Pointer Hound Mix: Temperament, Size, Health & Owner Guide
Everything about the Pointer Hound mix: size range, temperament variability, coat types, inherited health risks, cost, and whether this active
What Two Breeds Make Up the Pointer Hound Mix?
The Pointer Hound mix is a cross between a pointing breed — most commonly the German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) or English Pointer — and a scenthound, typically a Coonhound (Black and Tan, Bluetick, or Redbone), Foxhound, or Beagle. Because "Pointer" and "Hound" each encompass multiple breeds, the exact parentage can vary significantly between individual dogs and litters. This isn't a standardized designer breed with a consistent breeding program like the Labradoodle; it's often a first-generation cross or an intentional pairing by small-scale breeders aiming to blend pointing instinct with tracking endurance.
F1 (First Generation): One purebred Pointer parent × one purebred Hound parent. Most Pointer Hound mixes you'll find are F1. Traits are the most variable here — puppies in the same litter can look and behave very differently.
F1B (First Generation Backcross): An F1 Pointer Hound mix bred back to one of the parent breeds. Rare for this particular cross, but would shift traits more heavily toward either the Pointer or Hound side.
F2 (Second Generation): Two F1 Pointer Hound mixes bred together. Uncommon and produces even wider trait variation.
Multigen: Multiple generations of Pointer Hound mixes bred together. Essentially nonexistent for this cross — unlike doodle breeds, there's no established multigen breeding program for Pointer Hound mixes.
Understanding the generation matters because it directly affects predictability. With most Pointer Hound mixes being F1, you should expect a dog whose adult traits — size, coat, drive, trainability — may not fully reveal themselves until 12–18 months of age.
Parent Breed Breakdown: Pointer vs. Hound Traits
To understand what a Pointer Hound mix might become, you need to understand what each parent breed brings to the table. These are dogs bred for very different — but complementary — hunting roles.
| Trait | Pointer (GSP / English Pointer) | Hound (Coonhound / Foxhound) |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Locate and freeze (point) at upland game birds | Track game by scent over long distances, tree or flush quarry |
| AKC Weight Range | 45–70 lb (20–32 kg) — GSP; 55–75 lb (25–34 kg) — English Pointer | 40–65 lb (18–29 kg) — Black & Tan Coonhound; 65–75 lb (29–34 kg) — Bluetick |
| Energy Level | Very high — needs 90–120+ minutes of vigorous activity daily | High — needs 60–90 minutes, with bursts of intense tracking drive |
| Vocalization | Moderate — may bark at movement, not typically excessive | High — bred to bay loudly while tracking; howling is instinctive |
| Trainability | High — responsive, eager to work with handler, quick learner | Moderate — independent thinkers, scent-driven, can seem stubborn |
| Prey Drive | Very high — birds, small mammals | Very high — raccoons, deer, any moving scent trail |
| Recall Reliability | Good with training — handler-focused when exercised | Poor off-leash — will follow a nose for miles |
| Shedding | Moderate — short coat, seasonal shedding | Moderate to high — short coat, consistent shedding year-round |
The Pointer Hound mix inherits some combination of these traits. The critical question for prospective owners is which parent's traits will dominate — and the honest answer is that you won't fully know until the dog matures.
How Big Will a Pointer Hound Mix Get?
Because both parent breeds fall into the large sporting/hound category, you can expect a medium-to-large dog, but the exact size depends on which specific breeds are in the lineage.
| Measurement | Low End (Smaller Parent Combo) | High End (Larger Parent Combo) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Weight | 40 lb (18 kg) | 75 lb (34 kg) |
| Adult Height (at shoulder) | 20 inches (51 cm) | 27 inches (69 cm) |
| Time to Full Size | 14–18 months | 18–24 months for full chest/weight fill-out |
A Pointer Hound mix from a GSP and a Black and Tan Coonhound will typically land in the 50–65 lb (23–29 kg) range. One from an English Pointer and a Bluetick Coonhound could push toward 70–75 lb (32–34 kg). If a Beagle is the hound parent, expect a notably smaller dog, possibly 30–45 lb (14–20 kg).
Ask the breeder or rescue for the parents' weights if possible. Puppy paw size is an unreliable predictor in mixed breeds — a large-pawed puppy might simply have inherited the Hound parent's broader feet without the corresponding body mass.
Temperament: What to Expect (and What Might Surprise You)
The Pointer Hound mix combines two working-dog temperaments that are both high-drive but express that drive differently. Pointers are handler-oriented athletes who want to work with you. Hounds are independent nose-driven detectives who want to work despite you. Your mix will land somewhere on that spectrum.
- Inherits the Pointer's handler focus and trainability
- Gets the Hound's stamina without excessive independence
- Affectionate with family, good with children who respect the dog's space
- Enthusiastic hiking/running partner who checks in with you on trail
- Moderate vocalization — occasional bark, not constant baying
- Responds well to positive reinforcement training by 6–8 months
- Inherits the Hound's nose-blindness — will bolt through open doors after a scent
- Loud, frequent baying/howling that triggers noise complaints in apartments or close-neighborhood homes
- High prey drive toward cats, rabbits, backyard wildlife — requires careful introduction and management
- Difficulty settling indoors — paces, whines, or becomes destructive if under-exercised
- Recall is unreliable off-leash regardless of training investment
- Separation anxiety if left alone for 6+ hours without enrichment
Most Pointer Hound mixes fall somewhere between these extremes. The dogs I've encountered through owner consultations tend to be exuberant, friendly with people, moderately challenging with other pets, and absolutely dependent on having a job or structured activity to stay mentally healthy.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation Requirements
Plan for a minimum of 90 minutes of structured activity daily, broken into at least two sessions. This isn't a breed mix that does well with a 15-minute leash walk around the block. Suitable activities include:
- Long-line hiking: Use a 15–30 ft biothane long line (brands like High Tail Hikes or Trail Dog supply reliable options, $35–$60) to let them explore scents safely without off-leash risk
- Scent work / nosework: Enroll in AKC Scent Work classes or practice hide-and-seek with birch/anise oil targets at home — this channels the hound drive productively
- Field retrieving and flirt pole sessions: 15–20 minutes of chase-and-retrieve satisfies the pointer's burst-energy instinct
- Canicross or bikejoring: For owners who run, this mix makes an excellent pulling partner once growth plates close (18–24 months)
Coat, Shedding & Grooming: Is This Mix Low-Shedding?
No. The Pointer Hound mix is not hypoallergenic and is not low-shedding. Both parent breeds have short, dense, single or double coats designed for field work, and both shed consistently throughout the year with heavier seasonal blows in spring and fall.
| Coat Trait | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Length | Short to medium — 0.5 to 1.5 inches, typically close-lying |
| Texture | Dense, somewhat coarse — may inherit the GSP's water-resistant outer coat or the Coonhound's slightly softer fur |
| Shedding Level | Moderate to heavy — expect short hairs on furniture, clothing, and car seats year-round |
| Common Colors | Liver, liver-and-white patched or ticked, black-and-tan, bluetick (mottled blue-gray), red, tricolor |
| Hypoallergenic? | No — produces normal levels of dander and saliva proteins (Can f 1) |
Grooming Routine
The low-maintenance coat is one advantage of this mix. A practical grooming schedule looks like this:
- Brushing: Once to twice weekly with a rubber curry brush or bristle brush (Kong ZoomGroom, ~$12, works well on short coats). During spring/fall shed, increase to every other day and add an undercoat rake if the dog inherits a double coat from the Hound side.
- Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks or as needed after field outings. Use a mild oatmeal-based dog shampoo — frequent bathing with harsh products strips the coat's natural oils and worsens shedding.
- Ear care: Critical. Both parent breeds have floppy or semi-floppy ears prone to moisture trapping and yeast infections. Check and clean weekly with a veterinary ear cleaner (Epi-Otic Advanced or TrizUltra, $15–$25). If the dog swims, clean ears within 2 hours of every swim session.
- Nail trimming: Every 3–4 weeks. Active dogs on rough terrain may wear nails down naturally, but dewclaws always need manual trimming.
- Dental: Daily brushing with enzymatic dog toothpaste or, at minimum, veterinary dental chews (look for the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal of acceptance).
Health Considerations: Hybrid Vigor vs. Reality
There's a persistent myth that mixed-breed dogs automatically enjoy "hybrid vigor" — the idea that crossing two breeds eliminates genetic health problems. The reality is more nuanced. According to research published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, mixed-breed dogs do show reduced incidence of some breed-specific recessive disorders, but they remain susceptible to any condition that affects both parent breeds. For the Pointer Hound mix, that overlap is significant.
| Health Condition | From Which Parent? | Prevalence / Risk | Screening Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | Both — GSP and Coonhounds both carry risk | Estimated 10–15% in GSPs per OFA data; similar in larger hounds | OFA or PennHIP evaluation at 24 months; maintain lean body condition score (BCS 4-5/9) |
| Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat/GDV) | Both — deep-chested breeds at elevated risk | GSPs ranked among top 15 breeds for GDV risk; large hounds similarly predisposed | Discuss prophylactic gastropexy with your vet at spay/neuter; use slow-feed bowls; avoid exercise 1 hour before/after meals |
| Ear Infections (Otitis Externa) | Both — floppy ears trap moisture | Very common — recurrent infections affect an estimated 20% of floppy-eared breeds | Weekly ear cleaning; veterinary check at first sign of odor, redness, or head-shaking |
| Hypothyroidism | Primarily Pointer (GSP) | Autoimmune thyroiditis documented in GSP lines | Annual thyroid panel starting at age 4–5; watch for weight gain, lethargy, coat thinning |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) | Both breeds carry PRA-related mutations | Low-to-moderate — depends on specific parent lineage | OFA CERF eye exam; DNA test for known PRA mutations if parentage is known |
| Hound Ataxia (Coonhound Paralysis) | Hound parent — triggered by raccoon saliva exposure | Uncommon but serious — immune-mediated polyradiculoneuritis | Prevent raccoon contact; know symptoms (ascending weakness 7–10 days post-exposure); seek emergency vet care immediately |
If you're buying from a breeder, request proof of OFA hip scores and CERF eye clearances for both parents. For rescue dogs, budget for a baseline veterinary workup including hip radiographs ($200–$400), a thyroid panel ($80–$150), and a CERF eye exam ($50–$100) within the first three months of adoption.
Always consult your veterinarian to develop a health screening plan tailored to your individual dog's lineage, age, and body condition.
How Much Does a Pointer Hound Mix Cost?
Pricing varies widely depending on whether you go through a breeder or rescue, and the reputation and testing practices of the source.
| Source | Price Range | What's Typically Included |
|---|---|---|
| Intentional Breeder (health-tested parents) | $600–$1,200 | First vaccinations, deworming, health certificate, parent OFA clearances, take-back clause |
| Casual/Backyard Breeder | $200–$500 | Usually nothing beyond the puppy — no health testing, no genetic guarantees |
| Breed-Specific Rescue / Shelter | $50–$350 | Spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchip, basic vet exam; adult dogs may have known temperament |
| First-Year Total Ownership Cost | $2,500–$4,500 | Includes food ($500–$800), veterinary care ($600–$1,200), gear ($300–$600), training ($200–$600), pet insurance ($400–$700) |
Pointer Hound mixes are not common enough to have dedicated breed-specific rescues in most regions, but they frequently appear in sporting breed rescues, coonhound rescues (such as those affiliated with the American Coonhound Rescue Association), and rural animal shelters in hunting-heavy states. Adopting an adult Pointer Hound mix from rescue has the advantage of known temperament and energy level — the guessing game of puppy traits is eliminated.
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Get a Pointer Hound Mix?
This cross is not a universally easy dog. It excels in specific households and struggles in others. Here's a practical framework for deciding:
| Factor | Good Fit | Poor Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Activity Level | Runs, hikes, hunts, or does dog sports 4+ days/week | Prefers short neighborhood walks; mostly sedentary lifestyle |
| Living Space | House with securely fenced yard (6-ft fence recommended — these dogs can jump and climb) | Apartment or condo with thin walls (baying/howling will be an issue) |
| Experience Level | Prior experience with sporting or hound breeds; understands prey-drive management | First-time dog owner expecting a low-maintenance companion |
| Other Pets | Single-pet household or homes with another active, confident dog | Homes with cats, rabbits, chickens, or small dogs under 15 lb unless carefully managed |
| Children | Families with kids 8+ who understand dog body language and won't disturb the dog while eating or sleeping | Homes with toddlers — these dogs are large, exuberant, and may accidentally knock over small children |
| Time at Home | Someone home most of the day, or arrangements for midday exercise/companionship | Away 10+ hours daily with no dog walker or enrichment plan |
Training Approach
Use positive reinforcement and force-free methods exclusively. Both parent breeds are sensitive to harsh correction — the Pointer side may shut down, and the Hound side may simply disengage entirely. A certified trainer using LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) principles will get far better results than any punitive approach.
Key training priorities for this mix:
- Emergency recall: Train a whistle recall as a backup to verbal cues — whistles carry farther in the field and cut through scent-distraction. Use high-value treats (freeze-dried liver, boiled chicken) exclusively for recall rewards.
- Impulse control at doors/gates: Teach a solid "wait" command before any exit. These dogs will bolt through an open door if they catch an interesting scent.
- Settle/mat training: Teach a "place" command on a raised cot (CoolerDog or Kuranda beds, $50–$130) to give the dog an off-switch indoors.
- Leash manners: Start loose-leash training early. A 60-lb dog pulling on leash is not manageable without front-clip harness training (Ruffwear Front Range, ~$40).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pointer Hound mixes good family dogs?
They can be excellent family dogs for active households with older children. They tend to be affectionate, playful, and loyal with their people. However, their size, energy, and prey drive make them less suitable for families with very small children or small pets like cats and rabbits. Early socialization (before 16 weeks) with children and varied environments is critical.
Do Pointer Hound mixes bark or howl a lot?
It depends on which parent's vocalization traits dominate. If the Hound side is strong, expect baying — a loud, drawn-out howl that carries for hundreds of yards. This is not a behavior you can train away; it's a bred-in instinct triggered by scents, excitement, or boredom. If the Pointer side dominates, vocalization is usually moderate. Plan for the louder scenario when choosing your living situation.
Can a Pointer Hound mix be trusted off-leash?
Generally, no. Even with extensive recall training, the scent-drive inherited from the Hound parent can override learned commands when a compelling trail presents itself. Use a long line (15–30 ft) in open areas, and restrict true off-leash time to securely fenced areas. GPS collars (Garmin Alpha or Tractive, $50–$300) are a smart safety investment if you hike in open terrain.
How long do Pointer Hound mixes live?
Expect a lifespan of 11–14 years, which is typical for large-breed crosses in this size range. Maintaining a lean body condition score (4–5 out of 9), regular veterinary care, and consistent exercise throughout life — including senior years — supports longevity.
Are Pointer Hound mixes easy to train?
They are intelligent but not always biddable. The Pointer side tends to be eager and responsive, while the Hound side is independent and scent-focused. Most owners describe training as "moderately challenging" — the dog understands what you want but may choose to prioritize an interesting smell. Consistency, high-value rewards, and patience through adolescence (6–18 months) are essential. Consider enrolling in group classes through a local AKC-affiliated training club.
What should I feed a Pointer Hound mix?
Feed an AAFCO-approved large-breed or all-life-stages formula with a named animal protein as the first ingredient. For active adults (90+ minutes of daily exercise), look for a performance formula with 26–30% protein and 16–20% fat. Budget approximately $50–$75/month for a quality kibble (Purina Pro Plan Sport, Diamond Naturals Active, or comparable). Adjust portions to maintain a body condition score of 4–5/9 — you should feel ribs easily without seeing them prominently.
Dr. Hannah Wickes
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
