Most continental European pointing breeds are classified as versatile gun dog breeds or sometimes HPR breeds (for hunt, point, and retrieve). The distinction is made because versatile breeds were developed to find and point game as all pointing breeds, but were also bred to perform other hunting tasks as well.

Do pointers retrieve?

Most Elhew Pointers are natural retrievers. With a little encouragement, best initiated when young puppies, they will reliably retrieve downed game for their owners. Note that some individuals may perform inconsistently on inanimate objects – sticks, balls, dummies – yet enthusiastically retrieve birds to hand.

What does a pointing dog do?

What Does A Pointing Dog Look Like? A dog "points" by freezing his body, often with one front paw up, and aiming his nose at a particular spot. He will do this to bring attention to something and notify his pet parent of where to look.