The Portuguese Pointer is a dog breed from the Iberian Peninsula of Portugal, and their origins date all the way back to the 12th century. Officially classified as a sporting dog, they also fit into the bird dog categories. Originally bred for falconry work with the royals, the Portuguese Pointer is really a versatile dog and is also considered by many to be the ultimate gun canine.
The Portuguese Pointer is also called Perdigueiro Portugues, meaning Partridge Portuguese. They have a strong desire to please and are alert, loyal and very protective of their family. Perdigueiros are playful and good with kids, so they’re ideal loved ones pets.
If you’re considering adopting a Portuguese Pointer, then make sure that you’re the right fit for this dog as well. Give them a job to do, and teach them new tasks. Continual training will help them feel challenged and on track to mental well-being. Though lots of praise and treats rewards will go a long way too.
An ideal home for Portuguese Pointer dog breeds will have a secure yard for them to roam and indoor living with their family combined with plenty of love and praise. Don’t ignore or leave them alone for long periods of time. Portuguese Pointers can feel pent up and get destructive.
Portuguese Pointers are still used today in Portugal for falconry work and red-legged partridge hunting, with regular class folks along with royals.
See below for complete list of dog breed traits and facts about Portuguese Pointers!
Portuguese Pointer Dog Breed Pictures
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group: Sporting Dogs
Height: 20 to 22 inches
Weight: 35 to 59 pounds
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
More About This Breed
Highlights
- The Portuguese Pointer 's coat can be a variety of colors but is typically fawn or red with cream accents.
- The Portuguese Pointer has a short, normal density, coarse coat. This is a low shed, easy-to-groom dog. Give them a brush once a week to remove the dead hairs.
- Portuguese Pointers are generally very friendly toward strangers who they deem non-threatening.
- The Portuguese Pointer is a high energy dog. They will need at least an hour a day of exercise.
- The Portuguese Pointer is really a sturdy dog and very affectionate. They will bond and play well with kids, especially those who they consider a part of their family.
- While these dogs can bond and play well with other dogs, be careful around other small animals, as this breed has a prey drive engrained in their DNA. Only bath as needed.
History
Portuguese Pointers hail from the Iberian Peninsula of Portugal and date back to the 12th century, originally bred only in royal kennels. Common folk did not have access to the breed until many years later. Royals would often gift them to royals of other countries.
Portuguese Pointers have come a long way and now assist hunters across the board from regular people to royalty. Always have fresh water available.
In the 18th century they made their way to England where they were used in the development of the English Pointer.
In the 1920's, Portugal was in a social hardship, and the dog breed was near extinction. Portuguese Pointer enthusiasts made an effort to locate some of the remaining of the breed in the Northern Region and helped to ensure their survival.
In 1932 the Portuguese Pedigree book was established, and the breed standard came in 1938. Today they are beloved, and many live as family pets.
Size
The Portuguese Pointer should weigh between 35 and 59 pounds and range in size from 20.5 to 22 inches at the shoulder.
While the official breed size is dictated by the American Kennel Club, some can be larger or smaller than average.
Personality
The Portuguese Pointer is smart and eager to please. They are trainable and love positive reinforcement. This pup should work closely with their handler and will respond to high praises. Give them lots of adore and treat rewards.
The Portuguese Pointer is a high energy dog. They will need at the very least an hour a day of exercise. Hiking, walking, running, playing catch. Discover what works best for your dog. This dog would thrive in an active family. If you like to go camping, see if your favorite campsites allow canines.
The Portuguese Pointer may exhibit unease around dogs they are unfamiliar with, but are generally very friendly toward strangers who they deem nonthreatening. They have a great disposition around children, and they're affectionate with family.
Health
The Portuguese Pointer is really a sturdy, healthy breed with a life expectancy of about 14 years. They have no known genetic disorders that many over-bred dogs have today.
A few minor concerns would include:
- hip and elbow dysplasia
- patellar luxation
- autoimmune diseases
These are common for dogs of this size category.
Care
As with all dogs, you should keep up with your Portuguese Pointer's regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Search for a high quality of food, or you can make your own pet's foods at home.
The Portuguese Pointer should get at least 60 minutes of exercise per day to help keep them fit. Use positive reinforcement when it comes to training. They were mainly used for falconry work and red-legged partridge hunting.
Keep your dogs nails trimmed before they get too long -- usually once or twice per month. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer or vet can help with this.
One of the toughest jobs when caring for any animal is maintaining their oral health. You should brush your dog's teeth a minimum of three times per week. Your vet can instruct you on how to brush your dog's teeth properly and help with recommending dental chews.
Feeding
An ideal Portuguese Pointer diet should be formulated for a medium-sized breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they're overfed, which means you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. Your vet can help you develop a care routine. Make sure you talk to your vet so your dog gets proper nourishment.
As with all dogs, the Portuguese Pointer's dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Portuguese Pointer's diet, as there is far too much variation among individual canines -- including weight, energy, and health -- to make a specific recommendation.
Coat Color And Grooming
The Portuguese Pointer has a short, normal density, coarse coat. Their coat could be a variety of colors but is typically fawn or red with cream accents.
This is a low shed, easy to groom dog. Give them a brush once a week to remove the dead hairs. Only bath as needed.
Children And Other Pets
The Portuguese Pointer is a sturdy dog and very affectionate. They'll bond and play well with kids, especially those that they consider a part of their family.
It's important to teach children how to behave around dogs, and it's never a good idea to leave small children alone with any dog under any circumstance. Always supervise playtime between kids and dogs.
While these dogs can bond and play well with other dogs, be careful around other small animals, as this breed includes a prey drive engrained within their DNA.
Rescue Groups
Rescues specifically for Portuguese Pointers might be hard to come by, as this is a somewhat uncommon breed. However, you can always check with your local shelter, and you may want to try a rescue that caters to all kinds of dogs. You can take a look at the following:
- Wright-Way Rescue
- Angels Among Us Pet Rescue