Portuguese Pointer Dog Breed

Other names:
Perdigueiro Portugues

The Portuguese Pointer (PP, or Perdigueiro Portugues in Portugal) is a medium-sized bird-hunting dog that originated centuries ago in Portugal and Spain. This breed is highly energetic, and will need owners capable of giving their PP a good bit of exercise on a daily basis; ideally these dogs will live in homes with large fenced yards, preferably in rural areas.

In terms of maintenance, the Portuguese Pointer needs moderate care. The breed has a short coat that doesn't shed much, so grooming needs are minimal--but they'll need a lot of exercise, and a good bit of companionship in general.

Currently, the Portuguese Pointer is prized as both a hunting dog and as a family pet. The breed is a member of the Sporting group in a lot of clubs--and while not yet officially recognized by the American Kennel Club, the PP is part of the AKC's Foundation Stock Service.

Portuguese Pointer Breed Details

The Portuguese Pointer dog is an athletic breed, and is a member of the Sporting group in most kennel clubs. Hailing from the Iberian Peninsula in Southwest Europe (an area that includes Portugal and Spain), the PP has for centuries been utilized as a bird hunter; these days, though they're still used as hunting dogs, this breed is equally prized as an active family pet.

A few Portuguese Pointer facts: they're medium-sized, averaging 21 inches at the shoulders in height and 45 pounds in weight; they have short, smooth coats that don't shed too much; and they have a lot of energy and will need a good bit of daily exercise.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Portuguese Pointer:

Pros
Intelligent and task-oriented
Friendly and affectionate
Doesn't shed a lot
Responds well to training
Good with kids
Easy to groom
Fairly good watchdog abilities
Playful and fun-loving
Low barking tendencies
Excellent health
Cons
Extensive exercise needs
High prey drive; will instinctively chase small animals
Not very good for first-time owners
Prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods
May not socialize too well with other dogs
Adapts poorly to apartment living
Early training and socialization needed to learn respectful behavior
Can become overweight quickly if overfed
Relatively rare, and probably expensive to purchase
Cons
Type
Purebred
Lifespan
12 - 15 yrs.
Height
19 - 23 in.
Weight
40 - 60 lbs
Friendliness
Overall
Maintenance
Easy to GroomEnergy LevelExercise NeedsShedding Amount
Behavior
Barks / HowlsGuard DogWatch Dog
Ownership
Intelligence

Portuguese Pointer Breed Description

The Portuguese Pointer is, for all intents and purposes, a pure hunting dog. (Perdigueiro Portugues, the breed's original Portuguese name, loosely translates to "Portuguese retriever.") Since the 12th century or so, these high-energy dogs have assisted bird hunters in securing their prey--but in modern times they've become known as family pets as well.

Whether your PP is to be a pet or a hunting companion, though, one piece of Portuguese Pointer information is ultra-important: these dogs require plenty of physical activity! Since they have strong work ethics and are accustomed to long hours in the field, PPs need lots of opportunities to run and explore. This means the ideal living environment for these dogs will be homes with large fenced yards--but even so, your PP will need to live inside with its human family members. This breed needs a lot of companionship with its people; without it, these dogs will become frustrated and destructive.

It's also good to provide your PP with some obedience training and socialization (starting during puppyhood, if possible) to help the dog be more well-balanced and calm once it matures.

Portuguese Pointer Temperament

Energetic, intelligent, friendly, protective, and sometimes hyperactive, the Portuguese Pointer temperament is one of activity and love. These dogs are normally friendly and affectionate with family members; they'll be very playful companions to kids, and they can get along okay with other household animals. Note that PPs have naturally high prey drives, so they'll instinctively chase smaller animals (especially birds, which they've been trained to hunt). They also might not mix so well with other dogs, especially those of the same sex. In any case, it's best if your PP grows up alongside any kids or other pets, so they'll be accustomed to each other. Otherwise, PPs make great pets, capable of being active all day then relaxing with the family at night.

In regards to training: PPs are pretty smart, and will normally respond well to it. The typical Portuguese Pointer will be able to learn tasks, tricks, and commands without too many repetitions. As with any breed, firm, consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

Portuguese Pointers usually make pretty good watchdogs too. While the breed certainly won't be anyone's guard dog, PPs are alert and curious, and will usually bark at and investigate unknown sights and sounds.

Portuguese Pointer Health

The Portuguese Pointer dog breed is considered healthy and hardy, without many inherited ailments. Even so, a PP is capable of suffering health issues common to all breeds of this size and type, including hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, various immune disorders, and sometimes even cancer. Potential PP owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for the Portuguese Pointer is 12-15 years.

Portuguese Pointer Health Concerns

Below are potential health concerns associated with Portuguese Pointers.

Cancer
Hip dysplasia
Patellar luxation
Elbow dysplasia
Autoimmune disorders

About this Article

Authored by:Dog-Learn
Updated:February 18, 2021
Menu