer look like?

What are the pros/cons of the American Gointer breed?

What can a new owner expect in terms of differences between the American Gointer and other breeds?

Do they attract a lot of interest and curiosity from the public?

What type of typical personality does the American Gointer have?

Is it possible to describe a fairly typical American Gointer?

What is the breed standard/description for the American Gointer?

Were there particular colors people preferred and that maybe you focused on?

Are there any downsides to owning a American Gointer that prospective owners should be aware of?

Is the American Gointer breed of dog suitable for first-time dog owners?

Some breeds can be described as greedy and prone to weight issues, would this apply to the American Gointer?

What are the key differences when compared to other breeds?

Is the American Gointer breed suitable for a person or family that are out at work all day?

Some owners seek a breed suitable for barking and offering a guard dog role – how does the American Gointer match up to that role?

Are there myths about the American Gointer – in other words do new potential owners come to you with misconceptions about this breed?

We asked a number of breeders in the UK and America what essential advice they would give to new owners of American Gointer puppies and this is what they said:

What types of questions do you get once owners get their American Gointer home?

Can you tell us something most owners would not know – tips, secrets etc from your years of experience?

What is the typical temperament of a American Gointer, so people know what to expect from their new pet?

When fully grown how much on average does a American Gointer weigh?

When the American Gointer is full grown in size what is the maximum height and length expected to be?

Is the American Gointer ever crossed or mixed with other breeds of dog?

Does the American Gointer smell or drool a lot?

Do you have a American Gointer growth chart?

What breed group does the American Gointer come under?

What type of coat do they have?

Can they swim?

What does the movement of the tail show, does it mean they are trying to ‘talk to us’ or give us some message?

Suitability

Are there some types of people that you can suggest the American Gointer is not suitable for, perhaps families?

How is the American Gointer with children?

Do you think the American Gointer is suitable for families with young children?

How does the American Gointer get along with other (existing) pets and do you have any tips or advice for new American Gointer owners in terms of successful integration?

Is it better to buy one American Gointer or two?

Should prospective new owners be aware of any differences between males and females?

Would the American Gointer be suitable as a guard dog?

Can I leave my American Gointer during the day while I go to work?

Lifespan

What is the expected average lifespan of the American Gointer?

In terms of life expectancy, how long on average would the American Gointer breed live to?

Food & Diet

Do you have any special feeding routines or diet?

Do you have any feeding advice or brands that you prefer?

How to handle the American Gointer puppy to start off – how much food, what type, how often?

What feeding routines and types of food/supplements do you recommend?

What to buy in terms of equipment? Bowls etc

Do owners need to consider supplements for their American Gointer?

How about for older dogs?

Buying – How Much Do They Cost?

How much did your American Gointer cost to buy?

Can you offer advice to people looking to buy a American Gointer and how much should they spend?

What advice would you offer new American Gointer owners?

What types of people are buying the American Gointer and why?

Where can I buy American Gointer rescue dogs or find a American Gointer for adoption? Please note that buying or searching for a ‘cheap’ American Gointer can be false economy as they may have health issues that cost you far more in the long-term – always buy from a good and responsible breeder!

Do I need public liability insurance or a license?

Puppy

How would you describe the American Gointer puppy to potential new owners?

What types of owners are best suited to owning a American Gointer?

What colors and sizes are most popular?

Are there things new owners do that perhaps frustrate you?

What can people expect when they become a new owner?

What inspired you to become a breeder and did you start with the American Gointer?

As a American Gointer breed expert, are there any ‘essential’ tips you would like to share with new owners?

Are there specific times of the year that you breed?

Choosing a puppy from a litter, what advice could you offer potential new owners in terms of selecting ‘the one’?

How long does it take to housetrain/potty train a American Gointer?

When can you take them out in public and how do you handle them around other dogs?

Will they run off – when is it safe to let them off the lead?

We invite you to email us your American Gointer’s pictures, in particular we are looking for photos showing American Gointer puppies at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 weeks old as well as early pictures such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 months old to a year old.

Do they have any nicknames or does the American Gointer have popular names?

If my American Gointer is pregnant what might the litter size be?

Could the American Gointer be dangerous around young children?

Problem Behaviors

How do you deal with a problem barker – any tips and advice to new owners?

How do you prevent a American Gointer biting?

How do you prevent a American Gointer chewing?

How do you stop a American Gointer jumping up?

Does the American Gointer have an issue with excessive digging?

Why does my American Gointer keep growling and barking?

Is there a reason my American Gointer dog is often scratching excessively?

Do they suffer from separation anxiety and how can I prevent this?

Exercise

In comparison perhaps to other breeds what can you say about the American Gointer and their exercise needs and do you have any tips or advice for new American Gointer owners?

As a breeder of the American Gointer , do you prefer a collar or harness?

As an expert of the American Gointer breed do you prefer a standard leash or retractable?

Can you offer any dog walking tips for American Gointer owners?

Playtime & Tricks

What games and toys can you recommend for the American Gointer?

Are there toys you suggest avoiding?

How intelligent is the American Gointer compared to other dog breeds?

How much can they understand?

Grooming

Do you have any special grooming routines or tips and advice for new American Gointer owners?

How much time is involved?

What accessories are required to be purchased for grooming a American Gointer?

Any advice/tips you can give concerning maintenance of nails?

How much do American Gointer shed and how do I maintain their hair and how often?

How can I prevent or cure ear infections?

Do you have any tips for eye care?

Is the American Gointer a hypoallergenic breed?

Bathing

Any advice/tips you can give concerning cleaning and bathing your American Gointer?

Can you offer new American Gointer owners advice concerning fleas and maybe products you use in treatment and prevention?

Showing

What advice and tips could you offer to owners who might wish to follow your path in showing the American Gointer?

What started your interest in showing the American Gointer?

If a new owner perhaps wanted to meet other owners or find out more – perhaps they have an interest in joining a local club or maybe they wonder how they can start showing their American Gointer – where would they begin?

Can you offer any advice to others who may be wondering if they can also start showing?

How would an owner know they have a show-quality American Gointer and how would they start off?

Can you give away any of your secrets?!

Is showing very expensive and why do you think people like to do it?

What do judges look for in a winner?

Breeding

What inspired you to become a breeder and did you start with the American Gointer?

What official organisations are there for the new American Gointer owner and what benefits or services do they provide?

In buying a American Gointer, can you offer advice and tips to new owners?

How did you go from being an owner to getting into breeding?

Do you think the breed’s popularity has increased, decreased or remained the same?

How did you progress to becoming a breeder and why focus on breeding the American Gointer out of all the breeds you could have chosen?

What do you think makes the American Gointer special to you?

Are there things that you see owners doing that frustrate you?

As a breed expert, are there any ‘essential’ tips you would like to share with new owners?

Training

In comparison perhaps to other breeds what is it like to train a American Gointer and do you have any tips or advice for new American Gointer owners?

How should new owners approach bringing a new American Gointer home, any advice and tips you can give?

Should I allow my American Gointer to sleep in my bed or elsewhere in the house?

Do you recommend crate training and how long does this take?

Should my American Gointer sleep in a kennel or crate?

Health

Health is always a major concern when buying a dog, do you have any advice for new American Gointer owners to be aware of in particular?

Are there any health-related tips you can give to owners?

What sort of health issues should owners be on the lookout for?

What is the recommended schedule for vaccinations for your American Gointer?

Can you offer any advice on how to treat and prevent worms?

What type of health issues can a American Gointer have and how do you deal with preventing these?

Why does my American Gointer have diarrhea?

Do they suffer from itchy and sensitive skin and if so why?

Why is my American Gointer vomiting and do I go to the vets?

When should I take my American Gointer for vaccinations and which ones do they need and how often?

How often will my American Gointer be in heat?

Should I consider getting my American Gointer spayed or neutered and when and how much does this cost and what are the benefits?

My American Gointer is limping, what should I do and should I go to a veterinarian surgeon?

Do they suffer from allergies?

Why is my American Gointer not eating?

How much does it cost to insure my American Gointer?

What healthcare issues or diseases might be excluded from companies that provide American Gointer dog health insurance?

Old Age

What age would you class as an ‘older or senior’ American Gointer?

Do you notice any changes in their behaviour?

What changes in food and diet would you suggest making for an older American Gointer?

Do you feed any supplements to an older American Gointer – or anything else which helps them as they age?

Are there any health issues particular to a senior American Gointer dog?

Do you have any advice for owners of an older/senior American Gointer or tips you can pass on?

Here is an interesting video on the American Gointer.