Description:
Mater is a young Pointer/Hound mix. This update from his foster says it all!
"Well, I think Mater’s name should be “Mater the Gentleman.”

Mater is such a wonderful boy. I don’t know what his past was like, but oh man is he happy to be a family man now!

I must admit I have spoiled him a bit, but now that he has discovered the comfort of the couch I just can’t bear to take it away from him. Don’t worry learning is a life process so if a couch dog is not your thing he can learn that a bed on the floor is just as comfy!

Mater is wonderful with other dogs, people, and cats.

He is quite shy at first, but he is now learning that maybe life doesn’t have to be so scary after all. Loud sounds and sudden movements are startling and scary right now so that fight or flight instinct really wants to kick in- flight is definitely his choice. I don’t think Mater has a fighting bone in his body. I think he would be great with kids, however, due to his current nervous personality I think older kids would be less threatening (less sudden bursts of noise and energy!!!)

His weight has improved tremendously and that beautiful coat is really starting to shine through. Dinnertime is a definite favorite- he loves a warm soaked mashed dinner!

Oh boy does Mater love bath time! I didn’t know what to expect, but his expressive eyes showed nothing but appreciation and love from beginning to end.

He is great on a leash. He is great in his crate. He is perfect in the car. He loves to play.

I guess what I am trying to say is that Mater is just a wonderful boy deserving a wonderful home!

One note about Mater at Adoption Events- he gets very anxious and curls up in his crate all day. He looks like an unsocial little guy, but as soon as he gets out of that scary atmosphere he is a big loving goof and a true gentleman! "


According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, according to the most credible hypothesis, the Pointer was developed two centuries ago by crossing among the Italian Pointer, the Foxhound, the Bloodhound, the Greyhound, the Newfoundland, the Setter, and the Bulldog. This is an almost unbelievable mix, but it certainly has produced an outstanding result. The modern Pointer has existed for about eighty years. The Pointer is named for the motionless stance the dog assumes once he has found game. The direction of the point tells the hunter where the game is hiding. The first recorded mentions of the Pointer in England date from around 1650, when the Pointer was used to find hare for the Greyhound to hunt. By the early 1700's the Pointer became the dog of choice. The Pointer is renowned for his scenting prowess. He works very quickly, covering a lot of ground. The Pointer is particularly good on upland birds, but adapts well to other game. The breed has excellent endurance in warm weather, but is not suited to very cold conditions. Working best on land he is not very comfortable in water. He has a legendary tracking and pointing skills, but is not usually expected to retrieve game.
The English Pointer is full of energy and go-power. Loyal and devoted he is a true friend. Kind and patient with children, he is a dashing gentleman. The Pointer is affectionate, intelligent and clean. An energetic and enthusiastic hunter, yet calm at home. Wise and adaptable to every situation. Socialize well at an early age to combat a tendency for timidity. Some can be high-strung. They tend to be a bit willful, distractible and reserved with strangers. It will bark at suspicious noises, but it is not a watchdog. Show lines tend to produce better pets. Field lines are often too active and hunt-oriented to make good pets. Hunting instincts develop early. Puppies, even at eight weeks old, often display pointing behavior. These fairly independent dogs are generally good with other pets and are not usually dog-aggressive. They have a life expectancy of 13-14 years.