Type the name of the breed you're looking for below
[wpdreams_ajaxsearchlite] Don't see the breed your're looking for? Click here and let us know!
Breed Characteristics
1 paw - breed exhibits the least amount of this characteristic
5 paws - breed exhibits most amount of this characteristic
[fbcomments]
Portuguese Pointer
| Other Names | Perdigueiro Português |
| Country of Origin | Portugal |
| Weight | Males: 44 - 59.5 lbs. (20 - 27 kg) Females: 35 - 48.5 lbs. (16 - 22 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | Males: 22 in. (56 cm) Females: 20.5 in. (52 cm) |
| Coat | The coat is short and coarse on most of the dog, being the texture of velvet on the ears and face. |
| Colour | Its standard colour is yellow or light brown, both unicoloured or with white markings. |
| Litter Size | 3 - 6 puppies |
| Life Span | 10 - 14 years |
| Origin & History | A Portuguese Pointer, (Portuguese: Perdigueiro Português) is a breed of dog developed as a gun dog. It is one of several pointing breeds and is mainly used in red-legged partridge hunting. The Portuguese pointer (perdigueiro Português) arose from the ancient Iberian hunting dogs with its presence in Portugal traceable to the early twelfth century. Initially the dog was bred in the royal kennels and later became a very popular hunting dog for the lower classes of society. In the eighteenth century, many English families established a presence in the region of Oporto in the business of wine production and came to know the Portuguese hunting breed which was taken to England where they played a part in the origin of the English pointer. However, during the nineteenth century when Portugal was experiencing considerable social hardships, the breed began a progressive decline. It was not until the 1920s when some breeders made an effort to salvage the breed by locating some of the ancient Portuguese dogs in the inaccessible north of Portugal. The Portuguese pedigree book was then established in 1932 and breed standard in 1938. For at least a thousand years, this dog has always had the same square head, a marked stop, triangular ears and compact look. |
| Personality | The Portuguese Pointer is a tenacious hunter with strong pointing and retrieving instincts. They are also affectionate, loyal and intensely attached to their owners, sometimes inconveniently so for those more accustomed to an independent hunter. Still, their devotion to their family and to the hunt, make them a wonderful pet and a fine sporting companion. Portuguese Pointers are gentle and loving with children and will happily sleep at the foot of their owner's bed if allowed. |
Care Requirements
| Health | There are no known breed-specific health concerns. |
| Grooming | Just brush regularly with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. A rub with a piece of toweling or chamois will leave the coat gleaming. Check the feet also, especially after the dog has been exercising or working. Dry the dog thoroughly after hunting to prevent chilling. Examine the ears regularly. This breed is an average shedder. |
| Exercise | Exercise is of paramount importance for these tireless, energetic animals. They are more than a match for even the most active family and they should not be taken on as family pets unless they can be guaranteed plenty of vigorous exercise, including a daily, brisk, long walk or jog. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. If under-exercised, this breed can become restless and destructive. |
| Other Considerations | These dogs are not recommended for apartment life. They are moderately active indoors and do best with acreage. As many other races of this group is a dog hunter, exclusive countryside environments and that has not been used in other purposes. Within this hunting breed is described as "trace and shows (by its smell so). It is used for both hunting hair (rabbits, hares, etc.). As for the feather (birds). It is perfect for hunting in any terrain (hard as it is) because it has an enviable physical endurance and speed. |
