Portuguese Pointer

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Portuguese Pointer Profile

Portuguese Pointers are so affectionate and friendly that even in the AKC standards is a mention of their unwavering adoration of their masters. The breed is mentioned to be so affectionate that it is sometimes "inappropriate and inconvenient". The Perdigueiro Portugueso, as it is also named, is a medium sized dog that may have been the progenitor of several other Pointer breeds. It is thought to have come before the English Pointer and contributed to its genes. They have short fur that is short and dense, and on the head it is velvety and soft. The coloration of the breed is from yellow to chestnut, sometimes with white markings in an Irish pattern. They have drop floppy ears and dark, large, sincere eyes. Their personality only magnifies their adorable appearance. They are, as stated before, overly affectionate and extremely dedicated to their owners. They are very obedient and submissive, and will retrieve or hunt anything commanded with the utmost joy. They are active dogs, tenacious and well-being. They thrive on physical contact and attention, and in return are intense hunters and highly trainable. Obedient, good with children and other dogs, the Portuguese Pointer is an all-around friendly hunting dog for the family.

Other Names: Perdigueiro Portugueso, Portuguese Setter

Type: Gun dog

Height: Males: 20.5 - 24 inches; Females: 19 - 22 inches.
Weight: 35 - 60 lbs.

Colors: Yellow or chestnut, can be either a solid color or have some white in the Irish pattern on the neck, legs, belly and muzzle.  
Coat: Short, strong, dense on the body but silky on the head and ears. There is a long haired type as well.

Temperament: Affectionate, friendly and attentive, the Portuguese Pointer doubles from a gun dog to a home pet. They are speedy, skilled and have an excellent nose. They are intelligent and highly enjoy the hunt or retrieve. Perdigueiro Portuguesos are active, intense in their hunting and tenacious. With family they much enjoy doing as told, and are submissive and kind. They are very versatile and can bend to their master's requests. They are gentle and committed. They are highly trainable. Although affectionate, they are naturally serious dogs. They adore family. This breed is said to need constant physical stimulation, such as petting and playing with their owners. The AKC standard book mentions that Portuguese Pointers can sometimes be overbearingly affectionate to the point that it is "embarrassing", and the dog should be trained to restrain itself.
With Children: Yes, good with children.
With Pets: Yes, gets along well with other dogs.

Watch-dog: Low. 
Guard-dog: Low. The Perdigueiro Portugueso is very friendly and affectionate, he is not for guarding.

Portuguese Pointer Care and Exercise: The Portuguese Pointer needs to have a rub down and brushed every few days to keep them looking in top condition. Grooming is very low maintenance on the short coats. For the long coated variety, brushing should occur more often to keep tangles and debris out of the fur, especially the ears, since the fur is long on the ears.
Training: Perdigueiro Portuguesos are highly trainable, making it a point to do as their master says. They exude great joy in retrieving and hunting, as well as doing anything to please their master.
Learning Rate:

Activity: High.
Special Needs: Attention and exercise.
Living Environment: This breed loves to be in the outdoors, but will gladly double as a house dog. They also have high demands of attention and energy, and therefore an apartment is probably not the best option. The best owner for this breed would be an active family living in a suburban or rural area.

Portuguese Pointer Health Issues: Albinism has been known to be a problem in this breed.

Life Span: 12 - 14 years.
Litter Size: Can have up to 8 puppies or more.

Country of Origin: Portugal
Portuguese Pointer History: The Portuguese Pointer is thought to have been around since the 12th century. They are thought to have descended from the Segugio Hounds and the Assyrian Mastiff. There is much evidence that they were around in the 13th century, including paintings by Alfonso III, as well as being described in the book of hunting. Joao I, in the late 1300s, wrote this book of hunting and commented on the Podengo de Mastra, which was an old way of saying "pointing hound". During that same time period, the dog was described as having a big, beautiful body with a grand head and having the same colors as the Portuguese falconer's dog, by Gaston Phoebus. The breed is thought to have been a progenitor of the English Pointer, taken to England in the 1700s by a Portuguese businessman. The unique "dish face" on the English Pointer is thought to have come from the Portuguese Pointer. The word "Perdigueiro" means "partridge" in Portuguese, and that is what this breed was used to hunt. They were mainly used as bird retrievers and hunters, and are still used for that purpose today. Today they are rarely known outside of their native Portugal, but are highly regarded as good hunting dogs with an incredible personality.

First Registered by the AKC: FSS (Foundation Stock Service - not yet eligible for the AKC)
AKC Group: Sporting (under FSS)
Class: Gun Dog
Registries: FCI (Group 7), UKC (Gun Dog)

Portuguese Pointers

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