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:
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
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
Purebred
12 - 15 yrs.
19 - 23 in.
40 - 60 lbs
Overall
Easy to GroomEnergy LevelExercise NeedsShedding Amount
Barks / HowlsGuard DogWatch Dog
Intelligence