Portuguese Pointer Dog Breed

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:

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.

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.

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.