Pointollie

The Pointollie is a cross between the Pointer and the Collie. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Pointollie. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.

Pointer

Pointer

The Pointer, also known as the English Pointer, is a medium to large-sized sporting dog that exemplifies elegance, athleticism, and functional beauty. Males typically stand 25 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weigh 55 to 75 pounds, while females measure 23 to 26 inches and weigh 44 to 65 pounds. The breed presents a lean, muscular physique built for speed and endurance in the field. The body is slightly longer than tall, with a deep chest that reaches nearly to the elbows and well-sprung ribs that provide ample lung capacity for sustained work. The head is one of the breed's most distinctive features, characterized by what enthusiasts describe as a dish face profile created by a concave muzzle and pronounced stop. The skull is moderately broad with a distinct furrow between the eyes. The muzzle is long and square in profile, with well-developed nostrils suited for scenting game at considerable distances. Eyes are round and intense, typically hazel or brown, conveying an intelligent and kindly expression. Ears are set at eye level, thin and silky, hanging close to the head and reaching nearly to the lower jaw when drawn forward. The coat is short, dense, and smooth with a pronounced sheen, lying close to the body and providing protection from field conditions without requiring extensive grooming. Accepted colors include liver, lemon, black, and orange, either solid or in combination with white in various patterns including patches, ticking, and roaning. The neck is long and muscular, flowing smoothly into sloping shoulders. The tail is thick at the base, tapering to a fine point, and is carried on a line with the back or slightly higher when moving. Feet are oval with well-arched, close-set toes and thick pads suited for covering rough terrain. The overall impression is one of power and grace perfectly balanced for the demands of upland bird hunting.

Key Characteristics

Temperament
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament The breed's energy level is exceptionally high, particularly in dogs from working lines, requiring substantial daily exercise to maintain physical and mental well-being. Without adequate outlets, Pointers may become restless, destructive, or develop behavioral problems. They excel in field trials, hunt tests, and various dog sports that engage both their physical capabilities and keen minds. Generally friendly with other dogs and people, they may appear reserved rather than effusively friendly with strangers. Their prey drive is strong, necessitating careful supervision around small animals. Show-bred Pointers tend to have somewhat lower energy levels than their field-bred counterparts, though all require active homes committed to providing significant daily exercise.
Health Considerations
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Eye conditions including progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and entropion have been documented in the breed. Osteochondritis dissecans, a joint condition affecting growing puppies, can cause lameness and may require surgical intervention. Some bloodlines carry hereditary sensory neuropathy, a neurological condition, and X-linked cerebellar ataxia has been identified in the breed. Deafness, both congenital and acquired, occurs occasionally, particularly in predominantly white dogs. Dental abnormalities including missing teeth or malocclusion are sometimes seen. Regular veterinary care, maintaining appropriate body condition, and providing suitable exercise help ensure these athletic sporting dogs enjoy their potentially long lifespans in good health.
Learn More About The Pointer

Collie

Collie

The Collie is a medium to large-sized herding dog renowned for its elegant appearance and graceful movement. Males typically stand 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh 60 to 75 pounds, while females measure 22 to 24 inches and weigh 50 to 65 pounds. The breed exists in two coat varieties that are judged separately: the Rough Collie with its abundant, flowing coat, and the Smooth Collie with a short, dense coat. Both varieties share the same body structure and temperament, differing only in coat length and texture. The head is the breed's most distinctive feature, described as a well-blunted lean wedge when viewed from both the front and profile. The skull and muzzle are approximately equal in length, creating the refined, aristocratic expression for which the breed is famous. The eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, and placed somewhat obliquely, conveying an intelligent, curious expression. Eye color is typically dark brown, except in blue merle dogs where one or both eyes may be blue or merle-colored. Ears are semi-prick in carriage, with approximately three-quarters erect and the tips folding forward, adding to the attentive expression. The Rough Collie's coat is particularly striking, consisting of an abundant outer coat of straight, harsh-textured hair standing off from the body, with a soft, furry undercoat. The mane and frill around the neck and chest are especially full, creating a regal appearance. Coat colors include sable and white ranging from golden to mahogany, tricolor with black as the primary color with white markings and tan shading, blue merle with a marbled pattern, and white with sable, tricolor, or blue merle markings. The tail is long, carried low with an upward twist at the tip when relaxed and elevated when alert or moving. The Collie moves with a smooth, effortless gait that showcases its heritage as a tireless herding dog capable of working all day.

Key Characteristics

Temperament
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament The breed's energy level is moderate to high, requiring 45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise to maintain physical and mental health. While they enjoy activity outdoors, Collies are generally calm and well-mannered indoors when adequately exercised. They can be vocal dogs, using their bark to alert owners to visitors or unusual occurrences, and may require training to moderate excessive barking. Collies are typically friendly with other dogs and pets when properly socialized, and their herding instincts may manifest as attempts to gather family members or other animals. Their combination of beauty, intelligence, and devoted companionship has made the Collie an enduring favorite among dog enthusiasts worldwide.
Health Considerations
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations The MDR1 gene mutation is particularly significant in Collies, affecting how the body processes certain medications. Dogs with this mutation may have severe, sometimes fatal reactions to common drugs including ivermectin, loperamide, and several chemotherapy agents. All Collies should be tested for this mutation, and veterinarians should be informed of the results before prescribing medications. Dermatomyositis is an inherited inflammatory disease affecting the skin and muscles, predominantly seen in young dogs. Epilepsy occurs in some bloodlines and typically manifests between one and five years of age. Entropion, where the eyelid rolls inward causing irritation, may require surgical correction. Regular veterinary care and health screening help ensure these beautiful, devoted dogs enjoy healthy lives.
Learn More About The Collie

Important to Remember

Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Pointollie may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Pointer and Collie to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.